A Gift from Nature
Eye-catching and brilliant, Japanese Indigo captivates with its deep blue hue, tinged with a hint of red.
More than just a color, it is a gift from nature, the land, and the unseen gods of fermentation.
Its beauty is both striking and powerful, imbued with infinite possibilities.
At Watanabe’s, we strive to be a clear vessel for this pure indigo.
From soil cultivation and harvesting to the meticulous process of fermentation and dyeing, we pour our heart and soul into every step.
— Watanabe’s, November 2024 (Reiwa 6)
Experience Japan’s iconic indigo — Japan Blue — at home! A first in Japan!
The Indigo Fermentation Kit now available to the public!
Developed to make Japan’s traditional natural lye fermentation method, passed down by skilled indigo artisans, easy and accessible for anyone — from children to adults — to try at home.
Indigo Fermentation Kit
May 30, 2025
This kit was developed so that anyone — from children to adults — can easily experience natural lye fermentation dyeing, a traditional method passed down by Japanese indigo artisans.
Designed for simplicity and compact enough to use in a small container, it’s perfect for science projects, parent-child crafting, or creative hobbies — enriching your hands-on time with something truly special.
As the fermentation slowly progresses, you’ll witness the indigo come to life and gain a deep, firsthand appreciation of its richness and complexity.
Try dyeing familiar items like handkerchiefs, socks, sneakers, or T-shirts, and bring the beauty of indigo into your everyday life.
Designed for simplicity and compact enough to use in a small container, it’s perfect for science projects, parent-child crafting, or creative hobbies — enriching your hands-on time with something truly special.
As the fermentation slowly progresses, you’ll witness the indigo come to life and gain a deep, firsthand appreciation of its richness and complexity.
Try dyeing familiar items like handkerchiefs, socks, sneakers, or T-shirts, and bring the beauty of indigo into your everyday life.
Learn more
Dyeing Requests
December 13, 2024
We carefully dye your valuable items to your desired shade. We welcome requests from both individual customers and businesses.
The dyeing fee is generally calculated by multiplying the weight of the item by a unit price based on the desired depth of color.
Please note that patterns or original fabric colors may affect the final appearance, but they do not affect the pricing.
A minimum fee of ¥2,200 (tax included) applies per item.
※Note: Dyeing fees may vary depending on the specific request. For details, please refer to the “Color Depth Targets and Pricing Guide” on the detailed information page.
The dyeing fee is generally calculated by multiplying the weight of the item by a unit price based on the desired depth of color.
Please note that patterns or original fabric colors may affect the final appearance, but they do not affect the pricing.
A minimum fee of ¥2,200 (tax included) applies per item.
※Note: Dyeing fees may vary depending on the specific request. For details, please refer to the “Color Depth Targets and Pricing Guide” on the detailed information page.
read
Workshop Dyeing Experience
December 13, 2024
Bring your own item to dye or choose from our indigo dyeing experience catalogue
to create a one-of-a-kind piece.
Under the guidance of our artisans, you’ll immerse yourself in the art of traditional Japanese indigo dyeing.
Our staff will provide step-by-step guidance, ensuring even beginners feel at ease. The experience also includes a facility tour, where you’ll learn about the journey of indigo creation—from fermentation to dyeing.
Total Experience Fee: Starts at 6,600 yen (tax included).
※Note: Experience fees may vary depending on the dyeing content. For more information, please refer to the “Pricing Guide” on the details page.
Under the guidance of our artisans, you’ll immerse yourself in the art of traditional Japanese indigo dyeing.
Our staff will provide step-by-step guidance, ensuring even beginners feel at ease. The experience also includes a facility tour, where you’ll learn about the journey of indigo creation—from fermentation to dyeing.
Total Experience Fee: Starts at 6,600 yen (tax included).
※Note: Experience fees may vary depending on the dyeing content. For more information, please refer to the “Pricing Guide” on the details page.
read
Indigo Fermentation Kit Workshop
December 13, 2024
※Sunday-only sessions | 22,000 yen (tax included) per person
・Includes a Mini Indigo Fermentation Kit.
