ISE, Mie -- The municipal government of this central Japan city has developed a new textile called "Isewashitex," made using the traditional craft of Ise washi Japanese paper.

The material was created as a new Ise brand in collaboration with the office of the late world-renowned designer Kansai Yamamoto. The first product, a lightweight shoulder bag called "Sacosh," has recently been completed.

Ise washi, produced by local firm Taihou Wasi Kougyou K.K., founded in 1899, is designated as a traditional craft of Mie Prefecture. It uses kozo paper mulberry and oriental paper bush fibers, while an extract from the roots of sunset hibiscus plants is used as a binding agent. In addition to being the official paper of Ise Jingu shrine for items such as talismans and amulets, in recent years it has also been made into letter paper, postcards and photo paper that can be used in home printers, gaining popularity for its distinctive texture and strength.

The city's connection with Kansai Yamamoto's office began before the COVID-19 pandemic, when the designer himself took part in an Ise tourism promotion event in the United Kingdom. That led him to promote Ise's appeal, including by giving lectures in the city. Development of the new washi-based material was launched based on a proposal from Yamamoto's office, which has carried on his wishes, and took five years of work to complete.

Isewashitex is created by cutting Ise washi into fine strips, twisting them into yarn, and weaving them together with cotton yarn and other fibers. The resulting fabric is lightweight, breathable and highly moisture absorbent. By changing the blending ratio of cotton yarn, it is possible to create fabrics with a variety of textures.

The first product, Sacosh, measuring 21 centimeters long and 15 centimeters wide, was put on sale by Ise-based Juing LLC., which operates the Ise Kikuichi tourist exchange hub along the approach from Iseshi Station to the outer shrine of Ise Jingu.

The design is inspired by the traditional Okihiki folk festival and features a modern Japanese design that complements "happi" coats. The front is embroidered with a comma-shaped "magatama" bead motif evoking the outer shrine and the letters "ISE." Yamamoto office president Takeshi Yamamoto said, "It's perfect for wearing over the shoulder and carrying a smartphone or plastic bottle. I hope people make use of it during Okihiki."

The Sacosh bag is priced at 2,700 yen (about $17) including tax. It is available in limited quantities at Ise Kikuichi and through an online store.

As Isewashitex is a registered trademark of Ise, permission from the municipal government is required for use. It is seeking businesses that will manufacture and sell products using the material. For inquiries, contact the Ise City Tourism Promotion Division at 0596-21-5565 (in Japanese).

(Japanese original by Yuki Kozawa, Ise Bureau)