Interweaving
Japanese Beauty
The first installment of the Presage Museum explores recent innovation taking place
in Kyoto's Nishijin Textile* tradition, asking questions such as
“How is functional beauty interpreted?” and
“What connects this
work to the Presage Classic Series?”
＊Nishijin Textile is a type of fabric made in the northwestern part of Kyoto City. It is a traditional textile that uses dyed silk threads woven together with gold and silver threads to create vivid patterns.
Fashion Designer Yusuke Maeda, Who Comes from a Nishijin Textile Tradition
Arisugawa Textile／N’s 1182
Fashion Designer Yusuke Maeda
A young creator who honors tradition while embracing new challenges has emerged. Yusuke Maeda, the third generation of the Nishijin Textile manufacturer Arisugawa Orimono, has launched the apparel brand “N's 1182,” showcasing the traditional techniques of Nishijin Textile in innovative ways.
Yusuke Maeda describes the brand as a "simplified version of Nishijin Textile" and envisions it being worn in diverse styles, from punk and street fashion to formal wear, as versatile unisex clothing.
The Seiko Presage Classic Series embodies his ideals, drawing on the concept of "functional beauty," a way of relating to objects deeply rooted in Japanese culture.
“The Nishijin Textile obi is typically worn only by those
who wear kimonos. But with this watch, people all over the world can experience Japan’s beauty and tradition. Isn’t that wonderful? I was drawn to the notion of ‘Gracefully embracing Japan’s timeless beauty.’” The Presage
Classic Series and Mr. Maeda’s perspective resonate deeply with one another.
A Deep Connection
to Japanese Aesthetics
Creating Unique Beauty Using Time-Honored Skills and Technique
Kyoto's Nishijin Textile, a tradition with a history spanning 1,200 years, is renowned for its vibrant colors and intricate patterns created through complex combinations of warp and weft threads. It is primarily
used for traditional Japanese obi belts and decorative items.
As the third-generation successor of the Nishijin Textile tradition, Mr. Maeda explains that Arisugawa Orimono has always focused on creating
independent beauty. He further highlights the workshop's traditional roots, noting that obi belts for kimonos are among its main products. "Inheriting the Nishijin Textile tradition, we strive to create unique
and unparalleled beauty using the skills and techniques passed down through generations." At the same time, he adds, "We design products ranging from formal to casual items, prioritizing a distinctive and independent
beauty that doesn't strictly adhere to traditional designs or follow fleeting trends."
Childhood Memories Rekindled as a New Brand
While carrying these traditions forward, Mr. Maeda describes the inspiration behind launching his new brand, N’s 1182. “As someone who has always had a deep appreciation for textiles and worn various types of clothing, I believe the remarkable feature of Nishijin Textile is its ability to express bold patterns through delicate threads. To me, that is what makes it beautiful.”
He continues, “When I was a student, I decided to start producing clothing and wanted to create beautiful designs to share with the world in an interesting way. At that time, I recalled the mountain of fabrics that I had been familiar with since childhood. It inspired me to create one-of-a-kind happiness using these unique fabrics, and that became the starting point for the brand.”
Watches with Elegance and Subtlety that Evoke Japanese Aesthetics
When presented with the Presage Classic series, he immediately recognizes the watch’s connection to Japanese aesthetics. “I find it interesting that the dial is created using techniques not typically associated with timepieces. The crepe-like texture and the glossy appearance that changes with the light are incredibly beautiful. The other model with the open-heart design evokes the delicate beauty of silken threads.”
He also observed the watch’s strap. “Specifically, I noticed that it is quite delicate and fits perfectly. It feels very comfortable to wear. Another aspect that caught my attention is the curved design, which perfectly embodies the elegance of traditional Japanese craftsmanship. I couldn’t help but notice how the curves in the design resemble those found in traditional Japanese crafts. That was my initial impression when I first saw the timepiece.”
Mr. Maeda also draws a parallel between the use of gold in the watches’ indexes and bezels and the Japanese art of kintsugi, which involves repairing broken pottery by mending the areas of breakage with urushi lacquer mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum. “The idea of kintsugi came to mind; I found the subtle use of gold to be a perfect representation of damaged objects being repaired. That understated touch of gold adds an elegance that shines brightly in a uniquely Japanese way. It’s subtle, indeed. This watch seems to pair well with a variety of settings. Until now, timepieces have generally been more suited to Western wear, with materials leaning towards that style. However, this particular series would look elegant even when paired with a kimono.”
