Indigo-Dyed Hanten Jacket
Tools that embody the "Kizuna" (bonds) passed down through generations
The hanten is commonly worn during festivals today, but its history dates back to the Edo period. At that time, it was a familiar garment worn by craftsmen as workwear, by merchants as uniforms, and by the general public as everyday attire. It served as a stylish jacket suitable for both casual and semi-formal occasions.
In the past, when festivals were more integrated into daily life, people would wear their hanten as everyday clothing while enjoying activities like carrying the portable shrine (mikoshi) or dancing. Over time, the hanten became a festival uniform, symbolizing the "bonds" within festival groups and communities. As a tool to connect people to each other and to their local traditions, the hanten has been passed down through generations.
The sleeves are designed with mobility in mind, featuring the traditional "mojiri" sleeve style. This design, commonly found in hanten worn by craftsmen, allows for freedom of movement and reflects a time-tested solution to ensure the sleeves do not hinder the movements of the wearer.
The hanten is designed with side pockets near the lower sides, large enough to comfortably hold a smartphone.
The Indigo-Dyed Hanten Jacket features front ties that allow you to secure it neatly by tying at the front. Alternatively, you can leave it unfastened and wear it like a cardigan, offering versatility to match different uses and styles.
Durable and beautiful, the sashiko fabric, cherished for generations
Sashiko fabric, once used by firefighters for their uniforms, is a durable material. For the Kyoya Dye Works Indigo-Dyed Hanten Jacket, we have chosen this fabric with longevity in mind. The medium-weight fabric, woven with thick black thread into a single-stitch sashiko pattern, is strong yet retains a soft texture. Its distinctive, textured surface gives it a striking appearance.
Dyed in our own factory
Indigo dye, also known as "Japan Blue," is one of the most familiar colors in Japanese life.
Though indigo may seem like a luxury item today, it was once a common color, with many households owning an indigo vat (aiga-me) and regularly re-dyeing clothes as part of everyday life. It was a color deeply rooted in the daily lives of the people.
Like denim, indigo dye offers the joy of aging over time. Each piece fades uniquely, allowing the wearer to create a one-of-a-kind item through wear. And when the color fades, you can always re-dye it to enjoy a fresh look, making indigo dye a truly versatile and enduring choice.
There are two types of indigo dyeing: natural indigo, made from plants, and synthetic indigo, commonly used in denim. Both have their unique appeal.
Natural indigo creates a deep, earthy hue, while synthetic indigo is more affordable and easier to apply to dark colors.
At Kyoya Dye Works, we use synthetic indigo to offer high-quality, accessible products that can be worn and enjoyed for years. When the color fades, simply re-dye to keep enjoying your garment.
Due to the hand-dyeing process, each piece may have slight variations in color. Additionally, the nature of indigo dyeing can result in some color irregularities. We hope you appreciate these unique characteristics as part of the charm of your garment.
"Using what is available" — A traditional Tohoku craft embedded in the "saki-ori" loop
The loop at the back of the neckline is made from "saki-ori," a woven fabric created from leftover material during production. It symbolizes Tohoku's respect for resources and can be used as a hook to hang items.
*Note: Since it's made from leftover fabric, the color of the saki-ori may differ from the photos.