Kyoto Fast Becoming A Muslim Fashion Hub

Thanks to the local economic growth and the relaxation of requirements to acquire visitor visas, Kyoto is expecting more visitors to Japan from populous Muslim countries. Recently, the City of Kyoto and Kyoto Convention Bureau (KCB) have been promoting the Kyoto brand extensively to tourists from all over the world.

As a sign of appreciation and a symbol of Kyoto hospitality, the  City of Kyoto and KCB have created unique souvenirs, especially for Muslim visitors, in the form of headscarves. These made-in-Kyoto Hijabs are a familiar fashion to Muslim women, with a taste of Kyoto in its textile, colors and, design.

The Kyoto Hijab has been created through a collaboration of skill, experience and, knowledge. The skill and experience were provided by local traditional Kyoto textile companies, and the ideas came from Muslim students studying in Kyoto. All elements of the Hijab were authentically made in Kyoto.

The City of Kyoto and KCB  hopes that these Kyoto Hijabs will evoke beautiful memories of historical Kyoto’s timeless tranquility, and will surely be wonderful souvenirs for families and friends back home.

Tourism Representative, Shuhei Akahoshi, Managing Director of Tourism Promotion at KCB said:
“Kyoto has always been a destination that is popular with world travelers with its ancient Ryokan, cuisine, rich heritage and traditional tools. Focusing on traditional crafts industry, Kyoto is proud of the skillful techniques local craftsmen and artists use to produce, develop and pass on the crafts to the next generation. By improving and perfecting their work, the artists of Kyoto create works that bear the fruit of Japanese beauty in day-to-day living. We hope many Muslim visitors will learn more about Kyoto through this special ‘Kyoto-only’ souvenir. ”

General Secretary of Kyoto Muslim Association, Ms. Hiromi Taguchi commented:
“I am deeply impressed with the materials and vibrant colors. A Hijab that is stiff is uncomfortable to wear, and one that is too soft is unable to maintain a pleasing shape. This material, however, strikes the ideal balance. I appreciate the lineup of six colorways as this enables one to select one’s favorite color and enjoy the Hijab as a fashion item. Furthermore, many Muslims live in countries with hot climates, and so the fact that this Hijab can be washed is attractive. The stamp that says “Kyoto” present on each Hijab is subtle and pleasing to the eye, and the location of accent colors on each Hijab is different even from other Hijabs of the same colourway. The wearer can show off the accent colors by wearing the Hijab in various configurations, making each piece truly unique in the world.”

Ms. Azza AL ISMAIL, a Muslim student studying in Kyoto, said:
“I tried Kyoto Hijab and the first thing attracted me was the beautiful color and design of it. It was very stable and comfortable for me. I think now it will be easier to find Hijab for different occasions and I don’t need to worry!”

The Kyoto Hijab comes in two sizes and six colors and is now available for sale since 15 January 2014, and the price starts at 6,300yen per piece.

Where to find Kyoto Hijab:

– Kyoto Handy Craft Center (http://www.kyotohandicraftcenter.com/index.html)
– Kyoto Craft Mart at (http://kyoto-craft.jp/?lang=en):

• Westin Miyako Hotel
• New Miyako Hotel
• Kansai Airport
• Narita Airport
• Narita Toubu Airport shops

Kyoto Hijab specifications:

Size:  Type.1) 53cm x 180cm;  Type.2) 112cm x 112cm

Colour: Black, Orange, Blue, Green, Pink and, Purple

Material: High quality 100% Cotton (Made in JAPAN). Lightweight, silky smooth texture.

Description: 七宝つなぎ – Shippo tsunagi –
This beautiful geometric pattern is called Shippo tsunagi, meaning seven treasures of/in the world. This meeting of seven treasures stand for harmony and good luck.

Supporters:

– AMITA Co.,Ltd. — The expert in sales in Kyoto

http://www.amitacorp.co.jp/co/top.html

– SANYOSHOJI Co.,Ltd. Yu-soku Kyoto — The leading company for cloth products
http://www.furoshiki-sanyo.co.jp | Bamba senkojo — The dyeing plant http://www.furoshiki-style.com/

For more information on Kyoto, please visit www.kyoto.travel.