Japan: Steven Mose (A New Experience)

Program: UW Wellbeing and the Art of Forest Bathing in Japan, Winter Intersession

Last semester, I had the interesting experience of becoming somewhat involved and interested in fabric arts through my folklore class without ever actually producing anything in that field myself. Luckily enough, I had the opportunity to participate in a fabric dying workshop during my study abroad program in Kyoto. The reason that this workshop in particular stood out to me so much was primarily its leader, the charismatic octogenarian master of shibori fabric dyeing, Kenji. Kenji brought more energy to the workshop than I personally would have, and I am a quarter of his age! I can only hope that when I am 85, I have found something to be as passionate about as Kenji is about shibori.

Pictured left: The whole program group proudly showing off their newly dyed fabrics with Kenji.

Despite his lack of all but the most basic English, Kenji made sure to encourage us with repeated shouts of “good!” or “yay!” after each step, and managed to provide thorough assistance and instruction while making sure that we were still doing most of the work on our own pieces.

I am so grateful for people like Kenji who genuinely just brighten up any space they are in with their smile and their passion for what they do. Overall, this workshop was yet another reminder of the value of trying new things and of creating something with your own hands, as the sense of satisfaction is simply far greater. If you are ever in Kyoto, be sure to visit Kenji-sensei at the Kyoto Shibori Museum!