Nishijin-ori, the intricate weaving technique for kimonos that dates back more than 1,000 years in Japan’s ancient capital of Kyoto, is getting a hi-tech collaborator: artificial intelligence.
The colourful weaving style – named after Kyoto’s Nishijin district – has gone through its share of ups and downs, but its survival is more perilous than ever today, as demand for kimonos nosedives among Japanese grappling with modernisation.
Hironori Fukuoka, the fourth-generation successor to his Nishijin-ori business, is determined to keep it alive, even if that means turning to AI.
“I’ve been pondering how the art of Nishijin-ori can stay relevant to the needs of today,” he said in his shop in Nishijin.
Hironori Fukuoka is the fourth-generation owner of Fukuoka Weaving, in Kyoto, Japan. He is looking at using AI to help with designs for kimono fabric. Photo: AP
Besides the AI project, Fukuoka is also working on using his weaving technique to make durable materials for fishing rods and aircraft.
AloJapan.com