In spring 2024, a variety of cherry blossoms (sakura) decorated BELLUSTAR TOKYO, A Pan Pacific Hotel. Fresh flowers of yaezakura, yokozakura, ukonzakura, and other special types of sakura were brought in from various regions, allowing all visitors to enjoy a few moments of cherry blossom splendor.

As the flowers scattered, the cherry blossom decorations also ended their role. When using fresh flowers as decoration, the challenge is the large amount of flowers and branches left behind, which would normally be discarded.

Is there a way to utilize these remaining flowers and branches instead of throwing them away? With this idea in mind, BELLUSTAR TOKYO started the “Sakura Upcycle Project.” The aim was to create original cherry blossom-dyed folding fans. As we searched for workshops willing to cooperate with the project, artisans from across Japan resonated with BELLUSTAR TOKYO’s sustainability spirit.

The folding fan production can be divided into three major processes. First is dyeing, the initial step of extracting colors from cherry blossom flowers and branches, which was handled by Maito Design Works in Kuramae, Tokyo. After that, the process of weaving the dyed threads into fabric was handled by Watanabe Textile in Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi Prefecture. The final process of crafting the fabric into folding fans was skillfully executed by Maisendo in Fushimi, Kyoto. The thread material used was hemp from TOSCO Co., Ltd.

Care for the environment, an approach that cherishes people and nature, and reliable techniques – each of the selected firms shared values with BELLUSTAR TOKYO and its goal of being “an eco-friendly, town-friendly, and people-friendly hotel.”

We visited Maito Design Works’ Kuramae dyeing studio, where the dyeing took place. This studio, which specializes in botanical dyeing, is located in Kuramae, a “craftsmanship town” in Taito Ward, Tokyo. Various workshops line the streets of this traditional neighborhood.

The studio atelier, in the midst of cherry blossom dyeing work, was filled with a slightly sweet and spicy cinnamon-like aroma from boiling cherry blossoms. There we spoke with representative Maito Komuro.

Mr. Komuro: “We occasionally receive requests for cherry blossom dyeing, but it is truly rare to have multiple varieties at once, including yaezakura, yokozakura, and ukonzakura. It was a first-time challenge for us as well, and we agreed to take on the project as it was a rare opportunity.”

The vibrant pinkish color of cherry blossom dyeing is extracted not from the petals but from the branches. The crushed cherry blossoms are slowly boiled in water and filtered through cloth. This process is repeated many times to extract the cherry blossom color.

Mr. Komuro: “The challenge was dyeing with multiple varieties at the same time. We adjusted the blend of mineral components to match the extract, seeking the right balance. Also, cherry blossom dyeing typically produces the most concentrated color just before the flowers bloom. Since we were using branches after the flowers had finished blooming, we needed more material than usual and paid careful attention to achieving beautiful colors.”

As the bundle of thread, or skein, is pulled in and quickly rotated while immersed in the dye solution, the blank thread gradually takes on color. To avoid uneven coloring, the process is divided into multiple steps and done little by little. This is how the beautiful and delicate cherry blossom color is handcrafted.

Please refer to this article for more about the vision behind the “Sakura Upcycle Project.”
→BELLUSTAR TOKYO’s cherry blossom decorations reborn as folding fans: the vision behind the