Learn the science and art of indigo fermentation through 100+ real-world case studies, covering recipe preparation, dye vat maintenance, and troubleshooting.
The Indigo Fermentation Kit brings the traditional Japanese method of Natural Lye Fermentation Dyeing (Tennen Aku-Hakko Date) into your home.
Developed over 5 years and 130 prototypes, this kit democratizes a centuries-old craft for all ages.
The workshop begins with a 15-minute consultation to tailor the session to your interests.
・Includes a Mini Indigo Fermentation Kit.
Learn the science and art of indigo fermentation through 100+ real-world case studies, covering recipe preparation, dye vat maintenance, and troubleshooting.
The Indigo Fermentation Kit brings the traditional Japanese method of Natural Lye Fermentation Dyeing (Tennen Aku-Hakko Date) into your home.
Developed over 5 years and 130 prototypes, this kit democratizes a centuries-old craft for all ages.
The workshop begins with a 15-minute consultation to tailor the session to your interests.
read
Agriculture
October 15, 2024
At Watanabe’s our indigo making process begins with organic compost-based soil preparation.
We avoid herbicides and pesticides, instead focusing on nurturing healthy, fertile soil. This approach enriches the ecosystem of our fields, naturally suppressing pests and diseases.
Our indigo, cultivated through the blessings of nature, the land, and the bonds of our local community, develops a deep, vibrant blue. Harvested at peak summer, the leaves and stems are carefully sorted in a process called Aikonashi, then sun-dried to perfection
We avoid herbicides and pesticides, instead focusing on nurturing healthy, fertile soil. This approach enriches the ecosystem of our fields, naturally suppressing pests and diseases.
Our indigo, cultivated through the blessings of nature, the land, and the bonds of our local community, develops a deep, vibrant blue. Harvested at peak summer, the leaves and stems are carefully sorted in a process called Aikonashi, then sun-dried to perfection
read
Fermented Indigo (Sukumo)
2024.10.15
Sukumo, the traditional Japanese fermented indigo dye, is created by spreading dried indigo leaves on a fermentation bed (nebedoko). After moistening and mixing the leaves, the fermentation process begins.
Over 100 days, the indigo undergoes an initial resting phase (nesekomi) followed by more than twelve rounds of turning (kirikaeshi). During these stages, the leaves gradually transform into rich, vibrant sukumo. At peak fermentation, the core temperature reaches 70°C (158°F), producing steam and a strong, ammonia-like aroma.
While the fermentation bed may appear motionless, it teems with invisible microbial activity, requiring keen sensory observation throughout the process.
Over 100 days, the indigo undergoes an initial resting phase (nesekomi) followed by more than twelve rounds of turning (kirikaeshi). During these stages, the leaves gradually transform into rich, vibrant sukumo. At peak fermentation, the core temperature reaches 70°C (158°F), producing steam and a strong, ammonia-like aroma.
While the fermentation bed may appear motionless, it teems with invisible microbial activity, requiring keen sensory observation throughout the process.
read
Dyeing
October 15, 2024
At Watanabe’s, we craft our indigo dye using sukumo (fermented indigo), wood ash, shell lime powder, and wheat bran—all natural materials.
Over two weeks, we nurture fermentation to gradually intensify the dye’s potency through a traditional Japanese method called Sukumo Aidate.
Within the dye vat, a microbial ecosystem thrives, reminiscent of a living galaxy where societies form, villages emerge, and life pulses unseen. This invisible vitality imbues our indigo with its deep, soulful blue.
Over two weeks, we nurture fermentation to gradually intensify the dye’s potency through a traditional Japanese method called Sukumo Aidate.
Within the dye vat, a microbial ecosystem thrives, reminiscent of a living galaxy where societies form, villages emerge, and life pulses unseen. This invisible vitality imbues our indigo with its deep, soulful blue.
read
