Issey Miyake’s Spring-Summer 2025 collection, The Beauty of Paper, explores the sensory and poetic qualities of paper, focusing on kamiko—garments made from washi, traditional Japanese paper crafted from hemp fibers.
Washi has been a cornerstone of Japanese culture for over a thousand years, and Issey Miyake’s latest collection seeks to revive and reimagine this age-old craft in the context of contemporary fashion. The kamiko pieces are made from washi created using fine hemp fibers, known as mashi, honoring the ancient techniques of paper-making that have been passed down through generations. These garments reflect the harmony between nature, tradition, and craftsmanship, blending organic materials with innovative design.
The ‘On Kamiko’ exhibition, held at Issey Miyake’s Ginza and Semba stores, invites visitors to experience this fusion of history and modernity. The exhibition showcases the kamiko pieces from the collection, offering an immersive view of the washi creation process through a video. The video reveals the journey of crafting washi, from the cultivation of indigenous hemp species to the meticulous processes at the paper mill, where the paper is shaped and refined by skilled artisans. Interviews with designer Satoshi Kondo and insights from the paper mill further illuminate the passion and artistry behind the collection.
In addition to the exhibition, the ‘On Kamiko’ event provides a deeper understanding of the relationship between paper and fashion. Designer Satoshi Kondo and artist Yoshihisa Tanaka will host a talk on January 11, discussing the intersection of washi, art, and design. The talk will be held at Issey Miyake Ginza and is available by reservation only.
Furthermore, the Beauty of Paper event will be showcased at the Daimaru Sapporo store from January 8 to 14, offering another opportunity to engage with the themes of paper and tradition in the brand’s work.
With this collection, Issey Miyake not only celebrates the beauty and functionality of paper but also reimagines its place in the world of fashion, honoring the past while shaping a forward-looking narrative. The integration of kamiko and washi into modern clothing marks a new chapter in the brand’s commitment to innovation and respect for traditional craftsmanship. 
«From plants and water, the abundance of nature,
A piece of paper is crafted by hand.
Lightweight, soft, and all-enveloping:
A sense of grounding is felt through touch.
Transmitting light while absorbing it:
A sense of clarity emerges through color.
Sustaining everyday life since a time of distant past,
As it has brought about ease and a fullness of mind,
With its poetry that always seems timeless,
Around us paper is ever-present.
All we have to do is perceive.»
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