Second Life: Series 11 !
The wait is over! Series 11 has officially dropped!
Tawara Pillow (Insert & Cover Set) - Hikizome Linen
Hikizome Elegance, Everyday Comfort
Inspired by the traditional Japanese straw rice bale known as kome dawara (米俵), once used to transport rice across Japan, the Tawara Pillow is a charming and comfortable companion for moments of rest.
Its cylindrical form gently cradles the head and neck, making it ideal for napping or quiet relaxation. Designed with adjustable side ties, the height can be easily customized — simply tighten or loosen the cords to find your ideal level of support.
Crafted from fine linen and hand-dyed using the traditional brush-dyeing technique known as Hikizome (引き染め), each piece reveals soft gradations of color and a refined depth unique to artisanal work.
Three filling options are available:
-
Soft Pipe – The newest addition, providing a softer, gentler feel with light resilience.
- Buckwheat Husk – A natural and environmentally conscious choice, ideal for those who prefer breathable comfort and traditional materials.
- Hard Pipe – Our original and long-time favorite among Takaokaya customers, offering firm, stable support and excellent durability.
Simple in form yet thoughtful in design, the Tawara Pillow blends Japanese tradition with everyday comfort.
Inner Filling Type
- Size
-
14×25×H8cm
*Size is approximate
*Looking for a custom size? Please feel free to contact us.
- Material (Fabric)
-
Insert Pillow: 100% Cotton
Cover: 100% Linen *Hikizome brush-dyeing
- Filling
- Hard & Soft Pipe: 100% Polyethylene, Buckwheat: 100% Buckwheat Husk
- Weight
- 0.5kg
-
String ties: 100% Polyester
*Please note: Tie colors are selected by Takaokaya. If you have a specific color preference, please leave a note at checkout.
All of our products are made-to-order. Each piece is handcrafted specifically for you once your order is confirmed. Please allow approximately 14-20 business days for production before your item is shipped.
- Lead times may vary depending on current workshop volume and specific customizations, such as embroidery, Hanakomon, or water-repellent finishing.
- Delivery times vary by country and carrier.
- If you have a specific deadline, please feel free to contact us (intl@takaoka-kyoto.jp). We will do our best to accommodate your request and expedite your order where possible.
Our craftsmen and women carefully craft each piece to ensure the highest level of comfort, and we thank you for your patience while awaiting its arrival.
This product contains either pipe or buckwheat husk filling. To maintain its quality, please follow these care instructions:
-
Hand wash only (Max 40°C): You may hand wash this item at a water temperature of 40°C (104°F) or cooler.
*Special Care for Tassels: If your product has decorative tassels (房), please handle them with care as they may break or come loose during washing. Even if a tassel is damaged or lost, the product remains safe to use. - Do not bleach. / Do not iron. / Do not dry clean.
- Very gentle professional wet cleaning is permitted.
- Do not tumble dry.
-
Hang dry in the shade: After washing, moisture tends to remain trapped inside the pipes. Please remove excess water thoroughly—for example, by wrapping the product in a towel and shaking it gently. Then, we recommend hanging the item to dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area.
*For Heavier Items: If your product is heavy due to a large volume of pipe filling, please ensure it is supported properly when hanging to avoid putting too much stress on the fabric or seams.
- Do not wash. Buckwheat husks must not get wet.
- Sun Drying: We recommend drying the product in direct sunlight for a few hours on a clear day. This helps evaporate moisture and dry the husks, which is effective in preventing dust mites, mold, and odors.
- For Products with Covers: We recommend removing the cover and focusing on sun-drying the insert (inner cushion) itself. The cover should be laundered separately according to its specific care label.
If this product comes with a removable cover, please refer to the care label with laundry symbols sewn inside before washing. Detailed explanations for each symbol are provided below:
Washing: Hand washable with a maximum liquid temperature of 40℃.
Bleaching: Do not bleach.
Drying: Do not tumble dry.
Drying: Line dry in the shade.
Ironing: Iron at a high temperature (Maximum soleplate temperature: 210℃)
Dry Cleaning: Do not Dry cleaning
Wet Cleaning: Very gentle professional wet cleaning is permitted.
Important Note
Due to natural materials, color fading or shrinkage may occur. Iron while stretching to original shape.
Due to natural materials, color fading or shrinkage may occur. Iron while stretching to original shape.
Hikizome Elegance, Everyday Comfort
Inspired by the traditional Japanese straw rice bale known as kome dawara (米俵), once used to transport rice across Japan, the Tawara Pillow is a charming and comfortable companion for moments of rest.
Its cylindrical form gently cradles the head and neck, making it ideal for napping or quiet relaxation. Designed with adjustable side ties, the height can be easily customized — simply tighten or loosen the cords to find your ideal level of support.
Crafted from fine linen and hand-dyed using the traditional brush-dyeing technique known as Hikizome (引き染め), each piece reveals soft gradations of color and a refined depth unique to artisanal work.
Three filling options are available:
-
Soft Pipe – The newest addition, providing a softer, gentler feel with light resilience.
- Buckwheat Husk – A natural and environmentally conscious choice, ideal for those who prefer breathable comfort and traditional materials.
