Pop Japan

Driven by the popularity of the recent Makoto Shinkai phenomenon, Kimi no Na ha (Your Name), kumihimo braids are now starting to become a renewed trend in Japan. Kumihimo is the Japanese traditional braiding technique passed down to character Miyamizu Mitsuha. This is the technique she used to create the memento she has given to character Taki Tachibana.

There are two traditional weaving techniques used for the kumihimo. The first one is through the use of a marudai, or a circular tool, like the one on the video, to hold your threads and create a somehow circular pattern. The other one is through the use of a takadai, a wooden frame used to create the flat kinds of braids.

Tags: art, kumihimo, your name, kimo no na ha, miyamizu mitsuha, taki tachibana, japanese culture, marudai, takadai, traditional weaving, traditional braiding