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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
Own an exclusive piece of Japanese artistry and heritage.
Select your favorite piece of vintage obi belt and let us create a charming, statement Ojami Cushion for you!
This obi presents a bold, contemporary vision, where overlapping circular and oval motifs—outlined in green, gold, and black—create a rhythmic and dynamic composition. Deep hues of amber, burnt orange, moss green, and dark brown flow together in rich, painterly gradations, lending the fabric a remarkable sense of depth and movement. Its subtle luster and elegant design marry modern sophistication with traditional craftsmanship. A true artistic statement, this obi bridges timeless artistry and abstract, contemporary design.
This obi features a refined geometric design in vivid shades of red and orange. Interlocking curved bands form a rhythmic lattice motif, creating a sense of movement and balance. Subtle gradations—from bright vermilion to deep amber and muted gold—add depth and warmth, while the gentle sheen of the fabric enhances its richness.
The interplay of curved lines evokes both modern graphic art and traditional Japanese aesthetics, giving this piece a timeless yet contemporary appeal. Bold and elegant, it complements both formal and creative kimono styling with effortless sophistication.
Elegant and exquisite, this gold-hued obi blends architectural motifs with elements of nature—mountains, pine trees, and cranes—to evoke specific scenes and the ever-changing beauty of Japan’s four seasons. Accents inspired by natural colors beautifully complement the golden base.
The natural motifs featured on this obi symbolize wealth, good fortune, beauty, and longevity, making it both visually striking and rich in meaning.
This rare green obi exudes elegance and sophistication. Its surface is adorned with Hana-bishi (花菱), a diamond-shaped motif of four-petaled flowers rendered in gold, symbolizing beauty and vitality. Flowing alongside are delicate white waves, a classic auspicious pattern representing the continuity of life and the eternal flow of fortune. Woven with meticulous craftsmanship, this obi harmonizes the richness of color, symbolic motifs, and traditional artistry, making it a timeless statement of refinement.
The tortoiseshell pattern, known in Japanese as kikkō monyō, is a timeless motif rooted in tradition. Built on a perfectly arranged hexagonal design inspired by the tortoise shell, it symbolizes longevity and good fortune, making it one of Japan’s most auspicious patterns.
This obi also showcases a diamond motif, derived from the leaves of the water chestnut plant, representing wishes for the prosperity of descendants and good health. Set against a vibrant orange background, the design is accented with gold, blue, green, and white, with subtle gradations in some areas adding depth and a harmonious, refined elegance.
Learn and experience Kutsurogi - the Japanese Art of 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!
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.