HARAPPA

HARAPPA

HARAPPA Co., Ltd. is a brand developed by Harappa that manufactures and sells clothing, bags, and pouches made using Aizome hemp (Aizome hemp).

From the point of dyeing and weaving the hemp into raw fabric, the process is carefully done in-house.

The Beginning of HARAPPA

The origin of "HARAPPA Co., Ltd." lies in the Harayama Hemp Factory in Aizuwakamatsu, which has been preserving Aizome hemp warm quilts for 120 years since the Wakamatsu youth era.

After the sudden passing of the representative, the company was newly started as "HARAPPA Co., Ltd." by inheriting the skills and spirit of the Harayama Hemp Factory.

Although it was temporarily closed once, the strong desire of Yamae Nana, a representative of the hemp industry who had been making clothes using Aizome hemp at the Harayama Hemp Factory, moved the founders’ hearts, and with the help of Taisen Ono, the younger brother of the former president, "HARAPPA Co., Ltd." was established.

While inheriting the "spirit of craftsmanship" cultivated over 120 years by the Harayama Hemp Factory, we are wholeheartedly expanding our business to the next generation.

Traditional crafts are gradually losing their form due to a lack of successors and declining demand. Once, there were dozens of hemp weavers in Wakamatsu city, but now only two weaving factories remain, including "HARAPPA Co., Ltd." Moreover, the Harayama Hemp Factory is the only factory in Wakamatsu that consistently produces Aizome hemp by dyeing the hemp from scratch.

In such a context, "HARAPPA Co., Ltd.", which creates new value while preserving old and good techniques, can be said to have become a precious existence supporting Japanese culture.

What is YAMMA Industry?

Mr. Nana Yamae, the representative of "HARAPPA Co., Ltd.", is also the representative of YAMMA Industry.

YAMMA, an apparel brand launched simultaneously, is based on Mr. Yamae’s desire to create "things that you want to use for a long time," selecting relaxed hemp fabrics that are easy to wash and making clothes.

At first, sesame and organic cotton were used, but after encountering Aizome hemp, its charm captivated them, and Aizome hemp became the material symbolizing YAMMA.

Based on this background and inheriting the Harayama Hemp Factory, HARAPPA is a new brand born by continuing the factory’s legacy.

What kind of fabric is Aizome hemp?

Aizome hemp (Aizome hemp) is a traditional craft product that has been passed down for over 400 years in the Aizu region located in the western part of Fukushima Prefecture.

Its characteristic is a unique production method where horizontal threads are woven into the vertical threads which have been waxed (tateito). Because of the waxing, air layers form between the threads, giving it high heat retention and excellent moisture absorption and water absorption, resulting in quick drying properties.

Originally, this material developed to suit the hot summers and cold winters of Aizu’s basin climate, and it has been loved as casual wear (workwear and daily wear) that can be worn all year round. Its thickness is adequate, and it is also appreciated for being easy to dry, which is why it is treasured as casual wear.

Since it is waxed, it feels a bit stiff at first, but the more you use it, the softer it becomes, eventually transforming into a smooth texture. In the past, new products were also valued as casual wear with a taste for natural fading in Japan. Like enjoying the changes in patterns and denim over the years, people also enjoy using Aizome hemp.

How Aizome hemp is made

The making of HARAPPA’s Aizome hemp begins with dyeing the threads.

Then, the dyed threads undergo waxing.

The completed threads are used for the process called "seikei" (thread alignment). This is the process of lining up the threads, and since the pattern changes depending on the arrangement, each thread is carefully passed through the machine one by one.

Once prepared, the fabric is woven using an automatic loom invented over 100 years ago. Although it is not a modern speed loom, by weaving slowly and carefully, the unique strength and beauty of Aizome hemp are born.

Mr. Yamae’s Craftsmanship

The items sold at HARAPPA basically operate on a made-to-order system, similar to YAMMA.

The background behind this is Mr. Yamae’s desire to deliver "things that can be used for a long time."

Making clothes by oneself takes time, and prices inevitably become high. On the other hand, there is a minimum lot restriction requested by the factory, and half-measures cannot be produced, which causes waste.

Therefore, at YAMMA, the design is done in-house, and the sewing is entrusted to a nearby auntie group.

At first, they mainly made good basic colors, but when yellow and pink colors mixed in occasionally, the aunties would say, "What a bright color! It’s great for a mood change!" Seeing this, Mr. Yamae thought, "There must be people who want to enjoy various colors." Although the factory won’t accept half-measures, the aunties happily make them. Taking this experience as a clue, the order system was changed to directly listen to customers’ wishes.

That said, the made-to-order style means customers have to wait. Therefore, Mr. Yamae aims for a design that is not just trendy but can be worn comfortably at any age and loved for a long time.

"Things used for a long time become things used for a long time"

Mr. Yamae believes that the experience of using things for a long time leads to confidence in oneself. To support this experience, both YAMMA and HARAPPA place great importance on creating products that can be used for a long time.

Bringing traditional crafts close to daily life

When people hear "traditional crafts," many may feel as if they are something special.

However, the meeting Tsuzuki wood grain and items made at HARAPPA have become designs subtly dyed with modern brightness. Traditional crafts are also close-to-the-body existences that can be enjoyed casually in daily life.

For example, HARAPPA's shoulder bag is slightly padded for a comfortable size feeling, making it easy to use every day. The strap designed to resemble an English gentleman's suit is crafted with a width that also matches Japanese clothing. It is a design that can be used without choosing between Western or Japanese-style clothes.

Even with small items, a handle that incorporates traditional craftsmanship hangs down firmly. Since it is an item included in the bag, choosing a strap with a playful spirit is also enjoyable.

This pouch features a design depicting a mountain-like curve, with smooth openings and closings. Its ease of use is excellent.

HARAPPA Product List