Kumika
Inspired by Japan's sacred culture of "connection,"
Kumika is a piece that symbolizes connection and quiet elegance.
A pendant of elegance and spirit,
woven with Kyoto craftsmanship.
What is Kumika?
A sacred Japanese tradition that connects fragrance and soul.
組紐は、古来より神社で用いられてきた日本の伝統工芸です。
Kumikaは、京都で受け継がれる伝統工芸「組紐」―絹糸を結んだ紐―から生まれた、精神性を宿すペンダントです。肌に負担をかけず、手洗いも可能で、お好みの香りをまとわせることもできます。
組紐は神道において、神と人、この世とあの世を結ぶ神聖な結び目とされ、神事や装束に用いられ、清め・祈り・護りの象徴とされてきました。私たちは現代の企業として、この組紐から新しい祈りのかたち『香りによる祈り』を生み出す「Kumika」を誕生させました。
神道において、良い香りは神の存在を表すとされ、香りはその場を整え、魂を清め、その場に神聖さを感じさせる助けになるといわれています。
ペンダントの中心には、上下に動かすことのできる絹糸の小さな玉があり、そこにお好きなエッセンシャルオイルを含ませることができます。歩くたび、あるいは風がその糸を揺らすたびに、やわらかな香りがふわりと立ちのぼり、あなたの心を落ち着かせ、内なる気『精神』を整え、内省のひとときをもたらしてくれます。
また、この玉は上下に動かせるため、香りの強さも自在に調整可能。オイルを使わずに、神々とつながるための品として、そのまま身につけることもできます。
このプロジェクトは、10年前に世界的ヒットとなったアニメーション映画にも登場した、日本文化の美を宿す組紐を、香りが持つ精神的な癒しの力とともに世界中の人々に届けたいという想いから生まれました。
Kumikaは、あなたの想いとお気に入りの香りを、神聖なものへと結ぶ、一本の糸です。
For those interested in Japanese culture.
For those who value inner peace and invisible connections .
A sacred Japanese tradition that connects fragrance and soul.
この美人画に描いたのは、時代を越えて受け継がれる、日本の美しさ。
江戸の浮世絵に描かれた女性たちが、その時代の美や文化を今に伝えているように、KUMIKAもまた、京くみひもと香りを通して、日本の美意識を未来へ、そして世界へ届けていきます。
桜と美人画に込めたのは、華やかさだけではなく、儚さ、奥ゆかしさ、余白を愛する日本人の感性。
KUMIKAを手にした人が香りとともに日本で過ごした時間を思い出す。
そんな「日本の記憶を持ち帰るための一枚」として、
美人画をあしらっています。
「香りとともに、日本の記憶を持ち帰る。」
Take Home a Memory of Japan.
Enjoy your favorite scent anytime, anywhere.
Whether you're at work, traveling, or just before going to sleep,
You can enjoy your favorite scent anytime, anywhere.
Simply changing your scent to suit your mood or the situation can help calm your mind.
(Please use 100% natural essential oils. Perfumes containing alcohol may damage silk, so please be careful.)
By adding a drop of essential oil to the connection between the upper thread and the bead, the fragrance is trapped within the "Odamaki"—a small coiled bead.
Relaxation effect
Fragrances also have a calming and relaxing effect on the mind.
Lavender and citrus scents, in particular, are said to have stress-reducing and calming effects, and are widely used in aromatherapy and relaxation settings.
The goal is to improve the mood and sleep quality of those who smell the fragrance.
improve memory
People can improve their concentration by smelling pleasant scents. Since ancient times, certain essential oils have been believed to have the effect of stimulating brain function, and many athletes have worn their favorite scents on their wrists to enhance their concentration before competition.
Furthermore, fragrances have been shown to have an effect that helps improve cognitive function, and their introduction into nursing homes and other care facilities is progressing.
Among them, rosemary is the most well-known. It has long been believed to enhance memory and recall, and because it helps brain function, it is sometimes used during studying and exams.
What is Kumihimo?
