Photo/Illutration "Irodori Gauze" hand towels from Kamawanu Co. (Natsumi Nakai)

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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"Tenugui" hand towels have been used in Japan since the Heian Period (794-1185), and they developed into a popular fashion item during the Edo Period (1603-1867).

Kamawanu Co. is giving them a modern twist by making tenugui from cotton gauze fabric, perfect for spring or summer scarves.

But the company is staying true to the long-established traditional dyeing method of "chusen," which allows dyes to penetrate deeply into the threads, giving them a finishing touch.

"You can casually put it around your neck and look stylish because it is reversible," said Hitomi Sato, who is in charge of sales and planning at the company.

They are available in eight colors and cost 1,760 yen ($16), including tax. The company also introduces new tenugui designs every season.

The Daikanyama branch is located at 23-1 Sarugakucho, Shibuya Ward, Tokyo.

It is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and closes irregularly. To learn more, go to the official website at (https://kamawanu.jp/en/).

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