Tying the Knot: Kikuyu

Mizuhiki is the name for tightly twisted cords made of Japanese paper which are tied into elegant and complex knots and used to decorate money envelopes and traditional wedding engagement gifts. The traditional red and white cords express a life-affirming and celebratory message. The complex knots, while decorative, also symbolize the ties binding people together. This week we visited Kikuyu, a shop which was founded in 1888, and talked to the president, Mr.Yoshinobu Watanabe about his experiences and challenges trying to bring this traditional art to a wider audience while preserving the deeper message.

Interviewed by Reiko Yamamoto
Translated by Claire Tanaka

I understand that Iida has a four hundred year history of making mizuhiki?

Iida City is sandwiched between the Southern Alps and the Central Alps and so it’s a place with plenty of water and kozo, the mulberry plant, which is used for making Japanese paper. They say this region was originally a paper producing area. In the late 1600s, an artisan named Bunshichi Sakurai developed a strong, bright, high-quality type of motoyui (a paper cord used to bind the hair into a topknot), and Iida Motoyui became known nationwide. After that, with the movement to westernize the nation during the Meiji period, men were ordered by law to cut their hair short with the Danpatsu Edict of 1871. As a result, the market for motoyui shrunk, but the culture of mizuhiki came to take its place and became a popular item in people’s daily lives. Now, seventy percent of all the mizuhiki in Japan is made in Iida. It’s a big industry in this city.

There are so many different ways to tie the cords. Approximately how many variations are there?

There are lucky symbols like the pine, bamboo, plum, and tortoise, and there are about twenty different kinds of flat knots that have been passed down since old times, so by combining those elements you can make a lot of different designs. Mizuhiki was originally used to bind money envelopes and traditional wedding engagement gifts and the designs were all flat, but more and more flamboyant designs became popular over time and the art expanded to include three dimensional works.

Speaking of developing new designs, I understand you’ve been participating in the JAPAN BRAND project since 2004. What kind of work have you done with the project?

We participated in exhibitions in Los Angeles and Paris, and we’ve mostly been working on promoting the traditional Japanese art of mizuhiki overseas. We felt that if we only did the project for one year then it wouldn’t be very effective, so we’ve been voluntarily participating every year and trying new things along the way.

What kind of reaction did you get overseas?

In Los Angeles (2004) we participated in a large gift show. A lot of people came and we did live demonstrations in a magic show-like style. We had a great reaction from the locals, but it didn’t result in any concrete business relationships in the end, and I really saw how difficult it can be to distribute a product in a large country such as the United States. In Paris (2006) we had a much more critical response than I expected. We had brought traditional Japanese motifs such as knots and helmets to display, but the local organizer said, “Traditional craft is alright, but you won’t get many buyers. You’ve got to make something more arty, more expressive, or you won’t get far.” I realized that we were going to have to shed our old ways of thinking and get away from what we had always done. That was the reason why we got involved in last year’s project.

That was your collaboration with designer Masafumi Arita, which was featured in PingMag in 2007, right?

Yes. What we were told in Paris about using basic mizuhiki techniques to make art was right on, so we decided to try and use simple and basic knots to make a product that would sell. That was when I met Mr. Arita, and he had an interest in old Japanese arts so we really saw eye-to-eye on things and decided to try developing a series of mizuhiki greeting cards. It was right around then I had been setting my sights overseas but I started to think that it was also important to try and focus on the young generation within Japan and try to express the appeal of the culture of mizuhiki to them. That was around the same time when I started to get involved with designers like Masafumi Arita, and in February of 2008 we held an exhibition and workshop about mizuhiki in Tokyo’s Setagaya ward. A lot of professional designers participated in the workshop, and everyone listened very seriously and worked hard, so that made me happy. Afterwards we spoke to a lot of people who said things like, “I want you to hold another workshop,” and “Next time I want you to focus on this aspect.”

You opened a new path within Japan.

When we hold a workshop to teach people how to tie the cords the participants enjoy themselves and we feel good too, make no mistake. However, when we want to expand the business angle but it never gets further than, “I want some of the mizuhiki materials” I think we’ve got to think about whether that’s really what we want from this. I think that what we really want is to be able to sell something we’ve put our hearts into making.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from these past few years of involvement?

By participating in the JAPAN BRAND program and having the chance to meet so many people and travel overseas, I realized that our old way of thinking was very narrow, and also I’ve had to reflect on how we hadn’t been thinking about how to preserve the best parts of what we do for the future. Before participating in the project, I’d just been in the habit of thinking how we had to make something new.

You had been feeling a sense of urgency, perhaps?

Yes, that could be it. But if you just feel anxious, nothing will come of that. (laughs) On the other hand, we’ve got a solid base, so even if we don’t make something new, how can I put it, we’ve got a steady flow going. For example, we take great care in the quality of our basic white and red mizuhiki cord. My father always said, “The red mizuhiki is the color of our precious, life-giving blood, and the white is the color of mother’s milk that is so important to a newborn baby. That’s why, just like the human body, the red and white mizuhiki is very important.” I always heard him say that. I had always heard it but somewhere along the way I had forgotten. Now I remember it very clearly. Really, the simpler something is, the deeper it goes. I’m thinking that’s where something interesting can start to happen. I told that story to Mr. Arita and I said it can’t just end with “Oh, that’s lovely, that’s wonderful.” It’s not just about the skill needed to make the knots, or the flashy, glitzy element of the product. We’ve got to make sure the story behind mizuhiki also gets told. That’s how I’ve begun to think, lately.

