The act of "nurturing culture": Towards becoming more than a brand
The act of "nurturing culture": To become more than just a brand
From the WABISUKE editorial department
I believe that culture is born when someone's activities take root in someone else's memories.
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Not a brand, but something that remains as part of the landscape
WABISUKE makes everyday items such as clasps, pouches, and bags.
However, our true goal is not to sell products.
It is a quieter activity that takes place over a longer timescale - "nurturing culture."
Culture is not just what you see.
It's a soft memory that quietly creeps into someone's life and is recalled at random moments.
WABISUKE aims to be a presence that quietly takes root in the soil of such memories.
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The seeds of a story embedded in textiles
All WABISUKE products are created from original textiles.
Owls, goldfish, cranes, kabuki, beckoning cats...
Each pattern incorporates elements of Japanese culture, stories, good fortune and playfulness.
For example, owls are also written as "Fukuro" (Fukurou) and are popular as beings that bring good fortune.
Goldfish are a refreshing symbol of summer and evoke nostalgic memories of festivals.
By reconstructing these motifs with a modern sensibility and adding playfulness to colors and compositions,
WABISUKE textiles are reborn as "pieces of culture that fit into modern life."
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Use makes it part of culture
Culture does not grow just by being created.
It only comes to life when there is someone to use it.
WABISUKE's clasp purse could be a small wallet used for everyday shopping.
Or perhaps it's a gift for someone you meet on your travels, encasing memories like wrapping paper.
Pouches and bags are used in our daily lives, and sometimes they get worn down and torn.
It will mark a time that is unique to that person.
In this way, the product transforms from a mere "thing" into a "container of memories."
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Playing with tradition, not inheriting it
Many traditional motifs appear in WABISUKE textiles.
However, our goal is not to "preserve tradition."
Rather, it's about playing with tradition.
To freely reconstruct something while incorporating the atmosphere and sensibilities of the time.
We believe that this is necessary to nurture culture as something living.
For example, there is a textile featuring a bold and pop design of Kabuki makeup.
Or a pattern that geometrically reconstructs the classic crane motif.
It is a place where respect, humor, and the sensibilities of those living in the present coexist.
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Giving gifts spreads culture
WABISUKE products are often chosen as gifts.
It's not just because it's cute or Japanese,
This may be because it is filled with the desire to "gently bring a poetic moment into someone's life."
Culture only grows when it is shared.
The act of giving is also about handing over the seeds of culture into the lives of others.
That seed will sprout somewhere and be passed on to someone else.
In this cycle, WABISUKE's activities are quietly expanding.
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As an endless activity
The task of cultivating culture is never-ending.
It's a collection of small choices we make every day,
It's a process of gently supporting someone's life.
WABISUKE will continue to go beyond the boundaries of a "brand"
We will continue to sow the seeds of a poetic, quiet, yet solid culture.
That is our wish, our mission, and our daily work.