Learn about everything from the fields to indigo dyeing and sukumo making at "Ainoha Trust"

For the past three years, I have been working with natural farmer Yoritaka Okamoto on "Ainoha Trust."

We distribute indigo seeds to everyone and have them grow the leaves, which we use at Ishiteshiro Clothing Store when preparing sake sump.

This activity has continued for three full years, and we are finally at the stage where we can use the "sukumo" that has been prepared using the leaves that everyone has helped to produce.

This year, we will be holding the Indigo Leaf Trust again. It is an initiative that connects people through indigo, where we grow indigo leaves, prepare them for dyeing, and then make sukumo for the following year.

Indigo dyeing begins with sowing seeds in the fields. The beautiful indigo color comes from the soil of the fields. It all starts and ends with the seeds. Indigo dyeing has continued as part of an agricultural lifestyle.

It's a truly mysterious and magical dyeing process, so please come and join us if you are interested in indigo dyeing, if you would like to try it, or if you are interested in dyeing from the fields.

We will also distribute seeds to those who want to grow indigo plants themselves. Please try growing indigo plants, even if it is just a small amount, on the edge of your field or garden. We would be happy if you could continue to pass on the seeds.

For this project, we will be building a 130-liter pail (large bucket), which is a size that you can build and manage yourself even if you don't have an indigo vat.

Please try to attend all meetings if possible. If you are unable to attend due to unavoidable circumstances, please let us know.

Capacity: 10 people
Participation fee: 24,000 yen (for all 5 sessions)
(Includes materials for each session, one indigo-dyed hand towel, and lunch on the day)

 1st session: "Indigo Preparation"
Date and time: Wednesday, May 22nd, starting at 11:00 and ending around 15:00
Contents: Talk about indigo preparation, work in the indigo fields, and indigo cultivation

2nd "Indigo Dyeing Experience"
Date and time: Wednesday, June 19th, starting at 11:00 and ending around 15:00
Contents: Indigo dyeing experience (dyeing a hand towel), working in an indigo field

The 3rd session: "First Indigo Harvest"
Date and time: Thursday, August 1st, starting at 10:00 and ending around 15:00 *Schedule may change depending on the weather
Contents: Harvesting indigo leaves, drying, working in the indigo fields

4th "Second Indigo Harvest"
Date and time: Wednesday, September 4th, starting at 10:00 and ending around 15:00 *Schedule may change depending on the weather Content: Harvesting indigo leaves, drying, working in the indigo fields

The 5th "Sukumo Preparation"
Date and time: Wednesday, October 16th, starting at 10:00 and ending around 15:00
Contents: Preparation of sukumo, summary meeting

Items to bring to each session
・Clothes that you don't mind getting dirty
·drink
・Long boots
・Work gloves (or rubber gloves)

The harvest dates in August and September may vary depending on the weather and growing conditions.

*Those who participated in the 2023 Ai no Ha Trust can participate in any session for free (as a one-off) as a refresher. Please contact us if you would like to participate.
*The date for Okamoto Yoritaka to visit the site is currently being determined.

■Cancellation policy
・Cancellation one week before the first day: Free
・Cancellation between 1 week and 3 days before the first day: 50%
・Cancellation after that: Full fee