<Yoshiyuki x Kamui> Sashiko Tote

Tote Bag Made from Mikawa Cotton Sashiko Weave
This vertical tote bag is crafted from Mikawa cotton sashiko weave, a fabric traditionally used for dogi -particularly in judo, kendo, and aikido. As expected from the thick, double-layered sashiko material often reserved for high-end dogi, the bag offers exceptional durability. At the same time, because this fabric was also developed for garments worn directly against the skin, it features a surprising softness that belies its rugged appearance.

With ample depth in the main compartment, the bag is suitable for a wide range of uses. The carefully calculated handle length allows it to be carried either by hand or over the shoulder with ease.

– About Mikawa Cotton –
The Mikawa region of Aichi Prefecture is known as the birthplace of Japan’s cotton industry. The first documented reference to domestically produced cotton appears in 1510 (Eisho 7), in a record from Daijoin Temple in Nara, which states that “Mikawa cotton” was received as part of a 180-mon land tax payment.
By the Edo period, cotton cultivation and weaving flourished in Mikawa. Cotton from the area was traded as “Sanpaku Cotton” and shipped to Edo (present-day Tokyo), eventually incorporating Western weaving techniques. By the Meiji era, the names “Mikawa Cotton” and “Mikawa Stripes” had become widely recognized across Japan.
Among its most distinctive contributions is the thick sashiko weave, made from Mikawa cotton. Known for its textured surface and exceptional durability, it also offers natural fire resistance, insulation, moisture absorption, and a pleasant feel against the skin. From the Edo period through modern times, this fabric was used in traditional firefighter garments known as “shobo sashiko”, and today, it continues to be prized for use in high-quality dogi.

– About the Yoshiyuki brand –
A top with elbow-length sleeves and an overlapping front panel design. Made from cotton jersey fabric blended with oil-rich Indian cotton, it has a smooth, supple feel against the skin. It pairs well with kimono-style jackets, with its distinctive neckline accentuating a uniquely refined look.