[Closed] Konoito Tsumugu 〜 An Antenna Shop Sharing the Appeal of Indigo in the Bikan Historical Area

Interview with Risa Ishimoto, manager of Konoito tsumugu

We asked manager Risa Ishimoto about her thoughts on and commitment to indigo products.

Risa Ishimoto’s background

What kind of work do you usually do?

Ishimoto (surname only)

I originally worked in an administrative role at the factory.

I really wanted to be involved in making things alongside the men, but it was difficult to make that happen.

When the knitwear division was launched and the decision was made to open a store specializing in indigo, I came here.

Of course, I usually serve customers, but it’s also my job to convey their honest feedback to the factory.

Since this is the only directly operated store, I bring customers’ honest feedback to the factory, and we discuss together what kinds of products they might find appealing.

Because we’re so passionate about what we do, sometimes we even get into battles with the people at the factory (laughs).

When do you find your work rewarding?

Ishimoto

I’m very happy when customers who have visited once come back again.

My motto is that the goal isn’t to get people who visit to make a purchase, but to help them discover the appeal of indigo and leave thinking, “That was fun! I want to come back again!”

That’s why, when serving customers, I make a point of telling them not only about the appeal of indigo, but also about the possibility of color fading and how to wash the items.

Because these products are delicate, I believe it’s best for customers to understand them fully before making a purchase.

We also get a lot of questions about how to wear the items and what sizes to choose.

We also often receive direct messages on Instagram.

Indigo-colored knitwear is unusual, so I think many people have trouble deciding what colors to pair it with.

I make a point of offering advice in-store on how to style the items and what to wear underneath them.

What makes the products special

What makes your products special?

Ishimoto

There are three main things.

The first is making products using Wholegarment technology.

Ordinary knitwear is made by sewing separate pieces, such as the sleeves and front panels, together.

In contrast, Wholegarment technology makes it possible to knit all the pieces together as a single, three-dimensional garment.

There’s no tightness in the fabric, so it’s very comfortable to wear.

It also allows us to create sizes that can be worn by anyone, regardless of gender.

The second is our commitment to the yarn.

There are two main types of yarn: single-ply and two-ply.

Single-ply yarn is a single strand as spun, while two-ply yarn is made by combining two single strands into one.

Denim is usually made with single-ply yarn, but tsumugu uses custom-made two-ply yarn.

Using two-ply yarn creates a beautiful color and also increases strength and stability.

The third is our commitment to the shade of indigo.

At tsumugu, we dedicate knitting machines to indigo yarn and use only yarn dyed in a dedicated vat.

The color fades gradually, and we’ve taken care to let each wearer enjoy the changes that come with age for a long time.

Future plans for Konoito tsumugu

Is there anything you’d like to take on in the future?

Ishimoto

We’d like to develop knitwear that can be worn year-round and expand our range of colors based on indigo.

We’d also like to broaden the unisex image of our products.

Clothing stores tend to be seen as catering to women, but in fact, many men buy our products too.

Many knitwear items can be worn by anyone, regardless of gender, so we hope lots of people will pick them up.

Discover the appeal of indigo at Konoito tsumugu

Throughout the interview, we could really feel Konoito tsumugu’s deep love of indigo.

Indigo products are fascinating, with their colors changing depending on the dyeing methods and production techniques used.

When you visit the Bikan Historical Area, be sure to take a look into the wonderful world of indigo.

Konoito tsumugu Information

Name	Konoito tsumugu
Address	10-3 Honmachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture
Contact	086-436-6022
Parking	None
Hours	10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Closed	Irregular holidays
Payment methods	Cash Credit cards Transit IC cards such as Suica, iD, QUICPay, nanaco, PayPay, LINE Pay, Rakuten Pay, Merpay, d Payment, au PAY, Rakuten Edy
Website	tsumugu

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