About

If you love Japanese culture and history, this workshop will be perfect for you. Your host, a former curator, will guide you every step of the way with easy to follow instructions. Unlike similar crafting experiences, our workshops are incredibly hands-on. We try to interfere as little as possible to allow your work to fully blossom.

But don’t worry! We will always help if you get stuck! English speaking staff is available to facilitate communication so you can enjoy exchanging tidbits about culture, history, and other local insider information without a language barrier.

All workshops are private, meaning it will just be us and your group!

A 200 year old craft

Discover the vibrant charms of Kagoshima as you learn a 200-year old crafting technique to create a lovely souvenir of Japan. Originating in the Edo-period, tsumami-zaiku is a classical handcraft where small pieces of cut fabric are arranged together to create elaborate floral motifs.

It’s hard to believe that no sewing is involved at all! Commonly used by Geiko and Maiko to adorn their hair and attire, this traditional art perfectly encapsulates the essence of Japanese beauty and design. You can use your finished product as a hairpin, pocket square, or more!

While tsumami-zaiku is not unique to Kagoshima, in this two hour workshop you will also get the rare opportunity to work with Oshima Tsumugi, a luxurious and upscale silk originating from our very own Amami Island. Widely known for the intricate weaving and unique dying methods used in its construction, it has a deep cultural significance to the people of Kagoshima.

Enjoy exquisite craft teas from the local regions of Chiran, etc. and traditional Japanese sweets while you channel your inner artisan!