Why Did Samurai Wear Indigo-Dyed（愛染-あいぞめ） Clothing?

As part of our Samurai Camp, we visited a traditional indigo dyeing workshop in Aomori.

Of course, our Samurai Master already knew all about it, but for many of us, it was our first time learning about the hidden benefits of indigo. However, we learned that indigo had many practical uses in old Japan.

In the past, samurai often wore clothing dyed with natural indigo. One reason was that the dark blue color made blood stains less noticeable during training and battle.

But that was not the only reason.

Natural indigo was also believed to have antibacterial, deodorizing, and insect-repellent effects. People noticed that when they wore indigo-dyed clothing, wounds were less likely to become infected. Because of this, indigo became popular not only among samurai but also among farmers and craftsmen.

Of course, people in those days did not know the scientific reasons behind these effects. Through daily life and experience, they discovered the benefits of indigo and continued to use it for generations.

During our visit, we learned about the history of indigo dyeing while seeing the traditional process with our own eyes. It was a great opportunity to experience a part of Japanese culture that has been passed down since the Edo period.

At Akita Inaka School, we believe that learning about Japan is not only about studying the language. By experiencing traditional culture, students can gain a deeper understanding of Japanese history, values, and daily life!

This visit reminded us that even a simple blue color can carry hundreds of years of wisdom and tradition.

We are looking forward to sharing more cultural experiences with our students in the future.