The red certainly is fresh and beautiful. You say you take special care when making these cords. Could you tell me more?

Each craftsman produces a slightly different variation of red, but the color is more or less standardized. The red part of the mizuhiki cords are painted by hand. The slightly uneven part where white meets red on the cords is how you can tell it was done by hand. In the old days, people used to cover that part up with tape to hide it, but I like to show it. I think there’s a richer depth of expression when it’s visible. They say people instinctively feel calm and energized when they see red and white. If you put a red object in a room, it brightens the atmosphere, and there aren’t many people who say they dislike the color red. Since it is the most basic part of mizuhiki, we do take special care with the red and white cords.

Tell me a bit about your coming plans and challenges.

We’ve already had exhibitions overseas, workshops domestically, and collaborated with a designer. Next, our challenge is how to “tie it up” with some related business, and how to carry this important Japanese cultural tradition on for the next generation. Rather than try to make a new custom, I think it’s important to help people find an opportunity to use mizuhiki more in their everyday lives. Now, people have the image that mizuhiki = special occasion, and it has been distanced from most people’ everyday life, but I’m thinking it would be great if the use of mizuhiki during annual holidays such as New Years became part of people’s normal routine. Every time I do something new, I get new worries. (laughs) If I didn’t try anything new I suppose I wouldn’t have any worries, but I wouldn’t be able to make anything new either.

Kikuyu
Miyanomae 4480, Iida City, Nagano

*This pic: Nonomura Mizuhiki-ten

Yoshinobu Watanabe
Born in Iida City in 1958. President of Kikuyu.

A Word from a Regional Project Participant

42 Comments

1. I Love the clean lines and the contrasting colours.Its really interesting how cord and paper can be made into detailed yet simple designs!

   Posted by: Jonathan on December 5th, 2008 at 9:40 am

2. I Love the clean lines and the contrasting colours.Its really interesting how cord and paper can be made into detailed yet simple designs!

   Posted by: büyütücü on November 8th, 2010 at 5:13 am

3. I Love the clean lines and the contrasting colours.Its really interesting how cord and paper can be made into detailed yet simple designs!

   Posted by: porno on November 13th, 2010 at 6:23 am

4. Great Source of information.

   Posted by: jump manual on May 27th, 2011 at 12:30 am

5. Extremely nice website. Excellent job!

   Posted by: podcast Jason Van Orden on June 1st, 2011 at 1:34 pm

6. ~ If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change. ~

   Posted by: Demand Lead Generation on June 12th, 2011 at 3:31 am

7. Thanks for the information about this topic.

   Posted by: healthcare on June 14th, 2011 at 3:34 pm

8. Thanks for the information about this topic.

   Posted by: innovative healthcare on June 15th, 2011 at 4:31 am

9. Here’s another great article on the subject: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/why-do-we-need-personal-development-to-be-successful

   Posted by: personal development on June 16th, 2011 at 3:14 pm

10. With all of the info overload, it’s good to see the fluff excluded.

    Posted by: weightlifting routines on June 17th, 2011 at 9:22 am

11. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Maecenas viverra luctus commodo. Mauris semper, felis ut lacinia facilisis, arcu nulla mollis turpis, non laoreet nibh orci vel tellus. Vestibulum in.

    Posted by: online dating tips new york on June 20th, 2011 at 6:35 am

12. Ive got to share this topic with the world!

    Posted by: Internet Strategy on June 25th, 2011 at 4:52 pm

13. I enjoyed your blog. keep up the good work.

    Posted by: mind on June 28th, 2011 at 12:24 pm

14. Great blog! and great info. Keep up the good work.

    Posted by: personal wealth on July 5th, 2011 at 6:17 am

15. Your comments about the quake and resultant side show was on target. Thank you.

    Posted by: Affiliate Marketing Reviews on July 16th, 2011 at 2:27 am

16. Forget about NFL Football, bring on more womens Soccer

    Posted by: Affiliate Marketing Reviews on July 21st, 2011 at 2:50 am

17. Your blog posts are awsome. I like it. Please keep updating your posts.I think it is great for facial treatments for acne.

    Posted by: facial treatments for acne on July 28th, 2011 at 9:28 pm

18. I have never seen it from that perspective. Luckily there are multiple ways to do things. I always like to undertsand a new means of looking at it. Thanks for the information.

    Posted by: Marketing Strategy Template on August 16th, 2011 at 6:01 pm

19. That is an attention-grabbing subject and also you carry up some really attention-grabbing points. I by no means thought of it like that.

    Posted by: Examples Viral Marketing on August 17th, 2011 at 1:15 pm

20. That is an attention-grabbing subject and also you carry up some really attention-grabbing points. I by no means thought of it like that.

