Some no Komichi

Some no Komichi is a community-led cultural festival held in the Ochiai and Nakai areas of Shinjuku, celebrating the district’s heritage as a historic center for the dyeing industry. Until the mid-20th century, the Myoshoji River was a primary site for artisans to wash excess paste and dye from tanmono (kimono fabric). The festival’s “River Gallery” honors this history by suspending approximately 60 long strips of dyed cloth over the river near Nakai Station. Simultaneously, the “Street Gallery” features over 100 custom-made noren (traditional shop curtains) displayed at the entrances of local businesses, creating a scenic walking route through the neighborhood.

The event also includes hands-on dyeing workshops, exhibitions of traditional textile designs, and a kimono fashion show. For the best experience, visitors are encouraged to view the “River Gallery” from the various bridges spanning the Myoshoji River; arriving in the morning is recommended to capture the best natural light for photography. As the festival takes place in a quiet residential district with narrow streets, using public transportation via the Seibu Shinjuku Line or the Tozai Line is highly advised. Visitors interested in the technical aspects of the craft should look for the indoor gallery exhibitions, which provide a closer view of the intricate Edo Komon patterns. See here for the official press release.