Mamada Himo is a braided cord (kumihimo) technique said to have been passed down since the Kamakura period in Mamada, Oyama City, Tochigi Prefecture. Using a technique in which weights are attached to both ends of the threads to keep them constantly taut while crossing many strands, it produces cords with intricate, finely detailed patterns. Its beautiful finish, achieved with gold and silver thread and plant-dyed pure silk thread, is a hallmark, and it was once used for the cords of samurai armor and sword sageo (hanging cords). The area's modern history as a production center began in 1922 (Taisho 11), when first-generation Watanabe Asaichi returned to Mamada after completing an apprenticeship in kumihimo braiding in Kinshicho, Tokyo, and opened a shop. In 1954, Yanagi Muneyoshi of the Mingei (Folk Craft) Movement named the technique 'Mamada Himo,' and it was designated an Intangible Cultural Property of Oyama City in 1964 and of Tochigi Prefecture in 1973. The Watanabe family has carried on the technique across generations, and today it is enjoyed as a kimono accessory and everyday item, used for obi cords, haori cords, and loop ties.
Origin
Kumihimo braiding is said to have developed in the Kamakura period for the cords of samurai armor and sword sageo (hanging cords), and it is said that this technique took root in the Mamada area, forming the roots of Mamada Himo. The technical hallmark lies in attaching weights to both ends of the threads to maintain a constant tension while crossing them, producing cords that are sturdy yet have intricate, finely detailed patterns. The character of Mamada as a post town on the Nikko Kaido highway, where people and goods passed through, is also thought to be part of the background that allowed such handcraft to take root and be passed down.
History
The direct origin of today's Mamada Himo dates to 1922 (Taisho 11), when first-generation Watanabe Asaichi returned to Mamada after completing an apprenticeship in kumihimo braiding in Kinshicho, Tokyo, and opened a shop. In 1954, Yanagi Muneyoshi, who led the Mingei Movement, highly praised the kumihimo technique of the area and named it 'Mamada Himo.' It was designated an Intangible Cultural Property of Oyama City in 1964 and of Tochigi Prefecture in 1973, and the second-generation Watanabe Asaichi continued to refine the technique as the Watanabe family carried it on across generations.
Features
Mamada Himo is characterized by braiding cords on a dedicated braiding stand, crossing threads of gold, silver, and plant-dyed pure silk over many layers. By attaching weights to both ends of the threads to maintain a constant tension throughout, it achieves both a finely detailed, beautiful pattern and durability that withstands practical use. While carrying on the practicality it once had as cords for armor, it is now developed into kimono accessories and everyday items such as obi cords, haori cords, and loop ties.
Materials Used
Production Process
- 1
Dyeing the thread
Pure silk thread is dyed with plant dyes or chemical dyes to match the intended design.
- 2
Setting up the threads
The threads are arranged on the braiding stand according to the pattern design.
- 3
Braiding
Weights are attached to the thread ends to maintain tension while the threads are crossed to braid the cord.
- 4
Tasseling and finishing
Tassels are attached to both ends of the cord, and the length and shape are adjusted to complete it.
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Artisans & Workshops
間々田ひも店（渡辺家）
Founded in 1922 (Taisho 11). First-generation Watanabe Asaichi and second-generation Asaichi refined the technique, and the current head carries on the braiding technique passed down across generations. A long-established shop that has produced holders of Tochigi Prefecture's designated Intangible Cultural Property technique.
Official site →How to Buy
- 間々田ひも店
- A directly run shop along the Nikko Kaido (former National Route 4). Mamada Himo products such as obi cords, haori cords, and loop ties can be purchased.Where to buy →PR
- 間々田ひも店 オンラインショップ
- An online mail-order site where products from Mamada Himo Ten can be purchased over the internet.Where to buy →PR
Hands-on Experiences
間々田ひも店
栃木県小山市間々田1315-2
A braiding experience where visitors combine domestic pure silk threads to make an original strap. Cost starts around 1,200 yen (revised April 2025), taking 20 to 30 minutes. Open to elementary school students and up; reservation required (0285-45-0343).
View details →FAQ
Q. How are the patterns of Mamada Himo created?
A. By attaching weights to both ends of the threads to maintain a constant tension while crossing many strands on a dedicated braiding stand, intricate and finely detailed patterns are produced.
Q. Where does the name 'Mamada Himo' come from?
A. It comes from 1954, when Yanagi Muneyoshi, who led the Mingei (Folk Craft) Movement, highly praised the local kumihimo braiding technique and named it 'Mamada Himo.'