Ninja Roots, Secret Techniques, Silent Strength

Jul 18, 2025

「EP.55」伊賀組紐

IGA KUMIHIMO
Mie Prefecture

「transcript」

Kumihimo, the art of braided cords, came to Japan over 1,200 years ago, first for rituals and court robes, then as fittings for samurai armor and swords.

Fast forward to the 1900s, the silk-producing region of Iga in Mie Prefecture began crafting the most intricate kumihimo of all, known as Iga Kumihimo. As a historic birthplace of ninjas, Iga developed a culture of secrecy where each house guarded its braiding patterns to avoid imitation.

Diagonally interlaced threads make Iga Kumihimo stretchy and shape-holding, ideal for tying without coming loose.

The process begins long before weaving. Artisans calculate precise specifications, measuring, dyeing, and drafting detailed, often cryptic, instructions.

Some kumihimo are machine-made, but complex patterns still require hand-braiding, as machines can't match the needed precision. Without the craftsmen's attention, the slightest shift in tension can ruin the cord’s stretch and memory.

Today, Iga Kumihimo is found in kimono accessories, fashion, and contemporary design. Recently, its feature in the anime film Your Name sparked global interest, and now the craft is also appreciated in overseas markets and collaborations.

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