Japanese Sukumo Indigo Dyeing

Emi is trained as a Japanese Sukumo Indigo Dyer by Ransyu, 藍秀 in Tokushima, Japan in 2022. This ancient practice involves creating fermenting the indigo leaves for more than 100 days before extracting the colour by sukumo maker called “Ai-shi” and more than 12 days to create the indigo vat by Sukumo dyer called “Aizome-shi”.

In 2023, Emi has moved into an 18th century cottage and in the process of renovating using traditional materials a space that will be specifically for sukumo indigo dyeing. She has been preparing setting up her Japanese Sukumo Indigo Studio and it will be open in 2026.

She is invited to be a one of exhibiter at Aizome, the Japanses craft of indig dyeing exhibition at the Japanese embassy of England in 2023. She had an opportunity to give a gallery talk about her training in Japan.

Workshops

Emi leads hands-on workshops in shibori tie-dye, katazome printing, hand weaving with homegrown flax, ceramics, and embroidery — all rooted in natural and indigo dyeing. Classes are offered at museums, studios, and in her own creative space.

Commissions & Collaborations

Since 2021, Emi has been creating and releasing a slow fashion collection that highlights textiles crafted entirely by hand with her small team in England. Alongside this work, she has received commissions and engaged in collaborations, bringing her expertise in natural dyeing and traditional techniques into unique, sustainable projects.

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