Kyoto Nishinjin textile upcycling project wins award

The “Kyoto Nishijin Bridge to the Future Project” breathes new life into Nishijin-ori, or Nishijin weaving, by empowering young designers to reinterpret tradition through contemporary fashion. This is an upcycling project that won an award, “Kyoto City Shining Regional Enterprise Award – Future Contribution Award” from Kyoto City.

The project was launched in May 2023 to upcycle surplus Nishijin fabric and threads, offering fashion students an opportunity to blend modern creativity and precious tradition. Students engage in meaningful dialogue with artisans and industry professionals, exchanging ideas and refining their designs.

The project begins with an immersive education phase, where students explore the intricate history and craftsmanship of Nishijin weaving. They then visit weaving workshops to witness artisans at work, deepening their understanding of the craft. Armed with this knowledge, they design and create unique pieces, pushing the boundaries of traditional textiles.

In its first year, the project hosted an “Upcycle Design Contest,” attracting 188 student submissions. This contest encouraged experimentation with Nishijin fabric, culminating in a final review process where seven outstanding designs were recognized. The journey concluded with an awards ceremony in November, celebrating the fusion of tradition and innovation.

The second year introduced a more interactive format, shifting from competition to collaboration. Students worked closely with Nishijin artisans and Nissen employees, crafting pieces through a dialogue-driven process. Frequent presentations and feedback sessions fostered intergenerational exchanges, strengthening the cultural connection between students and the craft.

The project’s influence has steadily expanded, involving over 150 students from five fashion schools. Participant feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with 84% expressing that the experience deepened their interest in traditional crafts.

Despite its 500-year legacy, Nishijin weaving risks becoming a relic if it does not evolve with the times. This project ensures its continued relevance by engaging students in hands-on experiences with the culture.