Noboru and Misao Kaji, husband and wife, founded "Kaji Kumihimo Factory" in Uji, Kyoto in 1948. Kumihimo were very popular as an accessory for kimono, but when western fashion took over, the kumihimo business began to decrease.
The family became determined to dedicate their lives to protect, preserve and refine the kuhimiho craft. They both obtained prestigious title of "Certified Traditional Craftsman for Kumihimo" from Japan's Ministry of International Trade and Industry as well as the "Best Craftsmanship" from the Kyoto Traditional Industry Association, as well as other awards down the line. They opened a school to spread their knowledge and passion about kumihimo.
In 1992 their son took over the business when his father passed, and continued the kumihimo mission with his mother.
In 2011 Misao received the highest civil award, the "Medal of Honor,"
from the Emperor of Japan for her lifetime dedication for being anambassador of traditional kumihimo to the rest of the world.
SHOWEN mainly uses silk, polyester, and rayon to manufacture their kumihimo. Their thread experts select the type and amount of thread needed for the final product planned. After 50 years of crafting by hand only, they now use machines too to improve quality and speed.
Even with machines, designers still combine the threads in a hand-spun process called "Hejaku," which requires special handling and knowledge of the threads.
