Tokyo Kumihimo

Japan is reputed to be the home of some of the world’s most highly advanced braid-making techniques. Adoption of Japanese braid for its shoelaces by a world-leading sports shoe brand is a powerful endorsement for the Japanese industry’s technical strengths. Braiding developed as part of the manufacture of Samurai warrior armor, helmets and knotted sword handles. The robust braiding techniques, capable of producing materials that could withstand fierce fighting, have been passed down to today’s craftsmen. Fr