- Hard Pipe – Our original and long-time favorite among Takaokaya customers, offering firm, stable support and excellent durability.
Simple in form yet thoughtful in design, the Tawara Pillow blends Japanese tradition with everyday comfort.
Inner Filling Type
All of our products are made-to-order. Each piece is handcrafted specifically for you once your order is confirmed. Please allow approximately 14-20 business days for production before your item is shipped.
- Lead times may vary depending on current workshop volume and specific customizations, such as embroidery, Hanakomon, or water-repellent finishing.
- Delivery times vary by country and carrier.
- If you have a specific deadline, please feel free to contact us (intl@takaoka-kyoto.jp). We will do our best to accommodate your request and expedite your order where possible.
Our craftsmen and women carefully craft each piece to ensure the highest level of comfort, and we thank you for your patience while awaiting its arrival.
This product contains either pipe or buckwheat husk filling. To maintain its quality, please follow these care instructions:
-
Hand wash only (Max 40°C): You may hand wash this item at a water temperature of 40°C (104°F) or cooler.
*Special Care for Tassels: If your product has decorative tassels (房), please handle them with care as they may break or come loose during washing. Even if a tassel is damaged or lost, the product remains safe to use. - Do not bleach. / Do not iron. / Do not dry clean.
- Very gentle professional wet cleaning is permitted.
- Do not tumble dry.
-
Hang dry in the shade: After washing, moisture tends to remain trapped inside the pipes. Please remove excess water thoroughly—for example, by wrapping the product in a towel and shaking it gently. Then, we recommend hanging the item to dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area.
*For Heavier Items: If your product is heavy due to a large volume of pipe filling, please ensure it is supported properly when hanging to avoid putting too much stress on the fabric or seams.
- Do not wash. Buckwheat husks must not get wet.
- Sun Drying: We recommend drying the product in direct sunlight for a few hours on a clear day. This helps evaporate moisture and dry the husks, which is effective in preventing dust mites, mold, and odors.
- For Products with Covers: We recommend removing the cover and focusing on sun-drying the insert (inner cushion) itself. The cover should be laundered separately according to its specific care label.
If this product comes with a removable cover, please refer to the care label with laundry symbols sewn inside before washing. Detailed explanations for each symbol are provided below:
Washing: Hand washable with a maximum liquid temperature of 40℃.
Bleaching: Do not bleach.
Drying: Do not tumble dry.
Drying: Line dry in the shade.
Ironing: Iron at a high temperature (Maximum soleplate temperature: 210℃)
Dry Cleaning: Do not Dry cleaning
Wet Cleaning: Very gentle professional wet cleaning is permitted.
Important Note
Due to natural materials, color fading or shrinkage may occur. Iron while stretching to original shape.
Due to natural materials, color fading or shrinkage may occur. Iron while stretching to original shape.
How to Enjoy Kutsurogi
Discover the Tawara Pillow
Explore the design, materials, and thoughtful details that make this pillow a gentle companion for your daily moments of rest.
About Hikizome
Hikizome (literally “pull-dyeing,” referring to the motion of drawing a brush across the fabric) is a traditional Japanese dyeing technique in which a bolt of fabric is stretched taut and carefully brushed by hand with layers of water and dye. This method is also known as bokashizome, meaning “gradual shading” or “blur dye.”
Each piece is hand-dyed by skilled artisans, one by one. This careful process embodies the beauty of tradition.
Inspired by Kyoto’s Landscapes
The outer cover is available in two Hikizome shades — Kamogawa Blue and Arashiyama Bamboo Green — each inspired by Kyoto’s iconic scenery, from the gentle flow of the Kamo River to the serene paths of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Enjoy your moments of rest with colors that reflect your personal style.
Designed for Your Comfort
This pillow includes an insert and a removable, washable cover with an invisible zipper. Side string ties allow you to easily adjust the height and firmness to support your neck—simply loosen them to lower the pillow, or tighten them for extra support.
*The string color is thoughtfully selected by our craftsmen in an “omakase” style. If you have a specific preference, please feel free to leave a note when placing your order.
Create Your Ideal Feel
Choose from three filling options, each offering a distinct level of comfort
Soft Pipe
Buckwheat Husk
Hard Pipe
Pursue Your Perfect Comfort
The insert pillow features a convenient zipper opening with a foldable fabric funnel, allowing you to easily adjust the amount of filling to customize the height and firmness to your preference. This funnel is also incredibly handy if you want to entirely remove the filling, whether to ensure more thorough drying after washing, or to completely replace it with your own custom filling!
Crafted with Care, Filled with Heart
Each Kangu from Takaokaya is handcrafted by our team of Shokunin (職人), skilled craftsmen and women who carry knowledge and techniques passed down through generations. In our Kyoto studio, we devote ourselves wholeheartedly to creating Kutsurogi — true relaxation.
From the precise cutting of fabrics, to careful sewing, thoughtful stuffing, and the finishing touches, every step reflects the Shokunin’s dedication to detail. With care and sincerity, we approach our craft one piece at a time, ensuring each creation delivers comfort that touches the heart.
