Ethical fashion brand "Re:ADY B", operated by Setouchi Mirai Design Inc. (Location: Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture; Representative Director: Natsuri Noda), has launched a new obi bag, the "MIKOSHI Series Handbag," which utilizes the metal engraving techniques of "Hiroshima Butsudan," a designated traditional craft of Japan.
Click here for the product page: "MIKOSHI Series"
The "MIKOSHI Series Handbag" is an upcycled obi bag that incorporates metal fittings using the metal engraving techniques of Hiroshima Butsudan. Its development has been advanced after being selected for the "New Business Commercialization Support Project" by the Hiroshima City Industrial Promotion Center.
In modern society, the number of households owning a Buddhist altar is said to have decreased to approximately 30%, and further reduction in demand is expected. Hiroshima is no exception, and the metal engraving techniques that have supported the production of Buddhist altars are in danger of not being passed down. Mr. Yoshida, who is responsible for the metal fittings production this time, is one of the few craftsmen in the Hiroshima Butsudan industry who continues to preserve the hand-engraving technique.
By diverting these valuable traditional techniques to the fashion industry, we aim to achieve both the continuation of the techniques and the creation of new markets.
The main leather processing for the bag's sewing is entrusted to "Yassa Kobo Nishimachi," a B-type employment support facility in Mihara City. Applying the reliable leather craft techniques that the workshop has cultivated over many years to the sewing process of obis, we planned the "MIKOSHI Series" handbag.
Even with obi, a difficult material to handle, each piece is beautifully crafted with skilled techniques and careful handiwork.
What we want to convey through this bag making is that the value of craftsmanship is not about whether the creator has a disability or not, but about their technical skill and earnest attitude. The finished product itself proves that "good is good," regardless of its background.
Please take this opportunity to see this special collection, which fuses traditional techniques with contemporary design.
----------------------------------------
What is the "MIKOSHI Series"?
Inheriting the technique of traditional "kazari-kanagu" (decorative metal fittings) that adorn mikoshi (portable shrines), temples, and Buddhist altars.
The metal fittings of the "MIKOSHI Series" are handmade one by one by craftsmen in Hiroshima, using the metal engraving techniques of the traditional craft "Hiroshima Butsudan."
These brass fittings can be polished and cared for by yourself, and even when they become old, their beauty can be restored by polishing them again.
Please take the handle, which inherits "Japanese traditional craft techniques" and has a delicate and profound feel, in your hands and experience it.
Planning: Re:ADY B (Setouchi Mirai Design Inc.)
Metal engraving: Yoshida Butsudan Kanagu Seisakusho Co., Ltd.
Sewing: Yassa Kobo Nishimachi (B-type employment support facility in Mihara City)
