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Kumihimo, a form of artistic knotted braiding with a history embedded in religious practice and more recently as a finishing touch for kimono, is featured prominently in the record-breaking 2016 anime film Your Name

Quick Read Weaving Kumihimo into Your Name

Kumihimo is a Japanese braiding technique that interlaces at least three and often many more cords of silk or other threads to form a single plaited cord.

The history of Kumihimo

Story Kumihimo: a thread through Japanese history

Ozu Yasujirō is often described today as among the world’s greatest filmmakers, but his films were rarely seen outside Japan until the last third of the 20th cCentury.

Chishu Ryu Setsuko Hara and Yumeji Tsukioka in Late Spring 1949

Story Ozu Yasujirō life and films

In this video, ‘Living National Treasure’ Murose Kazumi offers an introduction to urushi, including its arrival into Japan around the beginnings of the Shо̄sо̄in Repository in the Tenpyо̄ period (729-749).

Introduction to Urushi with Living National Treasure Murose Kazumi

Video Story Introduction to Urushi with ‘Living National Treasure’ Murose Kazumi

Watch how silk thread is dyed and prepared to make kumihimo cords in this video.

Kumihimo Dyeing and Preparing the thread

Video Story Kumihimo: Dyeing and Preparing the thread

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Hokkaido Prefecture

Hokkaido Prefecture Mobile banner

The northernmost of Japan's main islands, Hokkaidō is known for its national parks, seafood and distinct culture of the Ainu.

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