This article appeared in Made in Japan Vol. 4. To read the entire issue, click here .
At first glance, it may seem like an unexpected pairing: a tiny farm of Japanese craftsmen practicing traditional dyeing techniques, and Arc’teryx, a global brand known for its sleek, hi-tech climbing gear. But Kakuo Kaji, the blue-nailed founder of Buaisou (stylized as BUAISOU) is accustomed to high-fashion and modern collaborations. Buaisou, based in Tokushima, is the first farm-to-closet dyer in Japan, specializing in denim, clothes and artwork.
In the past, they’ve worked alongside international brands like Jimmy Choo, Uniqlo and Kith to create pieces that showcase the versatility and ingenuity of indigo dyeing. (Rihanna has visited their workshop, too.) The Arc’teryx piece is their most recent big-name partnership, and their most ambitious — a 4.
8-meter-wide and 1.2-meter-high custom panel for the brand’s recently opened Tokyo Creation Center in Daikanyama. Photos by Kyoko Nishimoto, BUAISOU A deep indigo blue, subtly graduated from bottom to top, the artwork is emblazoned with an intricate rope design, twisting and winding its way up the panel.
In our interview, good-humored Kaji downplays the effort it took. But his manager Kyoko Nishimoto interjects: After three failed attempts, Kaji worked from 8:30 a.m.
to 4 a.m. for two weeks to finish the piece on time, stenciling, pasting and dyeing.
The final piece was completed on very little sleep and a lot of adrenalin. From Seed t.
