Monthly column Vol.53｜A Teugui for Every Taste
At Kamawanu, all of our staff are “Tenugui Towel” aficionados who rack their brains on how to convey the charm of tenugui towels as well as uncover more uses of them every single day. Today, we talked to five members of our staff who cannot stop gushing over their “love for tenugui towels” to bring to you their true stories about how they came to know each other and how they use tenugui towels.
Ms. M has been using tenugui towels since she was a child, and has been using them for 40 years. “Because it comes in so many different patterns, I never get bored of it even if I use them every day.” Ms. M.A., 40 years of tenugui towel user experience.
How did you first encounter tenugui towels?
I first came across a tenugui towel was when I was learning shamisen (three-stringed Japanese lute) as a child. My teacher gave me a piece of tenugui towel so that I could drape it over my knees during lessons to prevent the shamisen from slipping.
Tell us about your favorite way to use it!
It’s a very handy accessory because I can use it in different ways by folding it in differently! I also use it to wrap presents. One of the joys of using tenugui towels that I’ve also discovered is thinking about the pattern and wrapping method to match the item I’m gifting.
Usage related to hobbies
When I travel, I tie a half-size tenugui towel to the handle of my carry-on bag so that I can easily find it at the baggage claim areas of the airports.
Ms. M has been using tenugui towels for many years. She thinks that the charm of tenugui wrapping lies in the fact that no ribbons or tapes are required and anyone can easily try it since it can be redone anytime.
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Mr. T, who is also a designer of tenugui towels, has been wearing one on a daily basis for the past 18 years.
“Twisting the towel around my head into a headband helps me concentrate! It’s like a switch that gets me into my working mode.”
Mr. T.F., 18 years of tenugui towel user experience.
How did you first encounter tenugui towels?
When I was studying at an art college, I was fascinated by my seniors who wore them around their heads or around their waists.
Tell us about your favorite way to use it!
When I want to psych myself up, I twist a tenugui towel into a headband on my head! It clears my head and helps me concentrate on my work.
Usage related to hobbies
When I go to a house party, I often wrap food in them before taking it home. They are very convenient because after unwrapping the food, I can use them to wipe the dishes and countertops. Because I also go camping, I find them useful as potholders or to mark my tents and tarps. They are thin and don’t take up space, so it’s safe to bring about three of them when I go camping.
Mr. T started using tenugui towels because he was fascinated with the way his seniors at art college used it. It has now become a dependable presence for his daily life, helping him switch into work mode and also coming in handy at home parties and camping trips.
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Ms. Y has been using tenugui towels for 12 years, from her everyday life to travel destinations.
“I travel light with just one piece of towel, be it for events or travel.” Ms. Y.S., 12 years of tenugui towel user experience.
How did you first encounter tenugui towels?
It all started when I was at a pop-up event in a department store; I was impressed by the wide assortment of colors and patterns, as well as the comfort of 100% cotton. The soft and gentle texture really appealed to me since I have sensitive skin, and that naturally led me to embark on my journey of “living with Tenugui.”
Tell us about your favorite way to use it!
Other than using it to protect myself from the sun and keeping warm, it also doubles up perfectly as a fashion accessory to accentuate my neck.
Usage related to hobbies
No matter where I traveling, just a single piece of tenugui towel would suffice. It’s helpful to be able to travel light.
- Wrapping up clothes compactly for carrying
- Doubling up as a hair or body wash towel in hot springs
- Can be used the very next day since it will be completely dry after hanging it up overnight
Ms. Y has showed us how she uses tenugui towels for her travels. A single tenugui towel can be used for so many different purposes! This is definitely an item for those who want to travel light.
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Great for both indoor and outdoor use! Ms. H.S., a tenugui towel user of 12 years. “They are a dependable partner, whether at the desk or outdoors.”
How did you first encounter tenugui towels?
I first came across tenugui towels when I was looking for a job. Since I had the impression that they were used in festivals or for farmwork, I considered them an unusual implement/tool. But when I saw the cat and peach motifs on the towels in the store, I was blown away by the contrast and was drawn to them.
Tell us about your favorite way to use it!
Since I drink iced coffee from convenience stores every day in the summer, small puddles form around it when I put it on my desk, so I use it as a coaster. The key point is that it dries quickly even if it gets wet.
Usage related to hobbies
When I go to outdoor events, I use a tenugui towel to protect my neck from the sun. It’s a lifesaver because it’s easy to get sunburned without even realizing it.
Ms. H came across tenugui towels when she was looking for a job and was fascinated by their unique designs. She now uses them in a wide range of situations and they have become an indispensable partner in her daily life.
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Ms. A, who is good at handicrafts, has been using tenugui towels for 16 years in her handicrafts.
“I use it, make it, and wear it. Tenugui towels make my work more enjoyable.” Ms. A.T., 16 years of tenugui towel user experience.
How did you first encounter tenugui towels?
It was on my way home from my previous workplace when I passed by the now-closed Shinjuku-Koiki store and decided to drop in.
Tell us about your favorite way to use it!
As a pillow cover. I simply place the towel on top of my pillow. I like to use it this way because it’s easy to replace it with another and can be washed quickly.
Usage related to hobbies
I use it to make clothes. One-piece dresses made with tenugui is cooling to wear in the summer, so my recommendation is to wear after a bath. I also wrap it around my neck when hiking or jogging to prevent insect bites.
Ms. A was wearing a cooling, homemade pullover. She seems to enjoy using tenugui towels in her handicrafts, coming up with various designs that make use of the shape of the tenugui towels and using the small scraps to turn it into patchwork lap blankets.
Tenugui towels can be used in a variety of ways, offering you endless possibilities. Why not try one out for yourself and enjoy the design, color, and feel? Try out different ones and discover your own tenugui life!
*Please note that some of the tenugui towels introduced here are the personal belongings of our staff and are not currently available for sale.