How Japan’s 800-Yr-Previous Indigo Dyeing Course of Is Nonetheless Standing

Pure indigo dye has been used worldwide for hundreds of years, however the invention of artificial indigo dye within the 1800s brought about the trade to crater. In Japan’s Tokushima Prefecture, solely a handful of masters stick with it the eight-century-old artwork of creating a singular sort of indigo dye referred to as sukumo.

Nonetheless, the yearlong means of rising and fermenting pure indigo cannot compete with the effectivity and low value of artificial alternate options. Due to this, the denim trade makes use of about 55,000 tons of artificial indigo a 12 months, relegating pure indigo to area of interest makes use of like limited-edition gadgets. Artificial indigo requires a slew of poisonous chemical substances and extreme water.

Business consultants think about pure indigo a sustainable various, however can it scale? We visited the Watanabe farm and workshop in Kamiita, Japan, to see how pure indigo continues to be standing.