Awa Indigo Dyeing

**Dyeing process:** Indigo vats contain living bacteria (fermenting indigo + wheat bran + lye) kept at 25°C. Fresh-dipped fabric emerges yellow-green, then turns blue through oxidation when exposed to air — a magical color transformation. Deeper blues require multiple dips. The liquid smells earthy and slightly fermented (not unpleasant, but distinctive). **Workshop options:** Basic workshops provide white cotton handkerchiefs and 30–60 min instruction in shibori (tie-dye) resist techniques — fold, tie, clamp, or stitch fabric before dyeing to create patterns. Advanced workshops (¥3,000–5,000) offer larger items like scarves, t-shirts, or tote bags and teach itajime (clamped resist) and arashi (pole-wrapping) techniques. **Historical significance:** During the Edo period, Awa indigo merchants grew wealthy supplying Japan's dyeing industry. The phrase 'asegi-ya' (indigo merchant mansion) refers to the grand homes these traders built — several preserved mansions exist in Mima City (see Udatsu entry). Synthetic indigo (invented 1880s) decimated the industry; today only a handful of artisans maintain traditional sukumo fermentation methods. **Shopping:** Shops near workshop venues sell finished indigo products — towels (¥1,500), scarves (¥3,000–8,000), jeans (¥15,000+), and indigo dye kits for home use (¥2,000). The color is remarkably fade-resistant.