SUMMER WORKSHOP
Summer Workshop
Three days and two nights immersed in mountain time
Spending three days in the mountains,
while working with your hands.
In the summer mountains of Yamanashi,
we open cocoons, touch mawata silk floss,
transfer the colors of plants, and make thread.
In between, we share meals, walk in the mountains, rest our hands,
and return again to the studio to continue the work.
These three days are not for completing every process.
They are a summer workshop for spending time with the materials,
and for returning to the handwork you would like to continue a little longer.
What We Have Continued in Summer
For more than 25 years, yamamayu has continued holding summer workshops in Yamanashi.
The content and form have changed little by little, but touching materials, working with our hands, and spending time together around the table at the studio have long remained part of this gathering.
Rather than continuing production for three days without pause, we value a way of spending time in which handwork exists within the rhythm of the mountains.
THREE DAYS
Choosing Within Three Days
The first work is done together.
After that, each person continues according to the pace of their own hands.
From Cocoon to Mawata
Opening cocoons, removing the pupae,
and spreading them into soft mawata silk floss.
Making Color and Thread
Transferring color from seasonal plants,
and slowly making thread from mawata.
From Thread to Cloth
Using the thread you have made,
you may carry it into cloth on a loom or small wooden frame.
Those who would like to weave may move to a loom with warp threads prepared in advance.
Those who would like to make more thread may continue with that work.
You may move toward a small neck cloth or tapestry,
or take home the thread you have made without weaving it into cloth this time.
Rather than deciding what must be completed in three days,
we move forward while seeing which work each person would like to spend more time with.
Flow of the Three Days
DAY 1
Opening Cocoons and Touching Seasonal Color
After an introduction to the studio and materials, we remove the pupae from cocoons and begin the work that leads toward mawata silk floss. Using one seasonal plant, we dye a small amount of mawata.
DAY 2
Making Thread and Moving Toward Cloth
We choose colors from mawata dyed with plants at the studio and make thread. In the afternoon, you may continue making thread or begin weaving.
DAY 3
Continuing the Work
Weaving. Spinning thread. Preparing mawata.
Each person returns to the work they wished to continue from the previous days.
After lunch, we arrange the handwork of the three days and close the workshop.
The content and order may change slightly depending on the condition of the materials and each person’s progress.
Time to Rest the Hands
Walking outside, looking quietly at materials in the studio, or stopping the work a little earlier.
When there is time away from handwork, the thread or color may look a little different when you return to it.
More than the amount of work completed, we value finding your own pace in this place.
The Studio Table
Lunch and dinner are prepared by hand at the studio. We use seasonal vegetables and mountain ingredients available at that time.
On some days, we may also prepare game dishes.
Sharing the same table together is one of the times we have valued through the many years of continuing this summer workshop.
Please let us know when you apply if you have any food allergies, ingredients you cannot eat, or if you prefer not to eat wild game.
Sleeping in the Mountains
Accommodation is planned at Suimeiso by Lake Shibire.
Breakfast will be served at the accommodation. For lunch and dinner, we return to the studio and work again in the same place.
The three days are not completed only inside the studio. Spending time in the mountains from morning to night is also part of this workshop.
SUMMER 2027
Summer 2027
Friday, July 9 – Sunday, July 11, 2027
Three days and two nights
Held once a year in a small group of 2–6 participants.
Applications open｜Sunday, November 1, 2026
INFORMATION
Participation Information
Dates
Friday, July 9 – Sunday, July 11, 2027
Place
Yamamayu Studio
Ichikawamisato, Yamanashi
Accommodation
Suimeiso at Lake Shibire, planned
Capacity
2–6 participants
Minimum number of participants: 2
Fee
¥77,000 tax included
Included
Tuition for the three days
Basic materials and 20 g of mawata silk floss
Accommodation for two nights
2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners
Transportation during the workshop period
Additional Mawata
¥1,100 per 5 g
Clothing and What to Bring
There will be dyeing, thread-making, and weaving work. Please wear comfortable clothes that may get dirty, or bring an apron.
Please bring comfortable walking shoes, writing materials, clothes and toiletries for your stay, insect repellent, a hat, regular medication, and anything else you may need.
Some of the handwork is detailed, so please bring glasses if you need them.
Access
The nearest station is Ichikawa-Daimon Station on the JR Minobu Line. For those coming by train, we can pick you up from the station to the studio.
Parking is available for those coming by car. Details about the location and meeting place will be shared after your participation is confirmed.
How to Apply
Applications open｜Sunday, November 1, 2026
Please apply through the common application form. After checking your application and seat availability, yamamayu will send you a notice of availability.
Your reservation is not confirmed when you submit the form.
After receiving the notice of availability,
please pay the full participation fee within seven days.
We will guide you through payment by BASE or bank transfer.
Your reservation is confirmed once payment has been received.
Because accommodation arrangements are required, applications will close when the workshop reaches capacity. If you are considering joining, please feel free to contact us early.
Cancellation Policy for the Summer Workshop
Because accommodation, meals, and materials are prepared in advance, the summer workshop has its own cancellation policy.
Until 15 days before the workshop｜No cancellation fee
14 to 8 days before｜30% of the participation fee
7 to 4 days before｜50% of the participation fee
3 days before to the day before｜80% of the participation fee
On the day / No-show｜100% of the participation fee
Waking in the mountains in the morning,
coming to the studio and working with your hands.
Sharing meals, and touching thread again.
At the end of the three days,
what remains may be cloth, thread,
or mawata still on its way to becoming something.
We hope you will take home the time itself as well.