Artist Collaboration【KOI】by Yasunori Kimata

This Maekake is a collaboration with Yasunori Kimata, an artist who paints sliding door screens for shrines and temples.

Based on the legend that “a carp that swims upstream and overcomes the turbulent Dragon Gate (龍門 Ryumon) becomes a dragon,” the proverb “Dragon Gate（登龍門 Toryumon）” refers to an extremely difficult gate or test leading to advancement and success.

The characters for “Dragon Gate（登龍門）” and an upward-swimming carp are depicted on it.

● Yasunori Kimata,'s profile

Yasunori Kimata is a Japanese painter from Tajimi, Gifu, who blends traditional Japanese art with contemporary pop and street art influences. Known for his dynamic ink painting performances and powerful dragon motifs, his work has been showcased in exhibitions, live paintings, and murals across Japan and internationally. His large-scale works can be found in public spaces, temples, and international cultural festivals, earning acclaim both in Japan and abroad.

Website: http://www.kimatayasunori.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimatayasunori

● About Maekake

Maekake is a traditional apron that has been used since the Edo period.
It serves to protect the body by tightening the hip bones.
Our maekake aprons are woven using a 100-year-old Toyota-made shuttle loom.

Materials: 100% Cotton
Dimensions: Apron – 67 cm x 47 cm (including fringe) / Belt – 260cm (suitable for waist sizes up to 95cm) 

Instructions for Care:

• Do not use bleach or fabric softener.
• Do not tumble dry.
• Do not wash in warm water.
• Wash separately from whites as the dye may transfer onto other fabrics. May shrink slightly after wash due to the nature of the fabric.