Weaving the Future of a Traditional Past: Torigoe Bamboo Artisan Shibata Megumi

Published in May 2024, Hori Kēko’s book, with photography by Arimoto Yayoi, features Shibata Megumi’s original designs based on Torigoe bamboo weaving.

A Torigoe bamboo handbag. (© Arimoto Yayoi)

Shibata Megumi during an exhibit of her work at Gallery Keian. (© Nippon.com)

Mount Torigoe shimmers in the Iwate sunshine. (© Arimoto Yayoi)

The worshiper’s path (left) and the steep staircase of the Torigoe Kannon’s Okuno-in. (© Arimoto Yayoi)

Collecting suzutake in the forest. (© Arimoto Yayoi)

After harvesting, the bamboo is peeled, cut into strips, and allowed to dry (left) before it is shaved down to a uniform thickness using a special device. (© Arimoto Yayoi)

Shibata’s creations range from traditional items like kōri storage baskets (left) to fashionable handbags inspired by the “M-style” items produced for export in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, a century ago. (© Arimoto Yayoi)

Shibata’s dog Chako watches over an oboke basket, the final work that her mother created. (© Arimoto Yayoi)

Shibata Megumi. (© Nippon.com)