When I worked in the apparel industry, I drew inspiration from various tribal cultures to create my designs. It felt like a journey, starting in India and expanding to Native American traditions in the United States and the Tuareg people of Africa. Over time, my focus shifted, and I became deeply interested in Japanese traditional crafts, which eventually led me to shimenawa (sacred straw ropes).

 

Since childhood, I’ve seen shimenawa displayed in homes every New Year. Traditionally, shimekazari (decorative shimenawa) serve as a boundary that separates sacred spaces where deities reside from the rest of the world. It is believed that places adorned with shimenawa repel impurities and evil spirits, functioning as a protective charm. Displaying shimekazari at the entrance during the New Year is said to signify that the household is a suitable place to welcome Toshigami-sama (the deity of the New Year).

 

Exploring tribal designs from around the world has given me the opportunity to reflect on the cultural traditions of my own country. Among them, what resonated deeply with me was shimenawa.

 

Not limited to the New Year, I want to introduce shimenawa to people from all over the world, expressing it in the form of art.

 

Typically, shimenawa are woven using rice straw, but there are no strict rules—it is said that the original practice was to use materials suited to each region.  In the United States, it is difficult to obtain rice ears therefore i use raffia.