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Takaokaya's "Second Life" initiative aligns closely with the Japanese concept of "Mottainai (もったいない)." "Mottainai" is a term that encapsulates the idea of regret over waste and reflects a deep respect for resources, both natural and cultural. It encourages mindful consumption and emphasizes the importance of cherishing and making the most of what one has.
By repurposing traditional Japanese heirloom garments into new products like Kangu, Takaokaya also exemplifies the spirit of "Mottainai" by preventing these valuable cultural artifacts from going to waste. Instead of allowing these garments to remain tucked away and unused, the "Second Life" service transforms them into practical and beautiful items that can be enjoyed in daily life.
Obi belts collection
Choose your favorite piece of obi belt to create a unique and stunning piece of Ojami Cushion.
Obi Belt 1
Obi Belt 1
obi belt 1
This is a reversible obi belt filled with pine tree emblems. Known as "matsu", pine trees are iconic symbols that represent endurance, longevity, festivity and celebration, and eternal youth. You can choose to have your Ojami made entirely with the green or white side of the obi belt or mix the two colors up to create a duo-tone Ojami.
*Limited to only 4 pieces.
Obi Belt 2
Obi Belt 2
obi belt 2
This is a buddhist design of intricate floral motifs, known as housouge (宝相華文), created from an array of flowers, to symbolize elegance and spirituality.
You can choose to create an Ojami cushion using the entire floral motif or create contrast with the back of the obi belt.
*Limited to only 1 piece if made using front of obi belt.
**Limited to only 2 piece if made combining front and back of obi belt.
Obi Belt 3
Obi Belt 3
obi belt 3
From far, this look like a plain white obi belt with golden embroidery of floral motifs. Up close, you can however see that the white fabric is filled with beautiful woven patterns, known as "jimon"(地紋), for texture and aesthetics.
The embroidery featured on the obi belt are Spring flowers seen commonly in Japan.
Each Ojami will feature a set of the embroidered gold floral motifs.
*Limited to only 2 pieces.
Obi Belt 4
Obi Belt 4
obi belt 4
What makes this piece of obi belt outstanding is the creative display of the Shippo design, which traditionally is an unending chain of interconnected circles. On this obi belt, a new pattern is formed with the connected circles, adorned with flowers.
Shippo means "seven treasures", and is a reference to the seven treasures of Buddhism, made up of gold, silver, lapis lazuli, crystal, mantis shrimp, coral, and agate, representing 7 core values.
The Shippo design signifies harmony, prosperity, and good fortune.
The Ojami will be created using the Shippo pattern.
*Limited to only 1 piece.
Obi Belt 5
Obi Belt 5
obi belt 5
Featuring royalty colors of orange and gold, the Kanji on the front of the obi is the word "寿", which means longevity. In Japan, orange symbolizes love and happiness and in ancient times, the color was exclusive to the Crown Prince as it is a sign of prestige and status.
Choose to combine the front and back of the obi belt to create an Ojami of royal contrast or live long and prosper with the Ojami made entirely from the front of the obi belt.
*Limited to only 1 piece if made using front of obi belt.
**Limited to only 2 piece if made combining front and back of obi belt.
Learn and experience the art of kutsurogi (relaxation) with your beloved Ojami Cushions. Below are some of our favorite ways to relax with the Ojami... try our ways or find your own sweet spot for relaxation with your beloved Ojami and share with us!
Seiza (Kneeling)
Agura (Cross-legged)
Back rest on the sofa
BACK Support ON Chair
Unlike ordinary cushions, the Ojami is designed to be three-dimensional and is hand-stuffed with cotton by our craftsmen to ensure greater volume and fluffiness all over. The Ojami Cushion, being thicker, helps to elevate the bottom so you can sit more comfortably and relax.
To prevent the Ojami from going flat easily and to give support for a good sitting posture naturally, we created a three-layer structured inner filling. We selected a special urethane which is used as the core, which is then wrapped with a cotton pad, to create exquisite firmness and thickness.
Middle stitches are applied to the center of the cushions to keep the cotton filling in place. The contours achieved by this stitch, naturally take the form of your body when you sit or lie down on the Ojami, to provide absolute comfort and rest.
Customer Reviews
I am based in the UK and this is my second online order from Takaokaya as I am in love with Ojami cushions (I plan to fill my house with them one day!) I was just so delighted. The second life Ojami are more beautiful than I could imagine when looking at the pictures of the obi. These are very special handcrafted pieces which bring me so much joy when I look at them or relax with them. Thank you to the wonderful staff at Takaokaya who made these beautiful cushions for me.
Hello Morag!
It's been exciting for us too working on the second life Ojami cushions. We are so glad that you are loving them and we look forward to the day when we fill your house with them too! :)
Thank you for sharing a picture of your exquisite vintage Obi belt Ojami Cushions.
Happy Kutsurogi!
Valery
Team Takaokaya
I have ordered several products from Takaokaya and each one is always crafted with care. This ojami is no exception and is work of art that you can enjoy relaxing with! I highly recommend this to anyone who was on the fence about ordering a second life ojami! The artisans at Takaokaya always know how to fully show off the fabric's beauty!
It's always a joy to see a familiar name back in our global online store as it affirms the craftsmanship and comfort of our products. Thank you for the 5* review Lauren and sharing pictures. We hope this unique second life Ojami cushion made from vintage obi belt will be the talking piece in your house.
Happy Kutsurogi!
Valery
Team Takaokaya