YAMANASHI WORKSHOP
From Cocoon to Cloth
A small day at the Yamanashi studio
A day to touch
the season of the mountains and the changes of materials.
At our studio in the mountains of Yamanashi,
we spend time with cocoons, mawata silk floss, thread,
plant colors, and traditional tools,
tracing one handwork process at a time.
From the work taking place in the studio during that season,
we focus on one process, or two closely connected processes,
and spend time with them slowly.
Working with your hands. Watching materials change.
Sharing lunch and spending time in the mountains.
Together, these make up a day at the workshop.
What Yamanashi makes possible
Around the studio, there are mulberry trees, oak trees, and plants used for dyeing. Sericulture, Tensan wild silk, and the work of turning cocoons into cloth all move with the seasons of the mountains.
A day for simmering cocoons.
A day for gathering plants and dyeing with their colors.
A day for making thread from mawata silk floss.
A day at the loom, carrying thread into cloth.
Each monthly theme is chosen from the materials available in the studio and the seasonal work taking place at that time.
Seasonal Handwork
Rather than doing everything each time,
we combine handwork processes that suit the season.
From cocoon to mawata
Opening cocoons, removing the pupae,
and spreading them into soft mawata silk floss.
From plants to color
Gathering plants, making dye,
and transferring color to mawata and thread.
From thread to cloth
Making thread from mawata silk floss,
and carrying it into a small cloth on the loom.
CURRENT WORKSHOPS
Current Themes and Dates
SEPTEMBER
Friday, September 18 and Saturday, September 19
From Cocoon to Mawata
We will open cocoons after removing the pupae, touch the softness of mawata silk floss, and draw a small amount of thread from it.
OCTOBER
Friday, October 16 and Saturday, October 17
Transferring Autumn Colors to Mawata
We will receive color from seasonal plants and dye mawata silk floss. After dyeing, we will spread the mawata and begin carrying it toward thread.
NOVEMBER
Friday, November 20 and Saturday, November 21
From Mawata to Winter Thread
We will choose colors from plant-dyed mawata silk floss and spin thread. The finished thread may be taken home as it is, or woven into a small cloth.
Each workshop may be joined separately.
By joining several sessions, you can follow the movement from cocoon to cloth
along with the changing seasons.
There will be no monthly workshop in December, as we will be focusing on studio production.
A Day at the Studio
Around 10:00 a.m.
We begin with an introduction to the studio and the materials,
then start the handwork for the day.
Lunch
We share a seasonal lunch prepared at the studio.
Afternoon
We continue the morning’s work at an unhurried pace,
and finish the day around 3:00 p.m.
The order and timing may change slightly depending on the theme and the condition of the materials.
Lunchtime
Lunch is prepared by hand at the studio. We include local ingredients and seasonal vegetables when possible, and share the same table with the participants.
The time to pause our hands and share a meal is also an important part of a day spent at the Yamanashi studio.
Please let us know about any food allergies when you apply.
INFORMATION
Participation Information
Time
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Place
yamamayu studio
Ichikawamisato, Yamanashi
Capacity
2–5 participants per session
Fee
¥14,300 tax included
Includes materials and lunch.
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
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 studio location will be sent by email after your participation is confirmed.
How to Apply
Please apply through the common application form. After checking the content of 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.
For cancellations and date changes, please see our Workshop Cancellation Policy .