Hamamonyo | Japanese craftsmanship

The art of Yokohama Nassen: Our partner manufacturer Hamamonyo

Behind the intricate patterns of our textiles lies a deeply rooted Japanese tradition. We work closely with the renowned Case Corporation and its Hamamonyo brand, based in the port city of Yokohama. Since its founding in 1948, the company has been dedicated to perfecting textile printing.

Their world-famous technique, Yokohama Nassen (stencil printing), originated when traditional woodblock print artists transferred their skills to textiles.

The material: Exclusive "Wakaba" cotton

Instead of using mass-produced industrial goods, Hamamonyo uses an exclusively developed fabric called "Wakaba".

• Japanese yarn: Only domestically spun yarns are used to guarantee the highest tensile strength and purity.
• Slow production: The looms deliberately operate slowly. It takes approximately 10 minutes of machine time to weave the raw material for a single tenugui. This slow production minimizes stress on the cotton fibers and prevents structural damage.

The finishing touch: ECO-bleaching for pure purity

Before the dye is applied, the fabric is gently cleaned over several days using a traditional Wazarashi process.

• Natural and gentle: Hamamonyo relies on an innovative "ECO-Bleaching" process that does without strong chlorine bleach.
• Skin-friendly: The fabric retains a warm, natural ivory tone and is completely free of aggressive chemical residues – ideal for sensitive skin.

The production process: Hand printing on 25 meters

The actual printing process is masterful handwork. The reactive dyes chemically bond with the fiber, guaranteeing the exceptional wash resistance of the products.

• Precision by hand: Experienced craftsmen manually guide the heavy frames across 25-meter-long printing tables and press the ink through the screen with a squeegee.
• Layer by layer: For multi-colored designs, each color must be applied and dried individually. A high-temperature steam process then fixes the colors deep inside the fiber.

The design: Tradition meets "Asobi-gokoro"

Hamamonyo is famous for its Asobi-gokoro (playful spirit). The designs combine traditional symbolism with modern, often humorous design. This innovative spirit has been recognized with awards such as the prestigious "Omotenashi Selection" award.

➤ Discover Tenugui of Hamamonyo