Organic Cotton Canvas
LIFESTYLIST products are made with organic cotton fabric, meticulously crafted from premium-grade cotton grown in western Turkey.
Once shipped to Japan by sea, the cotton undergoes custom weaving at Marushin Kogyo, a historic production facility in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, with nearly a century of expertise.
With a proud 120-year history, Marushin Kogyo is a prestigious canvas manufacturer located in Okayama Prefecture, Japan.
This renowned factory produces the canvas for our cherished products, ensuring customers can experience the genuine warmth and dedication woven into every piece.
Dating back to 1888, Kurashiki Canvas is crafted by intertwining multiple strands of 100% cotton yarn, creating threads that combine both flexibility and strength.
Woven on the esteemed ‘shuttle loom,’ a technique still highly valued today, this fabric is known as "Kurashiki Hampu," distinguished by its impeccably finished edges on both sides.
Inside the factory, a nostalgic scene unfolds, where the sweet, gentle aroma of cotton lingers in the air.
The rhythmic ‘clack-clack’ of weaving machines echoes through the space, capturing the essence of craftsmanship in motion.
There are many processes involved in the production of canvas fabric.
Warping process
This process involves combining 2 to 8 warp threads into a single strand, determining the thickness of the final canvas fabric.
Each thin thread gradually comes together, twisting harmoniously to form the beautiful Kurashiki canvas.
The hands of seasoned factory staff speak of dedication. The lines etched into their hands tell stories of years spent perfecting their craft.
Watching experienced artisans patiently guide and mentor the younger generation leaves a lasting impression, highlighting the factory’s commitment to excellence.
Weaving process
Next, a beam is loaded onto the loom, and horizontal threads are set for plain weaving.
Each loom produces approximately 50 to 70 meters of fabric during an 8-hour workday, maintaining precision and consistency.
The shuttle loom, a valued tool destined to outlive its creators, continues to work tirelessly. Covered in cotton dust, it requires careful maintenance and repairs by human hands, yet it operates with unwavering vigor.
Folding process
In the folding process, every meter of fabric is carefully stacked and folded in half, building up according to the required thickness or gauge.
The final stage involves a meticulous visual inspection by skilled eyes, identifying and repairing any flaws to ensure perfection.
The completed canvas, perfected and ready for shipment, carries the dedication of its creators.
Its journey continues, destined to be transformed into products that bring joy and functionality to customers' lives.
A factory worker shared their perspective with a smile:
"I aspire to craft something exceptional—unique in its own way—placing emphasis on quality over efficiency. My goal is to meticulously create each item with dedication and affection."
This unwavering spirit of craftsmanship embodies the essence of 'MADE IN JAPAN.'
We hope that LIFESTYLIST's canvas bags will continue to bring joy and remain cherished companions for many years to come.
