Keep it long, treasure it long.

Kurume Kasuri fabric that can be worn comfortably

Hands harvesting dew-soaked vegetables in a field shrouded in morning mist. Enjoying tea while reading a book on a veranda at dusk in the afternoon. Kurume kasuri monpe have long been a part of everyday life.

Originating in the Chikugo region around 200 years ago, Kurume kasuri is a technique in which threads are tied together, dyed, and carefully woven. It has been carefully passed down to this day by just 20 weavers. Packed with the wisdom of their ancestors, these practical monpe are quick-drying—they dry by morning after washing and hanging overnight—and comfortable and easy to wear with the drawstrings.

Even on your first wear, they'll feel as if they've already been worn by your skin, thanks to the lightness and softness of Kurume kasuri fabric. The wide silhouette offers a relaxed fit and makes them easy to layer with leggings or tights. These pants are designed for comfort and freedom of movement, allowing you to wear them as outdoor pants, extending your lounging at home.

Kurume Kasuri monpe are easy to wear and a favorite with many people. They conform to your body and develop a richer texture with each wear. They're a must-have everyday garment for modern life, and even as their design evolves, they remain a beloved favorite.


Enjoy at Your Own Pace

As everyday wear or relaxing wear, Giemon's wide-leg kasuri pants let you style them for any occasion. Pair them with sneakers or boots for a casual look, or pair them with a high-quality cotton shirt for a stylish look. The possibilities are endless, depending on the wearer's taste. Kurume Kasuri monpe are painstakingly woven from natural cotton. They grow with the wearer's daily routine and develop over time. It offers a sense of richness in modern life, where convenience seems to be the only priority.

Explore the Charm of Kurume Kasuri

Kurume Kasuri is one of Japan's traditional crafts. It is a 100% cotton fabric produced in the Chikugo region in southern Fukuoka Prefecture. Kasuri weaving flourished in this region thanks to the bounty of the Chikugo River, Kyushu's longest river, which flows through the region. The rich soil and clean water are said to be ideal for producing kasuri. By dyeing the threads before weaving, subtle variations are created, resulting in a unique and popular fabric.

In addition, Kurume Kasuri is not printed on woven fabric; the threads are dyed first and then the woven pattern is created. The tightly woven fabric, made with warp and weft threads, is extremely durable. In the past, after kimonos were no longer in use, they were mended and used for futon covers, ensuring long-lasting use. Furthermore, the fabric is characterized by its softness. After weaving, the starch is removed by boiling in water, which gives Kurume Kasuri a plump, soft feel right from the start and further enhances its texture with use.

Made using this fabric, Giemon is durable, lightweight, strong, and washable, making it a treasured piece that can be passed down from parent to child and their children, with repairs, maintenance, and the way its character deepens over time.


Passing on Traditional Crafts to the Next Generation

Giemon is the in-house brand of Okamoto Shoten, a Kurume Kasuri wholesaler founded in 1971. Founded by founder Noguchi Tasuke, Okamoto Shoten has continued to ask itself, "How can we make kasuri match the latest trends?" as global fashion shifted from traditional Japanese clothing to Western clothing. It has connected consumers with weavers who produce Kurume kasuri. In 1978, in an effort to further expand the possibilities of Kurume kasuri, a traditional craft boasting a history of over 200 years, the company launched its own brand and designs, manufactures, and sells original products that fit into modern life.

From fabric production to sewing, Kurume kasuri items are painstakingly woven, and the more you use them every day, the more you'll grow to love them. Suitable for people of all ages and genders, these items make great gifts for fabric lovers, those who enjoy handcrafts and dyeing, and those who appreciate natural styles. They also make wonderful souvenirs for people overseas, as they offer a touch of Japanese style.