Otsu Kumihimo is a traditional craft of braided cords (kumihimo) passed down mainly in the Ōsaka district (逢坂) of Otsu City. Kumihimo braiding was introduced to Japan along with Buddhism, and was originally used as cords for binding sutra scrolls and Buddhist vestments, as well as decorative cords for the robes of court nobles and samurai. In Otsu, the craft is said to have begun during the Edo period, when samurai and townspeople traveling the Tokaido road into Kyoto had the cords on their sword scabbards and inro cases repaired locally. Using several types of braiding stands — including the maru-dai (round stand), kaku-dai (square stand), aya-take-dai, and naiki-dai — artisans braid threads by hand into a single cord, with high-grade products using thread dyed with plant-based dyes. Today, Tozaburo Himo, founded in 1867 (Keio 3), remains the only kumihimo workshop in the Ōsaka district, producing a wide range of items from obi-jime sashes and haori cords to small accessories such as straps.
Origin
Kumihimo braiding was brought to Japan together with Buddhism, and was originally used as cords for binding sutra scrolls, as cords for Buddhist vestments, and as decorative cords on the robes of court nobles and samurai. Otsu's kumihimo-making is said to have begun during the Edo period, when samurai and townspeople traveling the Tokaido road into Kyoto had the cords of their sword scabbards and inro cases repaired here. Taking advantage of the Ōsaka district's position as a post town on the old Tokaido road, where travelers came and went constantly, the skill of cord-making took root in the area.
History
Since the Edo period, kumihimo-making has been passed down in Otsu's Ōsaka district, and as the era changed, its use broadened from cords for weapons and armor to items adorning the everyday dress of ordinary people, such as obi-jime sashes and haori cords. Tozaburo Himo, founded in 1867 (Keio 3), is known as the only shop that has continued to make kumihimo in this area for more than 150 years, drawing on techniques dating back to the Edo period while also working to create a new kumihimo culture suited to modern life.
Features
The defining feature of Otsu Kumihimo lies in the way artisans use several types of braiding stands suited to different purposes — including the maru-dai, kaku-dai, aya-take-dai, and naiki-dai — braiding threads by hand as they cross one another. High-grade products use thread dyed with plant-based dyes, giving the cords both rich depth of color and durability. Beyond traditional kimono accessories such as obi-jime sashes and haori cords, in recent years artisans have also produced more casual items such as straps.
Techniques
Braiding stands (kumidai)
Several types of braiding stands — including the maru-dai (round stand), kaku-dai (square stand), aya-take-dai, and naiki-dai — are used according to purpose, with threads crossed by hand to braid the cord. The shape and texture of the finished cord's cross-section changes depending on which stand is used.
Materials Used
Production Process
- 1
Itokuri (thread winding)
The dyed thread is wound and prepared into a form that is easy to braid.
- 2
Itoawase (thread matching)
Threads of the necessary number and color are gathered according to the pattern and thickness of the cord.
- 3
Kumi (braiding)
Using a braiding stand such as the naiki-dai, the threads are crossed and braided into a cord.
- 4
Finishing
Tassels and binding are adjusted to complete the cord.
| Main Production Areas |
|
|---|
Artisans & Workshops
藤三郎紐（有限会社藤三郎紐）
Founded in 1867 (Keio 3) as Tozaburo Himo (Tozaburo Himo Co., Ltd.), this is the only kumihimo workshop in Otsu's Ōsaka district, carrying on the craft for more than 150 years. Drawing on techniques dating back to the Edo period, it produces everything from obi-jime sashes and haori cords to everyday accessories.
Official site →How to Buy
- 藤三郎紐
- Kumihimo products can be purchased at the shop in Otsu's Ōsaka district, as well as at the gift shops of the Biwako Hotel and Biwako Otsukan, and at the Otsu Station tourist information center. Kumihimo straps start at around 1,760 yen.Where to buy →PR
Hands-on Experiences
藤三郎紐
滋賀県大津市逢坂1丁目25-11
Offers hands-on kumihimo-making and observation programs. Please inquire directly for details and pricing.
View details →