Product Details
The “Yama Shirt,” worn in Tohoku’s mountain work
In the Tohoku region, there was once a work garment called the "Yama Shirt." It was a simple, long-sleeved shirt with a standing collar, traditionally worn during farm or mountain work.
Inspired by the traditional "Yama Shirt" and the wisdom of valuing long-lasting items, Kyoya Dye Works created the "Yama Work Shirt" designed with durability and longevity in mind.
The wisdom of valuing and taking care of things in daily life
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 that experience frequent movement and wear—are reinforced with patches and accentuated with distinctive stitching. This extra step adds durability to the fabric, ensuring it lasts longer.
The back is slightly longer than the front, with the hem reaching just past the hips when sitting.
Attention to practicality
The cuffs feature two buttons for adjustable tightness, made from wooden buttons for a comfortable feel.
The shirt has one chest pocket, large enough to fit 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 sturdy, medium-weight "cotton-linen canvas." It’s a durable material that can be worn like a shirt jacket. Despite its firm appearance, it offers a soft feel and will become more comfortable and molded to your body with wear.
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.
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.