Space Invaders Meets Authentic Amami Oshima Tsumugi: Japan's Oldest* Dyeing and Weaving Tradition Collaborates with Japan's First Video Game Character! Advance Reservations for Items Like Wallets and Plates Start 6/30 (Tue) at 10 AM!

The Authentic Amami Oshima Tsumugi NEXT Project (Authentic Amami Oshima Tsumugi Cooperative Association, young artisans) has announced new Oshima Tsumugi items that fuse Japan's traditional craft, "Authentic Amami Oshima Tsumugi," with "Space Invaders," one of Japan's representative game cultures.

These items are made using bolts of fabric that were luxuriously used in advance reservations on the crowdfunding service "CAMPFIRE," making them practical and easy to obtain. Following the popular kimonos, we will begin accepting advance reservations for a second collaboration series of items using this special Oshima Tsumugi on June 30, 2026 (Tue) at 10 AM.

*The Todai-ji Temple and Shosoin Treasure House records mention "reddish-brown tsumugi was presented from a southern island," which is considered the oldest confirmed record to date.

The pixel art of "Space Invaders," one of Japan's representative game cultures, is woven into a traditional craft fabric.

Space Invaders, born in 1978, is a Japanese video game that spread worldwide. It is a universally shared icon of game culture, recognized internationally, and its dot-based design has high affinity with the Kasuri (ikat) weaving technique used in Oshima Tsumugi to create patterns.

This endeavor began with the simple yet challenging question: "Can pixel art be successfully realized as Oshima Tsumugi?"

*This project is produced under official license from TAITO.

The Authentic Amami Oshima Tsumugi NEXT Project launched its new brand "age!!" on August 30, 2023.

"age!!" Challenges Beyond Kimono Items! Advance Reservations for Kimonos and Accessories via Crowdfunding

This brand is based on:

- Young artisans inheriting and creating/manufacturing techniques - Reconstructing traditional techniques in a modern context - Targeting the next generation and the global fashion market

It presents new possibilities for Oshima Tsumugi.

The advance reservations via crowdfunding for this initiative are not just a collaboration; they represent a choice to select new Oshima Tsumugi where the artisans' faces are visible, a determination for artisans to challenge new patterns for the world, and a form of Oshima Tsumugi that allows both weavers and wearers to be positive about the future, enabling young artisans to hone their skills.

The items are produced by NEXT Project members who create and sell Authentic Amami Oshima Tsumugi in Amami Oshima. Why not carry items made with the fabric of "Space Invaders," one of Japan's representative game cultures, and promote Japanese traditional and game cultures?

In this crowdfunding campaign, purchasers will receive a certificate card with a serial number in the order they purchase. Advance reservations will begin on the crowdfunding platform on June 30 (Tue).

Fabric Overview of Each Item

Product Name: Akina Bara / Space Invaders, Tatsugo Pattern / Space Invaders Fabric: Authentic Oshima Tsumugi, 100% Silk Kasuri: 7 Maruki Ichigen, 13 Sansan Ichigen Kasuri Dyeing: Mud Dyeing Accessories: Certificate card with serial number

Product Advance Reservations

Please refer to the crowdfunding details.

<Crowdfunding> Platform: CAMPFIRE Link: https://camp-fire.jp/projects/959310/view/ (Opens 10 AM on June 30, 2026) Period: Until September 13, 2026 (Sun) Estimated Product Delivery Date: Scheduled for February 2027~ Note) These items are individually finished by artisans, and the completed images are conceptual. The actual finished product may differ in pattern placement. Please understand this in advance. Also, returns due to pattern placement or other reasons, except for product defects, cannot be accepted.

About the Authentic Amami Oshima Tsumugi NEXT Project

Young artisans from the Authentic Amami Oshima Tsumugi Cooperative Association gather to propose and create Authentic Amami Oshima Tsumugi that can be worn by the next generation, using inherited traditional techniques.

https://ohshimatsumuginextproject.com/

age!! Brand

Within the Authentic Amami Oshima Tsumugi NEXT Project, this brand operates with a "no borders" concept, aiming for Oshima Tsumugi products that allow everyone, whether wearing or making them, to enjoy fashion.

Site: https://ohshimatsumuginextproject.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohshimatsumuginextproject/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/honbaamamioshimatsumugi

Authentic Amami Oshima Tsumugi

A silk fabric woven with pre-dyed patterns, boasting approximately 1,300 years of history, originating from Amami, located at the southern tip of the Japanese archipelago and known as the "Galapagos of the East."

Space Invaders

"Space Invaders" is a video game franchise planned, developed, and sold by TAITO in 1978, and enjoyed on various platforms to this day. The iconic "Invader" character is beloved worldwide as a pop culture icon. TAITO positions Space Invaders as its corporate character and actively expands its licensing business both domestically and internationally through collaborations with global brands and corporate tie-ups. As the rights holder of intellectual property rights, including copyrights and trademarks related to Space Invaders and its characters worldwide, TAITO will continue to proactively promote the brand.

https://spaceinvaders.jp/index.html

Kazana Planning

This organization plans projects that involve people, under the banner of "Connecting through Harmony," to link regional cultures and traditions to the next generation and the world. Kazana has been involved in the establishment, planning, coordination with artists and designers, and public relations for the Authentic Amami Oshima Tsumugi NEXT Project.

HP: https://www.kazaana.net/