Hearty-Hands (Busyu-seiaizome) has been stubbornly maintaining one of the most traditional Japanese natural indigo dying methods which was originated in Northern part of Saitama prefecture (near Tokyo), Japan in the Era of Edo (1603-1867).

The basic raw material for this Aizome (Indigo Dying) method is the leaf of Ai (Polygonum Tinctorium). The Japanese process differs from that in other countries in that the leaves are fermented to extract the indigo compound.

Hearty Hands uses the leaves of Ai that are mainly brought from the southern part of Japan, where the plants grow well.  Nowadays there are only four main providers managing to maintain their business.

Using sukumo - composted leaves - doesn't provide any shortcut to the rest of the dyeing process. Compared with other Indigo dyeing methods, the Japanese way requires more sensitive care throughout the process as they have to keep the bacteria alive through the entire dyeing session, which is not an easy thing to do.

The overall procedure is the same at any workshop but each professional dyer has his own particular methods, which give each piece of work uniqueness and its individual beauty.

You will experience the comfort and enjoyment every time you wear their indigo items and that will last for a very long time as they will fade beautifully and it gives even more uniqueness to it.