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Posts tagged: textile

Indigo - the origins of the most beautiful blue ever

It is said that indigo originally came from China to Japan as a medicine. A decoction of indigo root was effective for colds and sore throats. Juice squeezed from indigo leaves was used for skin burns or insect bites. The Japanese used to put a wet cloth soaked in indigo onto wounds, or onto the forehead...

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Learn the true meaning of gift giving, Japanese-style

If you have a Japanese friend or work with Japanese business people, you may know that they like to give gifts. Your Japanese customer may bring a box of biscuits when they visit your office or your Japanese colleagues may buy a souvenir for you when they have a long weekend away. While the...

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The magical power of recycled hemp in old Japan

At a time when there were no synthetic fibers, Japanese clothing was made from plant fibers like cotton, silk and hemp. The Japanese started using animal fibers like wool when clothing styles were changing from Japanese traditional kimonos to Western dress, during the Meiji era. Among plant fibers, hemp was the most common...

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