HACHIOJI WORKSHOP
A Day with Mawata, Thread, and Color
Tracing handwork from cocoon to cloth in Hachioji
From mawata to thread.
From thread to a small cloth.
At our small atelier in Hachioji,
we touch silk mawata, make thread, choose colors, and weave.
Together, we trace the handwork that takes place on the way to cloth.
Each month, we spend time slowly with one handwork process,
or with several closely connected processes,
chosen according to the materials of the season.
Cocoons, mawata silk floss, and dyed threads brought from the Yamanashi studio.
In Hachioji, where yamamayu’s work first began,
we return these materials once again to the hands.
Hachioji as a Place
Hachioji is the place where yamamayu’s dyeing and weaving work began. We carry forward the work that started here in 1894, and today we make textiles while moving between Yamanashi and Hachioji.
We bring cocoons from silkworms raised in Yamanashi, as well as plant-dyed mawata silk floss and threads, to Hachioji. Here, our workshops mainly focus on making mawata, making thread, and weaving small pieces of cloth.
In this small atelier in the city, different from the mountain studio, we spend time close to the materials as they move toward cloth.
Handwork at the Atelier
Rather than doing everything each time,
we follow several processes according to the theme of the month.
Touching mawata
Opening cocoons,
and spreading them into soft mawata silk floss.
Making thread
Loosening mawata silk floss,
and drawing it little by little into thread.
Carrying it into cloth
The thread we make is woven
into a small cloth on a tabletop loom.
CURRENT WORKSHOPS
Current Themes and Dates
SEPTEMBER
Friday, September 25 and Saturday, September 26, 2026
Choosing Mawata Colors, from Thread to a Small Cloth
We will choose colors from plant-dyed mawata silk floss
and make thread while gently loosening the fibers.
In the afternoon, using that thread and silk threads prepared at the studio,
we will carry them into a small cloth on a tabletop loom.
OCTOBER
Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24, 2026
From Cocoon to Mawata — Touching the Beginning of Silk
We will open cocoons that have been simmered in advance,
remove the pupae, and make mawata silk floss.
While touching its softness,
we will draw a small amount of thread at the end.
NOVEMBER
Friday, November 27 and Saturday, November 28, 2026
From Mawata to Winter Thread
We will choose colors from plant-dyed mawata silk floss
and slowly make thread.
The finished thread may be wound into a small bundle to take home,
or used for a little weaving on the tabletop loom.
Each workshop may be joined separately.
By joining several sessions, you can gradually follow the movement
from cocoon to mawata, thread, and cloth.
There will be no monthly workshop in December, as we will be focusing on studio production.
A Day at the Atelier
Around 10:00 a.m.
We begin with an introduction to the materials and the handwork of the day,
then start slowly.
Lunch
We pause our hands and share lunch at the atelier.
Afternoon
We continue the morning’s work,
moving into thread-making or small weaving.
The day ends around 3:00 p.m.
The content and order may change slightly depending on the monthly theme and the condition of the materials.
Lunchtime
Lunch is prepared by hand at the atelier.
The time to step away from the work and share the same table is also an important part of this gathering.
Please let us know about any food allergies when you apply.
INFORMATION
Participation Information
Time
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Place
Hachioji Atelier
Capacity
2–5 participants per session
Fee
¥14,300 tax included
Includes basic materials, use of tools, and lunch.
Mawata Silk Floss
Basic amount: 5 g
Additional mawata: ¥1,100 per 5 g
Application Deadline
Three days before each workshop
Applications close when the session is full.
Payment
Please pay in cash on the day of the workshop.
Access
The atelier is about a 15-minute walk from JR Hachioji Station and Keio Hachioji Station. The detailed location will be shared after your participation is confirmed.
How to Apply
Please apply through the common application form. After checking your application and seat availability, yamamayu will send you a confirmation email.
Your reservation is not confirmed when you submit the form.
Your place is confirmed when you receive a confirmation email from yamamayu.
After your participation is confirmed, we will send details about the location, what to bring, and suitable clothing.
For cancellations, date changes, and substitute participants, please see our Workshop Cancellation Policy .