Arisugawa Textile／N’s 1182
Fashion Designer Yusuke Maeda
Yusuke Maeda and his apparel brand, N's 1182, are leading the way in spreading Nishijin Textile culture and passing it on to the next generation. Both Seiko Presage and Nishijin Textile embody the essence of Japanese beauty, adapting gracefully to the changing times. Together, they strive to elevate the expression of Japanese aesthetics to new heights.
Nishijin Textile is produced in the Nishijin district of Kyoto’s Kamigyo ward. It originated in the Heian era over 1,200 years ago, when Kyoto was the cultural center of the imperial court. Known for its intricate, decorative designs and rich colors, Nishijin Textile is woven from pre-dyed silk threads and involves more than 20 individual processes, each requiring specialized expertise.
Designated a traditional craft of Japan in 1976, Nishijin Textile is a registered trademark of the Nishijin Textile Industry Association. This alliance, consisting of more than 250 weaving houses, produces creatively rich textiles.
Nishijin Textile is perhaps best known for its use in obi (broad belts for kimonos), but the fabric is also used in a wide range of clothing and accessories, including kimonos, neckties, stoles, handbags, wallets and other small items. Beyond fashion, Nishijin Textile is incorporated into interior products, such as curtains and wallpaper.
Producing Nishijin Textile is divided into more than 20 processes, with various artisans, specializing in different stages of production. Working from a product designer’s vision, the pattern designer creates a design template. The dyer dyes the warp and weft threads, while a warp preparation specialist prepares the necessary length and number of warp threads. A weaver then sets up the loom for the weft threads and carries out the weaving.
Built on this division of labor, Nishijin Textile has evolved the use of advanced techniques. Each step is crucial; the textile cannot be completed if any step is missing. Like many traditional crafts, Nishijin Textile faces the challenges of an aging and shrinking pool of skilled artisans, along with the advancing tide of technology. Emerging young designers, such as Yusuke Maeda with his N’s 1182 brand, play a key role in keeping the Nishijin Textile tradition alive, vibrant, and transformative.
Things that Express
the Beauty of Japan
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Seiko Presage Classic Series
The Culinary Culture of Kyoto
Culture and Cuisine are Inseparable
Tradition and Innovation: Two Sides of the Same Coin
Naotaka Motoyama is the executive chef at Shimogamosaryo, an elegant Japanese restaurant located in one of Kyoto’s most scenic and historical spots, which has been in operation since 1856. He describes Kyoto’s culinary tradition as the art of transforming carefully chosen seasonal ingredients into visually stunning, delicious dishes that transcend their individual components. Motoyama explains that modern kaiseki cuisine, the restaurant's specialty, evolved from the same cultural tradition as the tea ceremony. He emphasizes the interconnectedness of culture and cuisine, stating, “The dishes used to serve the food, the traditional craftsmanship involved, and the natural origins of the ingredients themselves all contribute to completing this cultural experience.”
Naotaka Motoyama
Executive Chef of ShimogamoSaryo
Mr. Motoyama explains that climate change and economic factors occasionally cause shortages of local vegetables used in the restaurant’s dishes, which drives innovation. "I see this as part of our tradition – tradition and innovation are two sides of the same coin," he says. "The most important thing is to serve delicious food, and that is something that must be passed down through generations. However, the manner of presentation and the ways of eating evolve over time."
Naotaka Motoyama
Executive Chef of ShimogamoSaryo
Watches with Elegance and Subtlety That Evoke Japanese Aesthetics
Elaborating further on the balance between tradition and innovation, Mr. Motoyama explains, “We will continue to do our best to preserve the essence of Kyoto cuisine. Simply introducing Western-style ingredients in a gaudy way could disrupt the balance of our tradition, but this does not mean we will not incorporate them at all. I have access to a wealth of information now, and I sometimes collaborate with Western chefs. This allows us to inspire each other and share valuable insights.”
Considering the Presage Classic series, Mr. Motoyama comments, “Japan has many wonderful crafts and traditional products, and I think this presents a great opportunity to examine and incorporate them into a watch. It can also spark a deeper interest in these traditions. Of course, you can enjoy wearing this watch, even without knowing about the tradition. But once you do, you may feel compelled to learn more about it.”
