1 Gallon / 4L

This product is specially designed to help you enjoyably learn about “Natural Lye Fermentation” (tennen aku hakkō-date) and the art of Japanese indigo dyeing, including the mechanisms and stages of fermentation.

It’s perfect for beginners as well as for experienced users to practice with.
In addition to dyeing, we encourage you to observe and enjoy the process by recording the daily condition and changes of your dye vat!

The usable period of the dye depends on how well the fermented dye liquid is maintained and how much dyeing is done.
For the 1 Gallon / 4 L Kit, the estimated usage period is 1 to 3 months, though at Watanabe’s, it has been successfully used for up to 6 months.

Please prepare the recommended container, as well as tools like a thermometer and pH meter for best results!

In this dyeing method, microbial fermentation reduces the indigo dye liquid, transforming the indigo pigment into a form that easily bonds with fabric, making dyeing possible.

However, the condition of the dye liquid changes daily.
Since the activity of the fermenting bacteria is sensitive to environmental factors such as temperature and pH, it is very important to observe and judge for yourself whether the dye is in a suitable state for use each day.

For example:

• How much can I dye today?

• When and what kind of maintenance is needed?

To help you make these daily decisions, we recommend using tools such as a thermometer and pH meter.

Storage Instructions After Purchase

Please use the kit as soon as possible after purchase.
For storage:

• Fusuma (fermentation starter) should be kept in the refrigerator.

• Sukumo (fermented indigo leaves), clam shell lime, and wood ash should be stored in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight.
  Moisture in the sukumo may hinder the fermentation process during indigo preparation.

Important Notes

• If the amount of indigo dye liquid exceeds the recommended volume, the fermentation balance may be disrupted, resulting in weaker color or a shorter lifespan of the dye.

• If the dye liquid is below the recommended amount, the dyeable area may become limited, making it difficult to dye anything but small items.

• To maintain a stable fermentation environment, it’s important to keep the liquid at a consistent level.

• The usable period may vary depending on the condition of the fermentation bacteria and how frequently you dye.

5 Gallon / 19L

This kit is ideal for those who want to seriously begin indigo dyeing while managing and maintaining their natural lye fermentation vat (tennen aku hakkō-date).

In addition to dyeing, we encourage you to enjoy observing and recording the daily changes in the dye liquid — keeping notes on its condition and evolution as part of the experience!

 The usable period of the dye depends on how well the fermented dye liquid is managed and how much dyeing is done.
For the 5 Gallon / 19L Kit, the estimated usage period is 1 to 3 months, though at Watanabe’s, it has been successfully used for up to 6 months.

Please prepare the recommended container, as well as tools like a thermometer and pH meter for best results!

In this dyeing method, microbial fermentation reduces the indigo dye liquid, transforming the indigo pigment into a form that easily bonds with fabric, making dyeing possible.

However, the condition of the dye liquid changes daily.
Since the activity of the fermenting bacteria is sensitive to environmental factors such as temperature and pH, it is very important to observe and judge for yourself whether the dye is in a suitable state for use each day.

For example:

• How much can I dye today?

• When and what kind of maintenance is needed?

To help you make these daily decisions, we recommend using tools such as a thermometer and pH meter.

Storage Instructions After Purchase

Please use the kit as soon as possible after purchase.
For storage:

• Fusuma (fermentation starter) should be kept in the refrigerator.

• Sukumo (fermented indigo leaves), clam shell lime, and wood ash should be stored in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight.
  Moisture in the sukumo may hinder the fermentation process during indigo preparation.

Important Notes

• If the amount of indigo dye liquid exceeds the recommended volume, the fermentation balance may be disrupted, resulting in weaker color or a shorter lifespan of the dye.

• If the dye liquid is below the recommended amount, the dyeable area may become limited, making it difficult to dye anything but small items.

• To maintain a stable fermentation environment, it’s important to keep the liquid at a consistent level.

• The usable period may vary depending on the condition of the fermentation bacteria and how frequently you dye.

10 Gallon / 38L

This medium-sized kit is recommended for those who want to fully enjoy authentic indigo dyeing using the natural lye fermentation method.

It’s the perfect size for running indigo dyeing workshops for about five participants or for producing dyed products regularly.

By recording and observing the daily condition of the dye vat, you can deepen your enjoyment of the dyeing process.
Not just dyeing — experience the joy of “nurturing” your indigo vat as well!

The usable period of the dye depends on how well the fermented dye liquid is maintained and how much dyeing is done.
For the Medium Kit, the estimated usage period is 3 to 6 months, though at Watanabe’s, it has been successfully used for up to 1 year.

Please prepare the recommended container, as well as tools like a thermometer and pH meter for best results!

In this dyeing method, microbial fermentation reduces the indigo dye liquid, transforming the indigo pigment into a form that easily bonds with fabric, making dyeing possible.

However, the condition of the dye liquid changes daily.
Since the activity of the fermenting bacteria is sensitive to environmental factors such as temperature and pH, it is very important to observe and judge for yourself whether the dye is in a suitable state for use each day.

For example:

• How much can I dye today?

• When and what kind of maintenance is needed?

To help you make these daily decisions, we recommend using tools such as a thermometer and pH meter.

Storage Instructions After Purchase

Please use the kit as soon as possible after purchase.
For storage:

• Fusuma (fermentation starter) should be kept in the refrigerator.

• Sukumo (fermented indigo leaves), clam shell lime, and wood ash should be stored in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight.
  Moisture in the sukumo may hinder the fermentation process during indigo preparation.

Important Notes

20 Gallon / 76L

This large-capacity kit is recommended for those who want to fully enjoy authentic indigo dyeing using the natural lye fermentation method at a relaxed pace.

It’s the perfect size for holding indigo dyeing workshops or producing dyed products regularly, ideal for ongoing dyeing activities.

By recording and observing the daily condition of the dye vat, you can deepen your enjoyment of the dyeing process.
Experience not only dyeing but also the joy of “nurturing” your indigo vat over time!

The usable period of the dye depends on how well the fermented dye liquid is maintained and how much dyeing is done.
For the Large Kit, the estimated usage period is 3 to 6 months, though at Watanabe’s, it has been successfully used for up to 1 year.

Please prepare the recommended container, as well as tools like a thermometer and pH meter for best results!

In this dyeing method, microbial fermentation reduces the indigo dye liquid, transforming the indigo pigment into a form that easily bonds with fabric, making dyeing possible.

However, the condition of the dye liquid changes daily.
Since the activity of the fermenting bacteria is sensitive to environmental factors such as temperature and pH, it is very important to observe and judge for yourself whether the dye is in a suitable state for use each day.

For example:

• How much can I dye today?

• When and what kind of maintenance is needed?

To help you make these daily decisions, we recommend using tools such as a thermometer and pH meter.

Storage Instructions After Purchase

Please use the kit as soon as possible after purchase.
For storage:

• Fusuma (fermentation starter) should be kept in the refrigerator.

• Sukumo (fermented indigo leaves), clam shell lime, and wood ash should be stored in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight.
  Moisture in the sukumo may hinder the fermentation process during indigo preparation.

Important Notes

• If the amount of indigo dye liquid exceeds the recommended volume, the fermentation balance may be disrupted, resulting in weaker color or a shorter lifespan of the dye.

• If the dye liquid is below the recommended amount, the dyeable area may become limited, making it difficult to dye anything but small items.

• To maintain a stable fermentation environment, it’s important to keep the liquid at a consistent level.

• The usable period may vary depending on the condition of the fermentation bacteria and how frequently you dye.