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 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 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.
The buttons are also lacquer-dyed
The Yama Work Shirt features wooden buttons, carefully dyed with the same lacquer to harmonize with its natural texture.
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.
Wear the colors of the land with lacquer dye
Iwate Prefecture, a major producer of lacquer, has long preserved Japan’s traditional culture through lacquerwork used for utensils, statues, and the restoration of important cultural assets. Lacquer, commonly known as the sap of the lacquer tree, is carefully extracted by skilled craftsmen, who harvest the sap tree by tree. Once the sap is collected, the tree naturally withers and is cut down to allow for new growth.
In the past, these felled lacquer trees were rarely utilized, despite being a valuable resource. To honor these trees and sustain the lacquer industry’s future, efforts are underway to repurpose this precious material.
Using natural resources without waste and wearing their colors allows us to connect with the land and live in gratitude. At Kyoya Dye Works, we work with care and precision to bring out the lacquer tree’s natural hues, creating items that embody the beauty of this tradition.
*Note: As we use natural plant materials, there may be slight color variations between products.
*The dye is extracted from the wood of lacquer trees, not the sap, ensuring no risk of skin irritation.
A medium-weight cotton-linen fabric with a natural texture, designed to be worn and enjoyed for years
The Yama 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 | |
| Body Length | 78cm | 79cm | 80cm | 83cm |
| Shoulder Width | 55cm | 55.5cm | 56cm | 60cm |
| Chest Width | 61cm | 64cm | 66cm | 67cm |
| Sleeve Length | 54cm | 56cm | 58cm | 58cm |
Materials
Care Guide
Our Story
Kyoya Dye Works blends tradition and modernity, creating durable, sustainable textiles inspired by Japan's cultural heritage and natural beauty.