(ICC photos)
The event organized by the ICC, “A Thousand Uses: Chusen Tenugui: Traditional Japanese Hand-Dyed Cloth Workshop,” was an amazing introduction to Japan’s rich culture, especially for international students.
Perfectly timed for the summer, the workshop taught us how to use the tenugui in various ways, such as a headband, lunchbox holder, water bottle holder, and mask. I remember seeing tenugui during festivals where performers wore them as headwear and during one of our trips to Dotonbori in Hiroshima where tenugui were being sold. The intricate and colorful designs made me even more fascinated about the tenugui.
The event began with a short introduction followed by social time, during which we chose our own chusen tenugui with our favorite design. The room was filled with tenugui featuring summer, spring, and even Christmas themes, making it difficult to choose just one due to their wonderful and colorful designs. I eventually selected a tenugui with a koinobori design because it reminded me of the koinobori hung on a building behind my apartment. During the group session, I had the opportunity to interact with other participants and make new friends. Coincidentally, I was also grouped with some old friends, and we had the pleasure of conversing with both Keisuke Tanaka and Yuji Nakao, who provided information about our chosen designs.
(ICC photos)
After everyone had picked their tenugui and returned to their designated tables, Tanaka-san, the Tokyo Branch Manager of Nakani Corporation, gave a presentation about how tenugui are made and showed some of the tools used in the process. The demonstration was fascinating, especially as we learned about the number of tenugui produced in one cycle and the beauty of the designs. Following Tanaka-san’s presentation, Nakao-san, the CEO of Nakani Corporation, taught us how to use the tenugui in various ways.
Next, we worked in pairs within our group of four to create tissue box covers. My friend and I had fun despite the challenge of ensuring there were no loose ends, and we eventually succeeded. Next, we made headbands, which was one of my favorite activities during the event. Everyone was delighted with how their headbands turned out. The most difficult task was creating the plastic bottle holder, as it required secure wrapping. Despite the difficulty, it was enjoyable. I remember one friend laughing because the tanuki design on their tenugui was no longer visible after wrapping. This event was a wonderful opportunity to engage with others and learn about the versatile uses of the tenugui.
Thank you very much, ICC, for this amazing experience. The events organized by the ICC are incredibly helpful for connecting with students from different countries and learning more about the Japanese culture. Additionally, these events also create newfound friendships and memorable experiences that will surely be treasured by each participant.
(ICC photo)
