A silk scarf that wears a hundred years of time.

At Ay, we continue our craftsmanship with the theme of "archiving beautiful Japanese expressions and transforming them into forms used in modern life."

What we are announcing today is a Japanese-made silk scarf, created by reconstructing textile designs born in Japan about 100 years ago into a form that fits today's lifestyle.

100-year-old "playfulness," seen through modern sensibilities

"Isesaki Meisen" is a silk fabric from Gunma Prefecture.

Bold use of color.
Free-spirited composition.
A spirit that is somewhat humorous and lighthearted.

We have digitally archived these designs and re-edited them so they can naturally blend into your daily life as a scarf.

The fabric is made of 100% Japanese jacquard-woven silk.
It captures light softly and has a smooth texture that gently wraps around your skin.

Not too flashy.
Yet, it certainly leaves an impression.

It is, in a sense, "art you can wear in your daily life."

When I thought, "There's nothing in my hometown"

I was born and raised in Isesaki City, Gunma Prefecture.

To be honest,
when I was little, I felt like "there's nothing in my hometown."

Then, I discovered Isesaki Meisen.

"There was such a beautiful kimono right here in my hometown."

That shock at that time
is the starting point of where I am now.

A culture on the verge of being lost

However, today Isesaki Meisen is in decline, and almost no records remain of the artisans, machinery, or techniques that once created new works.

It is becoming a heritage that even local residents do not know about.

That means
the regional identity is
quietly fading away.

And that is also
the loss of our own identity.

Beyond upcycling

Five years ago, I launched the brand "Ay" to upcycle kimono and re-edit them into clothing that fits modern lifestyles.

Because it is an era where people do not wear kimono, I wanted to return the culture to daily life in the form of clothing.

Many people resonated with this.

However,
if we only continue to upcycle,
the "materials themselves" will eventually run out.

Won't that mean this culture won't be passed on to the future?

The answer I reached through this dilemma
was digital archiving to preserve designs for the future.

And through meeting Epson, who resonated with this vision,
this project has now become a reality.

I believe this is not just a scarf, but an "intention"

Picking up this piece
is more than just a fashion choice.

It is about bringing the playfulness of 100 years ago
back to life in the present day.

It is about not just "consuming" culture,
but becoming one of those who "connect it to the future."

That is the essence of this scarf.

Please, wear it around your neck

I invite you to pick up this scarf and experience for yourself in your daily life a design that was born 100 years ago.

It will surely be an experience that transcends mere clothing.

I would be delighted if you could support this challenge on the crowdfunding site "Makuake."

Announcements regarding the launch will be shared on our Instagram and via email newsletter, so please be sure to follow and subscribe.

<Crowdfunding Details>
Period: Two months from Sunday, March 1, 2026 to Thursday, April 30, 2026
Makuake: https://www.makuake.com/project/ay_silkscarf/