By NASUKA YAMAMOTO/ Staff Writer
April 18, 2020 at 07:10 JST
One-handle bags from Tsutaya Shouten (Nasuka Yamamoto)
Editor’s note: This series showcases cool and special souvenirs made in Japan’s capital of Tokyo, formerly known as Edo.
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Founded in 1931 in Tokyo's Tsukiji district, Tsutaya Shouten Co. specializes in making "noren" curtains--the traditional curtains you often see draped over storefront entrances in Japan.
To make good use of the scraps of cotton "tsumugi" pongee that come from noren production, Kazumi Katogi, wife of the third-generation proprietor, started making them into one-handle bags.
The pongee fabrics are dyed using the "honzome" technique, and a "Sanada himo" cord is added around the bag, giving it a dash of charm.
The bag also comes with an interior pocket, making it handy to bring along for a stroll.
Address: 6-5-5 Tsukiji, Chuo Ward, Tokyo.
Open from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed mainly on Sundays and Wednesdays.
For more information, visit the official website at (http://www.noren-tsutaya.com/).
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