The Tango region of Kyoto Prefecture has a silk weaving tradition spanning more than 1,300 years, producing the majority of Japan's white silk fabric. A new initiative is bringing that heritage closer to everyday life through a collaborative project pairing a traditional textile workshop with university students.
Tango Chirimen: The Backbone of Japanese Silk
The Tango region accounts for over 70% of Japan's white silk fabric production, making it a cornerstone of the country's kimono culture. Despite this significance, silk fabric has traditionally been associated with special occasions, leaving fewer opportunities for people to encounter it in their daily lives.
As fewer people engage directly with the craft, concerns have grown about the long-term sustainability of the region's textile industry. This context prompted a search for ways to weave silk naturally into contemporary daily life.
A Workshop Between Generations
The silk scrunchie "mayure" was born from a collaboration between Tayuh Kigyo Co., Ltd., a Tango Chirimen weaving workshop, and students from Fukuchiyama Public University (GrowSpiral group) — specifically, Nana Hamamoto and Haruna Kakuta.
The students visited the workshop in person, touched the materials, and listened to the weavers. Together, they explored what kind of item they would genuinely want to use in their daily lives. Size, volume, and color were each carefully reconsidered until the concept of a scrunchie took shape. The process opened up space for new ideas to emerge across generational and professional divides.
"mayure": Silk for Daily Wear
The result of that collaboration is "mayure," a scrunchie made from 100% Tango Chirimen silk.
The name combines "mayu" (繭, the Japanese word for cocoon) and "re" (meaning "again"), reflecting the intention to bring the warmth of silk back into everyday life.
Despite a simple appearance, the product features the soft texture and subtle sheen characteristic of high-quality silk. It comes in two styles — "mayure" and "mayure ribbon" — each available in white and black.
Versatile in use, the scrunchie can be worn to tie hair, placed on the wrist, or attached to a bag as a low-key accent.
Suitable for everyday use as well as special occasions such as weddings or entrance ceremonies, the design also works as a thoughtful gift.
The project also addresses a practical challenge within the weaving industry. Tango Chirimen is a high-quality but delicate fabric — even minor imperfections or slight weaving irregularities can significantly reduce the commercial value of an entire bolt of cloth. The scrunchies use only the portions needed, giving new purpose to bolts that might otherwise go to waste.
New Forms of Engagement with Traditional Craft
The initiative is positioned not just as a product launch, but as an effort to open new ways of connecting with traditional industries. Rather than maintaining a straightforward producer-consumer relationship, the project aims to grow a broader circle of people who think and create alongside artisans.
The underlying idea is that as more people come to know the stories behind how and where traditional goods are made, support for those crafts can grow organically over time.
Crowdfunding Campaign
The project has been launched through a crowdfunding campaign on CAMPFIRE, which has already surpassed its initial funding target.
Project Name: Tango Chirimen Silk Scrunchie "mayure"
Campaign Period: Until April 10, 2026
Campaign URL: https://camp-fire.jp/projects/936011/view
