NOASOBI
Following Tensan and the Seasons of the Mountains
A small gathering held four times a year in the oak grove of Yamanashi
The time before cloth begins.
In spring, we place eggs on the oak trees.
In early summer, we observe larvae growing on the leaves.
In summer, we search for pale green cocoons made among the branches.
And in autumn, we hold the cocoons in our hands,
letting our thoughts continue toward the thread and cloth beyond them.
noasobi is a workshop for touching the mountains, trees, leaves,
small lives, human hands, and the seasons flowing between them —
things that gradually disappear from view once the cloth is complete.
Where the Material Begins
Tensan, also called yamamayu, is a kind of wild silk moth. It grows by feeding on leaves such as oak, and makes pale green cocoons.
We raise them while watching over them by hand, but the timing of hatching, the speed of growth, and the making of cocoons are deeply connected to the budding of the trees, the temperature, and the amount of rain.
Long before we hold it as cloth, the material has already begun in the mountains.
THROUGH THE SEASONS
Four Seasonal Works
SPRING
Placing Eggs in the Mountains
Watching the oak buds begin to open, we place Tensan eggs on the trees. From here, the year of sericulture begins.
EARLY SUMMER
Larvae on Young Leaves
We look for larvae growing while feeding on oak leaves. Together, we observe the color of the leaves, the size of the larvae, and the environment around them.
SUMMER
Searching for Green Cocoons
We search for cocoons made among branches and leaves, and observe their color, shape, and the traces of how the silk was formed.
AUTUMN
From Cocoon to Thread
Comparing Tensan cocoons with domestic silkworm cocoons, we touch the differences in how they grow, their colors, and the qualities of their thread.
The Time of noasobi
Even when we go into the mountains, we do not always meet what we had imagined.
Some years, hatching comes a little early.
Some years, growth is slow.
Some days, there is a great deal of rain.
At times, only a few cocoons can be found.
Seeing what is present in the mountains that day, and thinking from there, is also part of noasobi.
Rather than completing a fixed activity, we stand near the time in which materials are born, while moving with the changes of nature.
2027 NOASOBI
2027 Schedule
Each gathering may be joined separately.
By visiting over several seasons, you can follow the movement
from eggs to larvae, from larvae to cocoons,
and from cocoons toward thread.
APRIL
Saturday, April 17
Placing Eggs in the Mountains
The beginning of the Tensan season
After an introduction to Tensan and oak trees, we enter the grove and place Tensan eggs on the oak trees while looking at the condition of the trees.
JUNE
Saturday, June 19
Observing Larvae on Young Leaves
Small lives growing in the mountains
Walking through the oak grove, we look for larvae. We observe not only their growth, but also the leaves, trees, and the environment around them.
JULY
Saturday, July 31
Harvesting Green Cocoons
When life wraps itself in thread
We search for cocoons among the branches and leaves, and harvest them one by one. Holding them in our hands, we look at their color, shape, and the traces of the thread that was made.
SEPTEMBER
Saturday, September 18
From Cocoon to Thread
Tensan and domestic silkworms, two kinds of sericulture
We place Tensan cocoons and domestic silkworm cocoons side by side, observing the differences in how they grow, their colors, and the qualities of their thread. We touch the moment when the Tensan we have followed since spring begins to connect to textile material.
Dates and contents may change depending on the weather, the budding of the trees, and the hatching and growth of the Tensan.
A Morning in the Mountains
Around 10:00 a.m.
We gather at the studio
and begin with an introduction to Tensan
and the mountains on that day.
Morning
We enter the oak grove
and observe or work with what the season offers.
Around 1:00 p.m.
We return to the studio,
share a light meal,
and close the day.
The timing and order may change slightly according to the condition of nature.
After Returning from the Grove
After spending time outdoors, we prepare a handmade light meal at the studio.
The contents may change depending on the season and the ingredients available that day. Please let us know about any food allergies when you apply.
INFORMATION
Participation Information
Frequency
4 times a year
Each gathering may be joined separately.
Time
Around 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Place
yamamayu studio and oak grove
Ichikawamisato, Yamanashi
Capacity
2–5 participants per session
Minimum number of participants: 2
Fee
¥6,600 tax included per session
Includes a handmade light meal.
Application Deadline
Three days before each gathering
Applications close when the session is full.
Payment
Please pay in cash on the day of the gathering.
Clothing and What to Bring
We will enter the oak grove and areas with grass. Please wear clothing that avoids exposing the skin, such as long sleeves and long pants, and choose clothes that may get dirty.
Please bring rain boots or comfortable shoes that may get dirty, work gloves, a hat, and something to drink. If rain is forecast, please also bring rain gear.
After outdoor activities, please check that no insects are attached to your clothes or body. Eggs and larvae are very small and delicate, so during observation, please avoid touching them strongly or shaking branches and leaves.
Weather and the Condition of Nature
The gathering will be held in light rain. In the case of severe weather, it will be cancelled, and we will contact you by the day before.
The hatching, growth, and cocoon-making of Tensan change according to temperature, weather, and the condition of the oak trees. If what we had planned to observe cannot be seen on that day, we will adjust the program around what can be found in the mountains at that time.
Depending on the condition of nature, the date itself may also be changed.
Access
For those coming by train, we can pick you up at Ichikawa-Daimon Station on the JR Minobu Line. Details about suitable trains will be shared after your participation is confirmed.
Parking is available for those coming by car. The detailed location will be sent by email after your participation is confirmed.
How to Apply
Applications will open on Friday, January 15, 2027.
Please apply through the common application form and select the date you would like to attend. 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, transportation, what to bring, and suitable clothing. About one week before the gathering, we will also share the day’s plan again, including the condition of nature at that time.
For cancellations, date changes, and substitute participants, please see our Workshop Cancellation Policy . If yamamayu cancels or changes the gathering because of severe weather or the condition of nature, we will contact each participant individually.
From eggs to larvae.
From larvae to cocoons.
Beyond them, there is thread and cloth.