Tezomeya Hand dyeing Craftsman:Masaaki Aoki

"Tezomeya" Hand dyeing Craftsman

First of all...Masaaki Aoki is a graduate from the medical department of Tokyo University! I was surprised. Please tell me about your history before doing this job.

Right now, I work in Kyoto, but in fact, I was born in Mie prefecture and was brought up in Tokyo.

I was interested in clinical psychology so I went to study at the health department of the medical department of Tokyo University. But I always liked clothes and I wanted to work where I could create something. Then I found work at Wacoal which is based in Kyoto.

I came to Kyoto to work at the head office. Wacoal has a strong tradition of craftsmanship, so I got along with the company well. I liked the work there! When I think back, coming to Kyoto changed my life.

Right now, you are producing completely unique items in the whole world including T-shirts and bandannas, using kusakizome which uses the natural colors of plants and flowers for dyeing.

What was the to start using kusakizome?

The cue was that in 1995, because of my work, I met a scholor of traditional dyeing and weaving, Masuhisa Hirota, and I discovered kusakizome for the first time. Before that, I only knew chemical dyes, so I was a bit shocked. For the first time, I had the experience of not being able to stop tears flowing by looking at colors. I swore that I would create such a color with natural dyes at least for one cloth before I die.

Also, the color of material dyed with plants and flowers wonderfully matches used clothes that I like. And I was touched by knowing that in the cultivation of cotton, all the processes are done by one person. I was surprised to find out a person can do such a thing.

I thought I wanted to try to make such a wonderful color that makes people cry! That was why I became independent.

I hope you will continue to express traditional kusakizome in new ways. I will watch your future with anticipation! What are your future prospect?

I sell goods in shapes and styles that are readily received by young people interested in Japanese traditional culture, plant & flower dyeing.

From now on, I'd like to make more small items that are popular and show the unique color and texture beside the main selling item, T-shirts.

I'd like to try selling products overseas. I would be happy if Japanese traditional materials are introduced in new ways to places such as America and Europe.

There are many traditional things going missing as the world becomes more convenient. If more people realize the virtue of natural dyes, culture will be passed on and not lost. If I can be part of that, then I'd be happy.

Tezomeya's owner Masaaki Aoki's Profile

January, 1967:	born in Mie prefecture, brought up in Tokyo
1992:	After graduating from the medical department of Tokyo University, entered into Wacoal, Kyoto. At Wacoal, worked in the products planning department on night wear, home wear, sports wear, and bras.
Summer, 1996:	Met his instructor, Masuhisa Hirota. Learned from him about the virtues of natural dyes. Became heavily involved in natural dyes. Often visited Masuhisa Hirota's studio "Masuhisa Senshoku Kenkyujo" to learn more from him.
July, 2000:	Left his job at Wacoal. Became a pupil at Masuhisa Hirota's studio, "Masuhisa Senshoku Kenkyujo".Studied about dyeing with natural dyes.
November, 2000:	Joined as a helper at Kodai dyeing, Amaki Maeda's private exhibition. Felt like being struck by thunder seeing his kodai dyeing. (Experienced strong emotions when seeing these fantastic colors). Swore to make such colors for himself.
April, 2002:	After being a pupil at Masuhisa Senshoku Kenkyujo for 1 year and 9 months, became independent.

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