Making jeans out of washi paper? Folding and sewing? I got to hear from a clothing designer who made me say, 'What on earth is that?!'

The moment you open the shop door, you are greeted by the Japanese identity of 'origami,' 'washi paper,' and 'bamboo.'
In that shop, there was a wonderful clothing store with the unique charm of Japan, run by a designer who is tackling environmental issues from within the fashion industry—a sector often seen as the polar opposite of environmental protection!

Long time no see!! It's Mura-kun.
This time, I visited a clothing store called 'Tiger Bamboo Jeans' located on the second floor of a facility in Shimonoseki that combines a hotel, bookshop, and cafe called 'Ne-wo-hasu'! It's located in a space about the size of a hotel room in the corner of the book cafe, making it feel like a secret base that really tickles your curiosity.

Origami x Fashion = Japanese Aesthetics

The first thing I saw was a bag that isn't sewn. This bag is made by folding fabric like origami to create its shape yourself. Because of this, you can freely create other things besides bags, like dogs. 'Origami' is a form of play that exists as part of Japanese culture. I was so surprised by the perspective of using this 'origami' for sewing that I looked at the folded products three times. Also, because it isn't sewn, there is no risk of the thread fraying and the item breaking. That makes it durable too!!

These non-sewn products are completed by folding them into your favorite shape while following a manual and securing them with metal fittings. So, you can really make it into the shape you like, and it's fun to fold them together with children!

A treasure trove of passion and history shown to a mere university student

I am just a first-year university student. Even though it was almost closing time, I was given over 10 documents, clippings from the 'Fiber Newspaper' that you can't see anymore, and even souvenir stickers. From such a kind designer, I felt a strong desire to entrust things to the younger generation. During our talk, I was shown how good clothes are different from the pattern-making stage, as well as buttons made of carbonized bamboo. The carbonized bamboo had changed color as if it had been lightly coated with oil; honestly, it was a change I wouldn't have noticed if I hadn't been told. But! Carbonizing bamboo actually increases its strength!! It's amazing.
I mean, I didn't even know bamboo could be carbonized, haha. That was my first time learning that.

Shining into the future with your own style

What I felt when visiting this shop is that clothes are not just for 'chasing trends,' but that wearing wonderful clothes that suit you doubles your own charm. Of course, fast fashion isn't bad either. Compared to places like GU, the price is a little higher. But I felt that even if you choose just one garment made with heart by a 'wonderful person,' your own atmosphere and charm will stand out.

A garment to gift to my future self

I felt that 'fashion is not just something you buy to follow trends, but an accessory that enhances you.' If you are also looking for even a little bit of your own unique sparkle in your daily life, please try touching clothes made by such 'wonderful people' at least once. There is a feeling here that you might meet a new version of yourself.

This is the Instagram for 'Tiger Bamboo Jeans.' Please be sure to check it out!! ↓↓