Kumihimo refers to a type of cord made by weaving and twisting together multiple threads.
The beautiful, three-dimensional cord creates deep shadows and shading on its surface.
The threads are woven together tightly by skilled artisans, creating a unique texture, and the fabric is dyed by hand each year .
Thousands of 100% silk threads are used to create incredibly diverse and vibrant patterns on a single thin cord .
necklace
You can hang it around your neck by attaching the knitted ball.
Made from silk, it's so light and comfortable you'll forget you're even wearing it.
Because silk is very gentle on the skin, we also recommend wearing it as an inner layer under your clothes.
To add fragrance to Kumika, simply drop your preferred scent (100% essential oil) onto the ball while it is hanging down.
Basically, only the wearer can notice that delicate fragrance.
Hair clip
It can also be easily used to tie your hair.
It can also be used as a cute accessory to adorn your hair.
bracelet
ちょうどよい長さで、どんな手首の太さにもフィット。
手を大きく動かしても外れる心配はありません。
毎日身につけられる
可愛らしく軽やかなアクセサリーです。
Braided cords – cords with various characteristics
You can adjust the intensity of the fragrance by moving the bead. When eating, we recommend lowering the bead to reduce the fragrance.
In other situations, you can freely control the intensity of the fragrance by moving the bead up and down and changing its distance from your nose.
lightness
Kumika is surprisingly lightweight and easy to carry around.
You can easily enjoy your favorite scent while traveling, and you can wear it on your wrist with peace of mind even while playing sports.
Safety and security
These silk products are made with consideration for materials suitable for people with metal allergies.
The gold threads used to create the vibrant colors are not made of actual metal, but rather polyester, and only a very small amount is present.
While we take care to ensure your safety, please be aware that allergic reactions vary from person to person.
durability
We conducted a test involving raising and lowering the ball 10,000 times, but no deterioration or wear of the string was observed.
It is made to be durable so that you can use it for a long time.
Blends in with nature
If you attach it to the inside of your clothes, the string won't be noticeable, allowing you to wear it freely at any time.
You can enjoy the fragrance.
The history of kumihimo (braided cords)
The word "kumihimo" (braided cord) originates from the Japanese word "musubu" (to tie/connect), and has long been known as a symbol of tying and deepening bonds. Especially at celebratory occasions such as weddings, it carries the meaning of wishing for happiness and a good match . Furthermore, due to its durability, it is also considered a symbol of long-lasting relationships and strong bonds, and its weave and patterns also symbolize permanence and prosperity.
Furthermore, the colors red, white, and gold symbolize wishes for health, purity, and prosperity, and have been used differently depending on the purpose .
In samurai culture, braided cords were used on helmets and swords as a symbol of protecting one's life .
In this way, kumihimo (braided cords) have developed into a traditional craft deeply rooted in the hearts of the Japanese people, possessing both practicality and inner beauty .
Today, it is cherished as an accessory and a gift for loved ones , and continues to be loved by many as a special item imbued with wishes and prayers. This braided cord, which fuses beauty and happiness, continues to live on as a reflection of the rich spirituality of the Japanese people.
Traditional techniques
Kumihimo is a traditional Japanese cord-making technique that involves weaving together multiple threads, and is characterized by its intricate detail and beauty.
In the process of making kumihimo (braided cords), specialized tools such as round stands, high stands, and square stands are used. By using these stands to twist and cross the threads, a variety of patterns and shapes are created.
The threads used are generally silk, but nowadays cotton, nylon, gold thread, and silver thread are also used. The texture and strength of the cord vary depending on the type and thickness of the thread, so the thread is selected according to its intended use.
There are various braiding techniques, but some of the most representative are "maru-gumi" (round braid), "hiragumi" (flat braid ), and "kaku-gumi" (square braid).
Round braiding is the most commonly used technique, producing flexible cords with a round cross-section, making them ideal for decoration. Kumika uses this round braiding technique.
