Have you ever heard of the term kaketsugi?

Kaketsugi is a traditional technique used to repair damage such as tears or moth holes in clothing, restoring the fabric as close as possible to its original state. This intricate process involves using the same fabric and thread, meticulously repairing the damaged area by hand. Not only does this require a high level of skill, but it also takes considerable time to complete even a single repair. Among various repair methods, kaketsugi is renowned for its flawless finish. The services offered may vary by provider, but at our shop, we handle a wide range of repairs, including “suits and other garments,” “knits (sweaters),” and “kimonos.”

There is little written documentation on the history of kaketsugi, but it is believed to have originated from the hand-repair techniques used to fix damage in kimonos. Based on this, kaketsugi can be considered a traditional craft that has been passed down for centuries.

However, in recent years, the demand for this skill has declined due to factors such as the aging of skilled artisans, a lack of successors, and the rise of fast fashion. As a result, the number of shops offering kaketsugi services has decreased, and fewer people are familiar with the term itself. This decline in demand is expected to continue.

Despite this, I (Okano) believe that kaketsugi has a promising future. Anyone who wears clothes is a potential customer, and I am confident that if more people become aware of this technique, there will be many who seek it out, both domestically and internationally.

Although recognition of kaketsugi is still low, I am committed to continuing my work with the goal of making the term widely known 20 or 30 years from now. I hope to help more people understand the value of this unique and beautiful craft.

Note: In Kanto (Eastern Japan), it is often referred to as “kakehagi,” while in Kansai (Western Japan), the term “kaketsugi” is more commonly used. Both terms refer to the same technique.