Amazing AOMORI

Kogin-zashi is a kind of sashiko or traditional Japanese reinforced stitching technique born in the Tsugaru region about 300 years ago, during Japan’s Edo period. Peasants would stitch cotton threads into their coarse linen work clothes to reinforce the loose weave. A technique of creating geometric patterns by making stitches while counting the number of weaves was developed, mainly in the area around Hirosaki. There are three different styles by region: Higashi Kogin from the area east of Hirosaki, Nishi Kogin from the area to the west, and Mishima Kogin from the area to the north.

Nowadays, Kogin-zashi embroidery is no longer limited to just farmers’ work clothes. It is used to decorate a variety of items like neckties, handbags, and wallets and has become popular as a folk art.

The Hirosaki Kogin Institute is an organization dedicated to carefully preserving and authentically passing on the traditional craft of Kogin-zashi. It manufactures and sells Kogin-zashi products made with traditional materials and techniques.

Visitors can also observe artisans at work or try stitching their own Kogin-zashi coaster. (For the latter, participants who cannot speak or understand Japanese must be accompanied by an interpreter.)

Those who are interested in the hands-on experience can apply from the following website.

tsugarunavi.jp