Zenbird Editorial TeamJoin us for an afternoon on 28 November, as you take the opportunity to step inside a working indigo dye house and then onto the floor of a kendo dojo, presenting a rare chance to experience two intertwined traditions that continue to shape everyday values in Japan.
Organised by Zenbird Media together with Nogawa Senshoku Kougyou and Heiseikan Dojo, this five-hour event connects the craft of Bushu indigo dyeing with the discipline of kendo to explore ideas often cited in Japanese life. The event also aims to offer practical insight into etiquette, respect and care for people, tools and place, suggesting qualities that you can carry into their own daily routines.
The visit begins at Nogawa Senshoku Kougyou, a 110-year-old manufacturer known for Bushu Sho-Aizome and the Bushuichi kendo uniform. You will tour the factory and see the vats up-close. We will then move to the “Kame-nozoki” site and learn how the indigo culture of the region came to be. You’ll hear a short talk will introduce the Bushu area’s indigo history, followed by a discussion on how the craft models circularity, coexistence with nature and well-being. An optional fitting offers a chance to try on an indigo-dyed kendo uniform and hakama.
The group will then transfer to Heiseikan Dojo for an introduction to kendo. Under expert guidance, you will learn dojo behaviour, core etiquette, posture, grip, footwork and the closing bow. A reflection session will close the day, drawing links between “the Way” as a lifelong practice and everyday habits like punctuality, humility, responsibility, mutual care and respect, alongside caring for objects and space as an expression of gratitude and focus.
Register here today!Speakers
Guiding us through the experience is Yuki Nogawa, the fifth-generation head of Nogawa Senshoku Kougyou, born in Hanyu, who promotes Bushu Sho-Aizome through the Bushuichi kendo uniform and new product development, and Mizuki Amagai, the principal of Ibaraki Chuo Kodomoen, instructor of the Ibaraki Junior Kendo Team and holder of 7th dan. Amagai has coached children to multiple national titles.
The programme follows a dialogue by Nogawa and Amagai on “Indigo is alive: the ‘Strength to Live’ in Kendo attire culture,” which is now translated into hands-on learning for you.
Who is this event for
- Those seeking practical guidance from Japanese ways of thinking
- Visitors who want to see a traditional indigo process up close
- People interested in trying kendo in indigo-dyed uniform
- Anyone curious about the spirit of Bushido and everyday discipline
Programme at a glance
1. Indigo Dyeing Factory Tour (approx. 1 hour) at Nogawa Senshoku Kougyou
- Gathering at Minami-Hanyu Station at 13:00 and walking to the factory
- Opening session (5–10 min): What you will gain from this experience
- Factory tour: Observe artisans at work in the indigo vats (30 min)
2. “Kame-nozoki” Indigo Experience (approx. 1 hour)
- Move to the “Kame-nozoki” site and visit the exhibition room
- Explanation of the history of indigo dyeing in Hanyū (Bushu area) (20 min)
- Q&A and participant talk session: In what ways is this sustainable?
3. Transfer & Kendo Experience (approx. 2–2.5 hours)
- Move to Heiseikan Dōjō (10 min by taxi)
- Learning proper behavior in the dōjō
- Etiquette and manners
- Posture, how to hold the shinai, and footwork
- Closing bow with all participants
- Group photo session
- Group reflection session: Sharing today’s learnings
Event details
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- Date and time: 28 Nov. 2025, 1–5 p.m. (programme ends around 5–6 p.m.); meet at Minami-Hanyu Station at 1 p.m.
- Meeting location: Meet at Minami-Hanyu Station at 1 p.m.
- Tickets: ¥20,000 (transport not included); children 12 and under: ¥10,000
- Capacity: 15 people
- Language: English
- Register: via Peatix
We are offering a complimentary coupon code for Zenbird readers, too. Please use the code “ZB11AK” for a ¥5,000 ticket discount.
Comment from Roger Ong, Editor-in-Chief for Zenbird Media
Our values precede our mindsets, and in turn those mindsets shape our actions. At Zenbird, we recognise the deep links between the lessons in well-being for people and nature inherent in indigo dyeing and kendo, and the values they instil for living better. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn from two accomplished sensei and to build both character and values.
