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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!
obi belt 36
obi belt 36
This obi belt radiates warmth and opulence with its striking vermilion-orange hue, a color often associated with vitality, joy, and protection in Japanese culture.
At its heart lies an intricate mandala-like motif, framed within a hexagonal pattern, symbolizing balance, harmony, and longevity. The delicate interwoven floral and geometric details in
gold, blue, and soft cream create a captivating contrast, enhancing the obi’s regal elegance.
obi belt 37
obi belt 37
Simple and emanating quiet luxury, the beauty of this vintage obi lies in its iridescent beige and silver background, which shimmers with a hypnotic play of colors as light dances across its surface.
The Hishi (菱) diamond patterns, meticulously embroidered with threads featuring a delicate color gradation resembling the hues of a rainbow, add depth and elegance to its design. From different angles, the obi reveals subtle shifts in tone, creating an ever-changing visual experience that enhances its refined charm.
The diamond pattern itself is reminiscent of the shape of a water chestnut - what "Hishi" means in Japanese - symbolizing strength, resilience, and continuous good health.
obi belt 38
obi belt 38
Featuring an elegant interplay of curved lines that is reminiscent of flowing water or wind-blown sand dunes, warm hues of gold, rusty orange and earthy browns representing sophistication and refined luxury – this obi belt is a mesmerizing work of art.
It exudes a classic timeless beauty, reflecting both fluidity and structure in its design. Blending modern abstraction and traditional Japanese sensibility, this obi belt is a perfect piece in showcasing artistry and cultural heritage.
obi belt 39
obi belt 39
This obi belt embodies understated elegance, featuring a delicate geometric pattern in a serene ivory and soft beige palette. The hexagonal motifs, each enclosing a symmetrical floral design, evoke a sense of harmony and timeless beauty.
In Japanese culture, hexagons often symbolize longevity, inspired by the shell of a tortoise—a revered emblem of endurance and good fortune. The subtle sheen of the fabric enhances its refined appearance, exuding quiet sophistication, which will add a touch of tranquility to contemporary interiors.
obi belt 40
obi belt 40
A flowing river runs through the center of this obi belt, symbolizing the purification and cleansing of misfortune through ever-moving water. This auspicious motif is believed to bring good luck and is known as 流水文様 (Ryusui Monyo), the "flowing water" pattern.
Each side of the river is adorned with seasonal flora and fauna such as 桜 (sakura – cherry blossoms) and 紅葉 (momiji – colored leaves), creating a scene that captures the beauty of Japan’s changing seasons.
The copper pink back of the obi is filled with "shippo jimon"(七宝地紋), adding extra elegance and aesthetics to the belt. Whether the cushion is made entirely with the "flowing water" pattern or with alternating panels of the front and back of the obi, the Ojami is bound to be a conversational piece in the room!
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!
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.