Ever Green, Ever Young

 Here in our city, it is clear and quite hot. Mountains surrounding our city are covered by fresh green. Cherry trees along banks diffuse a sweeter aroma actually than when they were in bloom. We feel 'Summer is about to come', though annoying 'Tsuyu' rainy season comes in a few days...

 An essence of the Japanese traditional thought 'Shintoism' (actually, it is a thought or a philosophy rather than a religion) is 'to be clean'. Probably, as Japan is very humid, it has been important to keep clean and fresh to avoid various diseases.

 Derived from that, ancient Japanese had an idea 'Tokowaka' which means 'Ever Young'. It still lives in our mind, so that we adore it.

For example, Ise Shrine (Imperial Mother Goddess's Temple) is rebuilt every 20 years. Besides, many edifices or pillars of Shintoist shrines are also rebuilt periodically. It is an appearance of the idea 'Tokowaka'.

 Silk fabric just gets along with this idea. As many our customers know, the silk texture of a Kimono revives again and again, being washed by 'Araihari' washing. A silk Kimono is undone when it is too soiled or the owner is tired enough with the Kimono, and is restored to a piece of  silk textile. Then, it is washed thoroughly (and sometimes re-dyed) and is tailored up again to a Kimono, being tacked. It is regarded equally as a brand-new Kimono. So, a Kimono is a fortune inherited between generations.

 When a Kimono is too much worn out to be put on any more, it is made to a Futon (bedding mat or coverlet). Finally when it is torn out, this ex-Kimono becomes fuel of a stove. Actually, it is no waste. Well, the life of a silk product suggestｓ us the life of a phoenix.

 Today, we stopped listing new items to prepare the next. Tomorrow, we are going to list a beautiful navy blue Houmongi formal Kimono, a plain-patterned but high-quality purple Furisode long-sleeved Kimono, men's and ladies' Yukata summer Kimono set, etc. They surely attract our customers of eyes of excellence.

 Always with great gratitude to our customers

Kimono Etcetra co.