Japan's originality is in traditional handicrafts.
WatanabeThe design competition for the "Yo no Bi" brand that I am in charge of was held in 2002. Products that expressed Japan's originality with design and traditional handicrafts were planned. The first entity I met was Futaba-en.
KobayashiThe time when Mr. Watanabe gave us a proposal was right about the time when I began to plan the "Renovation Project of Edo Dyeing Ateliers." It was when I felt strongly about "becoming a dyer who is favored by many people by carefully dyeing each fabric." I was thinking that products that are enjoyed in daily lives in addition to kimono should be made.
WatanabeI had realized that "originality was required to be valued overseas" in those days. One of the answers was traditional handicrafts. Production of traditional handicrafts was down to approximately half of the peak time. I had a sense of crisis.
KobayashiAfter I took over "Some-no-Sato Futaba-en" from my predecessor, I also came to think that "something was missing" when I saw Edo dyeing as well as traditional techniques. I wanted to spread the excellence of dyeing.

Making full use of the "treasures" of traditional techniques
Watanabe It was my conclusion that even if there were traditional techniques, products that were developed might not have matched modern living or the intention of consumers. Therefore, I thought we might be able to impact the market by utilizing the sense of designers who are taking an active part in this generation to create goods with excellent traditional techniques.
KobayashiI had exactly the same idea. I began to make general goods such as ornamental hairpins and coin purses. Products made by dyers were limited to table cloths, centers and silk wrapping cloths. I took on the challenge to break such limitation.
WatanabeSince Futaba-en had already made products combining fabrics with different acrylic materials, I was impressed by the "unique way" when I saw them. Honestly speaking, I was really amazed.
KobayashiBut designs and ways to use materials were only extension of amateurs. I thought they were not powerful enough to appeal Edo dyeing.
WatanabeFutaba-en has not only a variety of dyed goods but also incredibly many kinds of dye "patterns." I strongly felt there was "no way not to utilize them."
Kobayashi I know that "treasures were being wasted," but had no idea about how to utilize them and how to challenge new areas.
WatanabeI remember you first worked on trays and bags. You used fabrics dyed with new colors by using the patterns left with Futaba-en.
KobayashiIt was surprising. One pattern has a completely different way to use colors. I was impressed that completely new ones were born, rather than revival.
WatanabeThey were really good colors.
KobayashiPeople in charge of production in those days were also exceptional.
WatanabeIt is true. Nowadays, various people seriously face the "Japanese" traditions. It was only recently when they began to be handled as a business.

A new future is cultivated with the unity of designs and techniques.
WatanabeNew people have a fresh view to the "Japanese" traditions. The creators are creating new things while protecting the core part. This type of young people are increasing.
KobayashiThe "Japanese" tradition is never obsolete. Some people think it is cool.
WatanabeYes, the Japanese tradition is cool. That is really true.
KobayashiThe coolness might come not only from appearance but also from the heart.
WatanabeThe ability of design is necessary. It is also important that it becomes products to be circulated. Good things are made and sold to those who understand them. It is also important that both the creators and sellers indicate such a story more clearly. I think people who can understand the history and techniques of creators of traditional handicrafts are increasing.
Kobayashi I hope to go beyond clothing called kimono and propose housing. A company that has shops across the U.S. sent us an offer to use the designs of Edo Komon. I also want to challenge to deliver the "spirit" of people who lived in Edo to the world.
WatanabeI agree. I want to create more and more things with new ideas.