Kamawanu, the ‘Tenugui’ Specialist in Japan

Tenugui have several uses in Japan. A fashion accessory during the Edo period, these fine cotton towels can also be used to wipe the face, dry the hands, dry dishes, or wrap objects. Kamawanu opened its first store in 1987 and, as of 2020, there were over 250 throughout Japan.

Patterns inspired by nature and the seasons

The brand still makes its products using dyeing techniques that date back to the Meiji era (1868-1912). The dyes used produce different colours based on humidity levels and temperature. On these fabrics, Kamawanu showcases patterns inspired by nature, and particularly the seasons.

The chain’s flagship store, Kamawanu Daikanyama, situated in Tokyo in an old traditional house, offers the widest selection of fabrics with over 250 different kinds. As a sign of its fame, a book dedicated to the patterns produced by Kamawanu was published in 2014.

More information about Kamawanu can be found on its website.