In 2015, an inquiry was received from an Okinawan antenna shop in Ginza regarding the production of cafe zori sandals and accessories utilizing Okinawan fabrics. Coinciding with this, a yukata business had just been launched, prompting a proposal to create Okinawa-themed yukatas.

Traditionally, yukatas are not produced in Okinawa, with the region known for its weaving of Bashofu, Shuri-ori, Ryukyu kasuri, Hana-ori, among others, and the Bingata dyeing technique, but not yukatas. This sparked the innovative idea to utilize Bingata patterns to craft exotic yukatas.

The concept involved designing yukata patterns that would stand out, inspired by Bingata designs, and producing them using a specific production background. This would be a special order by Calen Blosso, ensuring it would not inconvenience Bingata workshops.

Consultation was sought with Mr. Yakafuji and Mr. Taira from the Bashofu workshop, both of whom were in good rapport. The request was for patterns that would be fitting for yukatas, receiving several suggestions. The critical challenge was replicating the “Kumadori,” the unique blurring technique characteristic of Bingata artisans, which needed to be overcome.

Despite taking time, from the provided patterns, a skilled designer created a bold and expansive design. The challenge of achieving the correct blurring effect for Kumadori was successfully overcome through the innovative ideas and technology provided by Mr. Teramoto from Torie.