MIJ15: Hand Dyed Natural Indigo Kakishibu Intangible Cultural Treasure Selvedge Denim

The MIJ15 is the newest addition to our Made in Japan series—where we bring together heritage methods, traditional Japanese dyes, and meticulous old-world construction. This one is built from a 15oz Japanese selvedge denim, with a natural indigo-dyed warp from Tokushima and a kakishibu-dyed weft. Each component of this fabric is steeped in centuries of craftsmanship, and the result is something that just can’t be mass-produced.

Kakishibu is made by fermenting the juice of unripe astringent persimmons (dai-dai). The tannins from the fruit oxidize over time, producing a dye that ranges in tone from golden orange to deep brown. In Japanese history, it was used not just for textiles, but for waterproofing wood, preserving fishing nets, strengthening washi paper, and even as a form of insect repellent. Samurai armor was sometimes lacquered with kakishibu for both its durability and color.

In textiles, kakishibu was often associated with workwear and everyday garments. It was affordable, tough, and faded beautifully. For the MIJ15, the weft yarns are dyed in kakishibu before weaving. The result is a warm, earthy tone that sits just under the indigo surface, creating a subtle orange-brown cast that grows more visible as the jeans fade.

Indigo dyeing in Tokushima dates back over 800 years, and the region became famous during the Edo period for producing Awa Ai—a high-quality natural indigo fermented using a labor-intensive composting method. Tokushima’s climate, with its humid summers and soft river water, proved ideal for growing Tade Ai (indigofera), the plant used for the dye.

The dye is turned into Sukumo, a fermented indigo paste, using a process that takes over 100 days. Sukumo is mixed with lye, sake, wheat bran, and shell ash to create a living indigo vat, which must be stirred and cared for daily. This method is so culturally significant that it has been designated as an Intangible Cultural Treasure by the Japanese government.

In the MIJ15 the warp yarns are dyed in these vats by hand. The yarns are tied into hanks, dipped repeatedly to build up the dye, and oxidized between dips. Because the yarns are bundled, the exposure to air is uneven, some parts oxidize more quickly, some stay darker, creating natural variation across the yarns that’s impossible to fake with synthetic indigo or rope dyeing.

Available At The Following Retailers Starting Thursday, July 17th, 2025

UK

Stuarts London - Weird Guy

USA

Dant – Weird Guy / True Guy

Naked & Famous Denim NYC - Super Guy / Weird Guy / True Guy

Canada

Blue Owl - Weird Guy / True Guy

Gerhard Supply – Weird Guy

Tate + Yoko - Super Guy / Weird Guy / True Guy

Korea

Modeman - Weird Guy