Flat braids produce cords with a flat cross-section and are widely used for obi sashes and accessories. Square braids produce cords with a square cross-section and are used for items where durability is required.
Odama-ki
Kumika uses the traditional "odamaki-dama" technique, which involves winding silk threads multiple times.
This ball instantly absorbs and retains essential oils, releasing the fragrance slowly and steadily.
Because of its structure, which makes it impossible to tell where it begins and ends, this hemp ball is considered an auspicious symbol representing longevity and prosperity.
This part cannot be made by machine; skilled craftsmen finish each one by hand.
The number of artisans who make braided cords is decreasing rapidly year by year.
This traditional Japanese technique has become extremely valuable . Currently, some processes in thread making have been mechanized, making mass production possible.
Making Kumika begins with dyeing the silk threads.
The dyed threads are sorted, and then skilled artisans carefully hand-weave the Kumika.
Auspicious Kumiko
奈良・平安時代から現代に至るまで、伝統工芸の分野では、ものづくりにおいて
「縁起の良い寸法」
という考え方が大切にされてきました。
それは長さを決める際にも用いられています。
Kumikaの長さも、こうした縁起の良い寸法を意識してつくられました。
Kumikaは、折りたたむと48cm、全長は96cmとなり、この寸法には次のような意味が込められています。
「大吉」「財旺(富がもたらされる)」「益利(利益)」「富貴(蓄財がしやすい)」「進宝(富が絶えず流れ込み、蓄積される)」「天庫(お金が貯まる)」「天徳(徳の高い方からの助けを受ける)」「喜事(徳の高い方との協力)」「納福(すべてが順調に進む)」「及第(試験や昇進など、次のステップへ進める)」「登料(試験に合格する)」
だからこそ、大切な人への贈り物としても、この上ない一品なのです。
Kumihimo, which also appeared in a Japanese animated film that became a worldwide hit.
In 2016, Makoto Shinkai's animated film "Your Name." was released and became a huge hit. At the time of its release, it was the second highest-grossing Japanese film of all time (currently the third highest), and in this film, kumihimo (braided cords) played an important role as a symbolic and beautiful item.
The braided cord worn by one of the main characters, Mitsuha, is used as both a bracelet and a hair tie , and is depicted not merely as decoration, but as an important element that holds the key to the story.
In particular, in the scene where Mitsuha hands the braided cord to the other protagonist, Taki, the cord symbolizes the connection between the two, playing a mystical role in linking their lives together, transcending life and death, and even time itself.
This braided cord may have possessed the power to connect people, and perhaps it was what brought the two together .
Auspicious Kumiko
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About the product
The paulownia wood box can be used as a small storage box.
Even after you've taken out the product, you can continue to use the paulownia wood box instead of throwing it away.
Use it as a small storage box for precious accessories or mementos.
It's also recommended to display it as part of your interior decor.
Not just a box for wrapping gifts,
This paulownia wood box will remain a part of the recipient's life long after they receive it as a gift.
Each one is made by hand
Kumiko is a sacred and auspicious item imbued with wishes for good relationships and happiness.
Therefore, when producing the product, gloves and a mask are worn.
Each item is carefully finished by hand.
From hand to hand.
Because it's something you give to someone special,
We create each item with care and attention to detail.
Customer reviews of Kumiko products
Woman, Manami (pseudonym)
It's easy to match with black clothes, and I enjoy wearing it as an accessory.
I love how it adds a little accent to my usual outfits.
The gentle, pleasant aroma soothes the mind.
When I wear it, the scent that I catch unexpectedly is very pleasant.
A woman named Aya (pseudonym)
I use two bottles of Kumiko incense.
I also use it as a hair clip.
You can tie both hairs together in a flash, making it super easy even on busy mornings!
It's also fun to be able to change the combination depending on your mood that day.
Male, Takuya (pseudonym)
I usually wear it as a bracelet.
I like the subtle Japanese design.
It's easy for men to wear too, and I use it as an everyday bracelet.
I like how the Japanese design is subtly incorporated.
Kumika, who will be there for you.
