Indigo-Dyed Yama Work Shirt
Indigo-Dyed Yama Work Shirt
In Tohoku, a traditional workwear known as the "Yama Shirt" was once commonly worn. This simple, stand-collar long-sleeve shirt was favored for field and mountain work.
Drawing inspiration from the Yama Shirt’s design and the region’s resourceful ethos, we’ve created a modern version that embraces the idea of treasuring what we have—the YAMA SHIRT, crafted for lasting wear.
Indigo, known as Japan Blue, is the most familiar color in Japan. Each piece is hand-dyed with indigo by the craftsmen of Kyoya Dye Works.
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Product Details
The “Yama Work Shirt,” worn in Tohoku’s mountain work
One of Tohoku's traditional workwear pieces was the "Yama Work Shirt"—a simple, stand-collared, long-sleeve design worn for farming and mountain labor. Drawing inspiration from its shape and the wisdom of cherishing resources, Kyoya Dye Works created the Yama Work Shirt, designed for lasting wear.
The wisdom of cherishing and preserving what we have
In traditional Tohoku clothing, many garments were patched with fabric scraps layered over the original material. This practice not only provided protection against harsh winter cold but also reinforced worn areas of the clothing. Such ingenuity arose naturally from the challenges of daily life, reflecting a deep commitment to making things last and cherishing what was available.
People in the past patched and cherished their clothing not only because items were scarce or times were tough, but also because they valued the time and memories woven into garments worn over many years.
Kyoya Dye Works' Yama Work Shirt incorporates the wisdom of past lifestyles, crafted as a durable piece designed to be cherished and worn for years, reflecting a deep connection to enduring traditions.
Layered fabric for lasting durability
The Yama Work Shirt is reinforced with patches on high-wear areas, creating a durable design built to last through everyday use.
The shoulders, elbows, cuffs, and hem—areas prone to wear—are reinforced with patch fabric. The distinctive stitching over the patches adds an extra layer of durability to the fabric.
The back of the shirt is longer than the front, with the hem reaching just below the hips when seated.
Commitment to usability
The cuffs are designed with two buttons to adjust the tightness. The buttons are made of wood, chosen for their pleasant texture.
The shirt features one chest pocket large enough to hold a smartphone, and two side pockets at the waist. The flap of the chest pocket can be tucked inside the pocket.
The fabric is a medium-weight, durable cotton-linen canvas, providing a sturdy feel similar to a shirt jacket. It’s softer than it appears and will mold to your body with wear.
A medium-weight cotton-linen fabric with a natural texture, designed to be worn and enjoyed for years
The Yama Work Shirt is made from natural cotton-linen canvas in an undyed, raw finish, and undergoes dyeing and washing processes to complete the look. The medium-weight fabric softens and molds to the body with use, providing a comfortable fit.
The undyed fabric retains the natural texture of the plant fibers used, giving it an authentic, natural feel. Additionally, the production process involves minimal chemicals and human intervention, which reduces environmental impact. This makes it an ideal fabric for creating tools that fit seamlessly into daily life, just as we at Enichi envisioned.
Important Notes: While the undyed fabric showcases the natural characteristics of the plant fibers, this can sometimes result in slight color variations or fading during the dyeing process. We inspect each item and reject any with noticeable discoloration. However, minor color variations caused by the natural fabric are within the acceptable range of its texture, and these will be shipped as is. Thank you for your understanding.
"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.
Size Chart
S | M | L | LL | |
Shoulder Width |
53.5cm | 54cm | 55cm | 60cm |
Body Width | 61cm | 62cm | 64cm | 67.5cm |
Back Length | 75cm | 77cm | 79cm | 82.5cm |
Front Length | 64cm | 66cm | 69cm | 72cm |
Sleeve Length | 53.5cm | 55.5cm | 56.5cm | 58cm |
Armhole | 50cm | 51cm | 54cm | 59cm |
Neck Circumference | 44cm | 46.5cm | 49cm | 53cm |
- Please note that slight variations may occur between products.
Materials
Fabric: Cotton-Linen Canvas (85% cotton, 15% linen)
Buttons: Wood
Care Guide
Due to the dye, this product may fade, transfer color, or discolor. Please follow these care tips:
- Wash before first wear.
- Wash separately to avoid color transfer. Machine washing is fine.
- Avoid wearing with light-colored clothes initially.
- Dry immediately after washing, do not leave wet.
- Use neutral detergent; no bleach.
- Dry in the shade to prevent fading.
- Store in a dark place to prevent color loss.
Shipping & Return Policy
Shipping Regions
We ship worldwide from Japan, but delivery to certain countries or regions may be unavailable due to global circumstances and logistical constraints.
Shipping Methods and Carriers
We ship your order using EMS (Express Mail Service) by Japan Post, a reliable international shipping service.
Processing Time
Your order will be shipped within approximately 7 days from the date of purchase.
Customs, Duties, and Other Fees
Since our products are shipped from Japan, customs duties or taxes may apply in the destination country. These fees are the responsibility of the customer, and please understand that we are unable to manage these costs.
If you have any questions, please contact the customs office or relevant authorities in your country before placing your order.
Returns and Exchanges
We take great care to ensure the quality of our products. However, we kindly ask for your understanding that returns or exchanges cannot be accepted unless the item is defective or you have received the wrong product. Due to the additional costs associated with international shipping—such as import/export duties, shipping fees, and longer transit times—this policy helps us maintain a smooth shopping experience for all customers.
Damages and issues
If you receive a damaged or incorrect item, please contact us within 7 days of delivery via email (info@kyo-ya.net) and include photos of the damaged or incorrect product(s). We will do our best to resolve the issue promptly and ensure your satisfaction.

Our Story
Kyoya Dye Works blends tradition and modernity, creating durable, sustainable textiles inspired by Japan's cultural heritage and natural beauty.