Why Ikehiko Japan
Why We Insist on the Real Thing
In a world flooded with mass-produced goods, we keep choosing the real thing — because we believe the real thing is what makes your life richer.
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From the Field to the Finished Product
Only those who grow the material can make real quality. That belief is why Ikehiko's own staff grow igusa in the paddy fields. Working alongside partner farms, we cultivate some of our igusa ourselves — so we can stand behind the quality that reaches your hands. We know every stalk of igusa.
01 Grow
Igusa takes two years to grow. That time — which no machine can shorten — is what sets the quality.
02 Harvest
We harvest in the early summer morning, cutting the igusa quickly — once it has grown to 140-150 cm (about 55-59 in) — before the heat can damage it.
03 Dye
Dyeing is where an artisan's experience shows. Reading the state of the igusa, they adjust temperature and timing as the color goes in.
04 Weave and Finish
The machine weaves; the artisan selects. Every stalk of naturally grown igusa is different, so it takes a trained eye to read those differences and pull out any stalk that would disturb the weave — keeping only the best. That is work only a skilled artisan can do. The beauty of an even weave comes from the machine and the hands that guide it.
With Kyushu Artisans Who Share Our Standards
What we cannot make ourselves, we bring from artisans who share our purpose. The standard is one: natural materials and real handwork.
Trusted. Proven. Delivered.
Since 1886, 140 years of working with Japan's natural materials.
A Legacy of Quality
Since 1886, 140 years of working with Japan's natural materials.
Backed by the World
Quality backed by more than 1,710 people across 50 countries on Kickstarter.
2000+ Japanese Partners
Trust earned from more than 2000 leading retailers across Japan.
