VISIT KANAZAWA, JAPAN - Official Travel Guide

※10% of the proceeds will be donated to in order to support the recovery effort of Noto Peninsula, Ishikawa Prefecture, which has unfortunately been struck by earthquake on January 1st, 2024, and more recently torrential floods at the end of September.

Yuzen Dyeing Workshop

What is Yuzen?

Yuzen is a traditional resist dyeing technique in which dyes are applied inside outlines made of rice paste. The paste keeps the dye areas separate, creating a beautiful blend of colors. This technique has traditionally been used for kimonos, a practice that continues to this day.

Meet the Artist: Ai Inoue

Currently based in Kanazawa, Ai incorporates two techniques, Yuzen and decalcomania, into her work to create intricate and vibrant designs.

She explores the theme of "the beginning of life" through motifs such as growing plants and underwater life.

Workshop Overview
① Before the workshop, choose your favorite design from Ai's selection that you would like to dye
② On the date, paint and dye the design you picked with various colors, while enjoying a chat with the artist herself!
③ After you are done with the dyeing part, Ai will then wash your work and finish it up for you. You can ask the artist to make it into a bow tie or place it in a frame to bring back with you!
※For the last part, it will take some time for Ai to finish your work. So please let us know if you are comfortable with waiting around a bit for that or if you would rather us ship your finished work to you later
※For groups of five or more, the finishing steps will take too much time, so the finished items will be shipped to you later 

Details

Fee: 24,200 yen for a group of 2, plus an additional 10,000 yen for each person after that
A minimum of 2 participants, with a maximum of 8 (Please consult with us if you are a single participant or wish to bring a larger group)

Notes

Please make your reservation at least one week before your intended date to allow us to confirm the artist's availability
No refunds will be given for cancellations made less than a week before the intended date
We cannot ship overseas

By taking part in these hands-on workshops, you will help contribute to creating new opportunities for up-and-coming artists working in Kanazawa.
Japan is currently facing a nationwide crisis, as more and more artisans find themselves without anyone in 

younger generations to teach their techniques to preserve Japan’s precious traditional crafts.
We believe that participation in these workshops will benefit the artists, not only by exposing these crafts to more potential successors, 

but also by providing them with inspiration and motivation through their interactions with you. We therefore wholeheartedly invite you to join us for the workshop!