NISHIAWA X NSTORE. PROJECT
We are very happy to announce that we have been invited to work with the people of Nishi-Awa, Tokushima prefecture, as part of the NISHIAWA x N STORE. project.
We designed and directed the t-shirts for Mikamo coffee in Nishi-Awa area.
ABOUT NISHIAWA
A thousand years,a hidden hamlet
Within the embrace of lofty mountains, time stands still.
Nishi-Awa is a pure land of unchanging patterns and human warmth.
Nishi-Awa comprises four administrative areas,
Mima, Miyoshi, Tsurugi, and Higashimiyoshi.
Climate
The region from the Yoshino River to the Asan Mountains falls within the warm Seto Inland Sea climate, while the mountainous area around Mt. Tsurugi is classified as the Japan Sea climate, making it relatively cool and comfortable in summer.
Nature
It’s an area of great natural beauty. Located in the northwestern part of Tokushima Prefecture, more than 80% of the area is occupied by the Asan Mountains in the north and the forests of the Shikoku Mountains in the south. The Yoshino River, also known as Shikoku Saburo, flows through the central area from west to east.
Food
The steep slopes of the Iya Valley offer excellent drainage, ideal for growing potatoes and soba. Regional cooking features fish caught in the Yoshino River and Iya River. The region is also home to several excellent brands of sake.
Culture
In the Edo period, merchants flourished through tobacco, indigo and water transport on the Yoshino River and their houses can still be enjoyed. Meanwhile in the mountainous areas, farmers carved out villages on the valley sides, pursuing traditional farming methods that are practiced even today.
ABOUT MIKAMO COFFEE
EAT LOCAL, FEEL LOCAL
At the Mikamo Caffee paulownia geta (clogs), a specialty of Higashimiyoshicho in
Nishi-Awa, are displayed and sold. The gorgeous geta are used to decorate the café. The café also uses fresh vegetables bought directly from farmers.
ABOUT PRODUCT
The body of the T-shirts is dyed with natural indigo grown in Nishi-Awa with the help of local craftsmen, taking advantage of the indigo dyeing culture of Nishi Awa.
Bassen (discharge printing)
The graphics are not silk-screened, but rather hand-dyed using a technique called
“Bassen (discharge printing)”, which uses glue to remove the colors.
- How to do Bassen -
1.Put glue on the plate.
2. Leave overnight to dry.
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3. Remove the glue with hot water.
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4. Dry in the sun.
! Finish !
The design was created by Miz, a graphic designer based in Kyoto, and the N STORE team.
This project started at the end of last year.
With the help of the people of Nishi-Awa and many other people
Through trial and error, we have finally been able to give shape to this project.
We hope that this project will help to spread the word about Tokushima Prefecture and the Nishi-Awa region to as many people as possible.
The indigo dyeing artisans take their time to carefully dye and create each piece,
so we are selling two colors (deep blue & Light blue), total of 30 pieces at N STORE.
We would like to thank all the people who worked and helped us with this project.
Team Nishi-Awa
Yamauchi indigodye factory
Miz
Mikamo coffee
Team Frankfurt
and all the other people who were involved in the project...
Thank you so much!
N STORE.