    Posted by: Skinny Guy Muscle on August 21st, 2011 at 9:30 am

21. Really nice production :D

    Posted by: SEO on August 25th, 2011 at 6:18 pm

22. Enjoy this site very much. Chess training is ongoing; individual play, individual coaching, clubs, tournys, computers, so many opportunities for improved play. What do you think?

    Posted by: pc chess games on September 2nd, 2011 at 3:54 am

23. I enjoyed reading this post. I am completely happy to search out this put up as a result of I’m interested in the topic.

    Posted by: Natural Products Database on September 9th, 2011 at 10:31 am

24. Football games is exciting, can say it is currently one of the most popular sports. Kit was good with the NFL

    Posted by: Cheap NFL Jersey on September 16th, 2011 at 4:09 pm

25. Χριστουγεννιατικα στολιδια,Χριστουγεννιατικα δεντρα,ειδη,xristougenniatika

    Posted by: Χριστουγεννιατικα στολιδια on November 1st, 2011 at 6:40 pm

26. very good. thank you

    Posted by: smycken online on November 5th, 2011 at 5:40 am

27. This is good Internet marketing and public relations.

    Posted by: christian louboutin on November 10th, 2011 at 10:30 am

28. Your business sounds interesting. Why is it important to the industry?

    Posted by: See Clear Without Glasses on November 11th, 2011 at 8:13 am

29. Good Article …. Excellent !!!! visit automotive :-bd

    Posted by: Information Automotive on November 12th, 2011 at 12:45 am

30. Thank you very much for good informations.
    black friday nikon d3100

    Posted by: garmin1540lmt on November 12th, 2011 at 11:18 pm

31. Great blog with interesting content. Thank you! Thank you for all your love and good will.

    Posted by: BlackFridayXbox360 on November 15th, 2011 at 1:58 am

32. Sale Coffee Makers for you & Buy at Cheap Price

    Posted by: Cheap Coffee Makers on November 26th, 2011 at 9:36 pm

33. จากประสบการณ์กว่า 20 ปี เกี่ยวกับธุรกิจยา และอาหารเสริม พร้อมความมุ่งมั่นที่จะพัฒนาอาหารเสริมของไทยให้ทัดเทียมกับระดับสากล เพื่อตอบสนองทุกความต้องการของทุกกลุ่มผู้บริโภค ทั้งเรื่องของคุณภาพ และราคา จนได้รับการยอมรับจากกลุ่มผู้บริโภคจากหลากหลายสาขาอาชีพ ไม่ว่าจะเป็น กลุ่มนักธุรกิจ พนักงานออฟฟิศ แม่บ้าน นักเรียน นักศึกษา ไปจนถึงกลุ่มศิลปิน ดารา นักแสดง

    Posted by: อาหารเสริมนาตาลีเดวิส on November 26th, 2011 at 11:56 pm

34. Check out our Cyber Monday deals on everything from cell phones with service to no-contract phones, unlocked phones, Bluetooth headsets, cases, chargers, and more

    Posted by: technology on November 28th, 2011 at 5:53 pm

35. wat a nice post

    Posted by: Movies and TV Series on November 30th, 2011 at 5:29 am

36. I was Mtalbtvn

    Posted by: reza atayee fard on December 4th, 2011 at 8:43 am

37. One of the informative article I have ever seen. Thanks for the update.

    Posted by: awesome recipes on December 12th, 2011 at 12:33 am

38. Christmas in New York City: 5 dos and don’ts

    Posted by: L.A Hotels on December 20th, 2011 at 1:11 am

39. Hay very nice blog , keep it up buddy

    Posted by: Jammer on January 3rd, 2012 at 2:41 am

40. Thank you. O like this post. I would like to share at my facebook account.

    Posted by: zayifla on January 11th, 2012 at 9:22 am

41. ηλεκτρονικο τσιγαρο,ego-T

    Posted by: ηλεκτρονικο τσιγαρο on January 12th, 2012 at 8:18 pm

42. Polnische-Band-Hochzeit, Polnische-Hochzeitsband NRW Polnische Hochzeitsband Hochzeitsmusik Polnische Hochzeit

    Posted by: Anonymous on January 28th, 2012 at 7:03 am

• Similar Articles
• » JAPAN BRAND

• Share and Enjoy:
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

• The Stone Merchant: Sato Teiseki tenCategory: Architecture Business Japan Nature
  November 25, 2008
• Preserving the Essence of the Kiri Tansu: Ogura Tansu TenCategory: Japan Product Tradition
  November 18, 2008
• Natural Materials and Design: Tsuruya ShotenCategory: Business Craftwork Japan Tradition
  November 11, 2008

PingMag MAKE is the sister site to PingMag. We use an interview format to put the spotlight on a wide range of people active in rural areas. We document the voices of these unknown heroes and broadcast them to the world. It’s the Japan-based magazine about people and making things, coming out once a week. We’re passing on the passion, ideas, skills, and life stories of people who are building today and exploring tomorrow: craftsmen, engineers, entrepreneurs, and inventors. Stay tuned!