There is a unique craft that you can only find on Amami Oshima in the world. It’s mud dyeing or Dorozome as it is known in Japanese.
Dorozome is one of the processes used to create Oshima Tsumugi fabric. Through this process, the fabric is dyed a glossy black. You can experience mud dyeing as an activity in Amami Oshima.
What’s Dorozome?
Originally, mud dyeing is a technique used to dye silk threads before they became fabric. Oshima Tsumugi uses a unique method called “pre-dyeing,” where threads with colors and dots are first created, and then woven into patterned fabric.
Tour Schedule
1. Observing the Oshima Tsumugi Production Process
You will visit a facility where you can observe the entire process from design to weaving the fabric, and learn about the interesting history and craftsmanship of Oshima Tsumugi fabric.
2. Visiting the Dorozome workshop
You will visit the workshop of a traditional mud dyeing craftsman. After receiving an explanation about mud dyeing, the hands-on experience will begin.
You can choose materials such as T-shirts, scarves, or handbags, decide on a design, and then dye them.
3. Designing the pattern
First, you will choose a pattern. You can design your favorite pattern, such as lines, gradients, or tornadoes. The craftsman will assist you with the design.
4. Sharinbai Dyeing
We don’t immediately dye with mud. We dye with a special plant broth called “Sharinbai” several times. The reason for this is…let’s find out during the experience!
5. Dorozome
After dyeing several times with Sharinbai, we proceed to mud. Please pay attention to how the color of the fabric changes.
Depending on the weather, we may use makeshift mud tubs instead of mud fields.
6. Complete!
Your own original craft is now complete!
Available Tour
Link Adventures’ mud dyeing plans all include transportation and interpreter services.
Amami Oshima Textile Experience
This is the standard plan, which includes a tour of the Oshima Tsumugi production process and a mud dyeing experience.
Duration 3hours~
Price (Size of Group / Price per person）
1 / ¥25,000
2-3 / ¥14,000
4~ / ¥12,000
