In a world of fast fashion and disposable trends, Gather & Mend is a refreshing invitation to slow down, connect, and care for the clothes we already own. This new community event brings people together to repair and refresh their wardrobes, fostering both creativity and sustainability on the first Friday of every month.

At Gather & Mend, participants can try out basic mending techniques, share skills, and breathe new life into their favorite garments. Whether it’s darning a sock, patching up a beloved pair of jeans, or adding decorative stitching to a worn-out sweater, the event encourages thoughtful repair over replacement.
More than just a practical workshop, Gather & Mend is about community—sharing stories, ideas, and a collective commitment to reducing waste. It's a space where sustainability meets creativity, proving that small stitches can make a big impact.

Join us for an upcoming Gather & Mend session and rediscover the joy of making things last!
The event is free, with a suggested donation of ¥500 to cover tea and coffee and use of the space. Spots are limited, so please book in advance.

Gather & Mend sessions take place on the first Friday of every month at 10:00-12:00.

Is this a workshop?
No, this is a creative gathering where we will teach techniques to each other, chat, share ideas and mindfully fix our clothing.
Do you provide tools and materials?
Tools and materials are not provided, Please bring an item of clothing to work on and everything you need for your project (scissors, thread, needle).
What happens if I book a spot and can't make it?
There are only 6 spots available each month, so please be mindful when booking. Let Victoria know as soon as you would like to cancel so we can try to fill your spot.
When do I pay my donation for the event?
You can donate your ¥500 on the day of the Gather & Mend event.
Can I bring food into the studio?
Cookies, cakes and snacks to share with others are welcome. There are no plates or forks available. We will be finished before lunch time, so you can visit one of the many lunch spots in Shimokitazawa after the event finishes.
Can I bring a friend or my child?
Please book a ticket for your friend/ child. The studio is not set up for children under 8.
Where is the studio?
Find the access information to Studio Biku here.

WHERE: Nakai/ Ochiai Stations, Tokyo
WHEN: 3rd weekend in February

Imagine walking through a quiet neighborhood in Tokyo… but suddenly, the streets come alive with color! Silk, cotton, and intricate patterns dance in the breeze. This is Some no Komichi, a festival that celebrates Tokyo’s deep history of traditional dyeing!
Today, we’re exploring the Some no Komichi festival in Nakai, Tokyo—a hidden gem where artisans and history lovers come together to celebrate the beauty of hand-dyed textiles. If you love crafts, natural dyeing, and Japanese culture, you’re going to love this!
Some no Komichi, which means 'Dyeing Alley,' takes place every year in late February in Nakai, a neighborhood once famous for its textile industry. During the Edo and Showa periods, this area was home to many dyeing workshops, and even today, you can find traces of that history.

This festival started in 2011 to revive and showcase the art of traditional dyeing, which was slowly disappearing. And now, it’s one of the most unique cultural events in Tokyo!
One of the most breathtaking sights is the River Gallery. These long, hand-dyed fabrics, called 'tanmono,' are hung over the Myoshoji river, just like artisans used to do when drying their work. The colours and patterns reflect the rich history of Japanese textile arts. And the best part? You can actually try it yourself! There are workshops where you can dye your own fabric using natural dyes or traditional methods. It’s an amazing way to connect with this art form and take home a unique souvenir!

As you walk through the streets of Nakai, you’ll find local businesses and workshops decorated with beautiful dyed textiles. And one of the most iconic sights is the noren—those traditional fabric dividers hanging at shop entrances.
Noren have been used in Japan for centuries, not just as decoration but also as a sign of a shop’s identity. In the past, dyeing studios in this area would proudly display noren featuring their unique family crests or patterns. Today, during Some no Komichi, artisans create stunning hand-dyed noren using traditional techniques like shibori (tie-dye), katazome (stencil dyeing), and yuzen (resist dyeing).
Each noren tells a story. Some feature nature-inspired motifs, while others showcase intricate geometric designs. It’s a way for artists to express their creativity while keeping this beautiful tradition alive.
Some no Komichi is more than just a festival—it’s a tribute to Tokyo’s forgotten textile heritage. Many of these dyeing techniques are at risk of disappearing, but thanks to events like this, they are being passed down to the next generation.
As someone who loves natural dyeing, I find so much inspiration here! Seeing how these artisans bring color to life reminds me why traditional crafts are so important.