FABRIC: BASHOFU

Kana, of Kijoka Bashofu, spoke to ATW80Fabrics talking about her experiences with bashofu. Her grandmother had been the woman to revive the fabric after its struggle to stay alive following the Second World War. Kana has been around bashofu her whole life, and now living in Brisbane Australia, has said that she works the International Relations of the company. Kana noted sadly that there are less and less people working in the workshop, resulting in lower production. She says people are not learning the techniques of making Bashofu at a young age, and it is hard to master the production process in a short time. She also mentioned that climate change is impacting the weather patterns, confusing the makers on when the banana tree is ripe. It may look ripe on the outside, but inside the fiber is too tough, making it hard to make the soft, breathable kimono that Kijoka Bashofu is coveted for. Kimonos made by Kijoka Bashofu are top of the line, and everyone who wears a kimono wants to own their own. Because of this, prices and demand are very high. It takes constant work at the workshop to keep up with all of the demands that Kana and her family have. Kijoka Bashofu is keeping the tradition of Japanese Bashofu alive for everyone to see, and is also using natural fibers sustainably to do it!