About Zenzen
In search of my passion, I moved to Japan from The Netherlands in 2022. In the first weeks, I encountered natural Japanese indigo (sukumo) in Tokushima, at the indigo studio of Watanabe’s. I was moved by seeing the dedication of the master dyers and the beautiful blue color. The natural aspect and the complicated making process of natural Japanese indigo also awakened something in me.
I was allowed to work and learn for 2 months at Watanabe’s. This gave me the opportunity to observe the master dyers daily and gave me more understanding of their lifestyle. I got inspired by their dedication and approach to natural indigo. I was lucky to meet other master dyers and indigo farmers of Tokushima. These 2 months were fundamental to my continuous journey of natural dyes, and I dreamt of once having my own natural Japanese indigo vat.
After settling in Tokyo, I started experimenting with other natural dyes. I am always intrigued by the vast array of colors that can be achieved using natural material and its broad use history. This led me to learning about the natural dyes that were used in Europe like the red madder of The Netherlands and the traditional dyes of Japan. The old dye guilds and religious and societal meanings of color also interest me. As my color palette expanded, I started organizing dye workshops, pop ups and joining craft markets in Japan.
My dream of having my own Japanese natural indigo vat stayed with me, and after numerous attempts I had my first successful Japanese natural indigo vat in April 2026. A few months before that, I met Nonaka san from Aobozu, a young indigo farmer and dyer in Chiba, Japan. He was willing to teach me the cultivation of Japanese indigo and the fermentation process to make sukumo. Helping him out and seeing this process with my own eyes gave me a real understanding of the complication and beauty of Japanese indigo.
I dye all items myself with natural dyes in my little studio in Tokyo, Ikebukuro. Currently I have 3 natural Japanese sukumo indigo dye vats. Producing Japanese indigo (sukumo) usually takes around 10 months and I am currently studying a one year cycle at Aobozu. I host natural dye workshops, join craft markets and occasionally work on collaborations with other artists. I also launched a natural re-dye service, where I give old clothes a new life with natural dyes by redyeing them in the desired color of the customer.
If you have any questions or thoughts, please feel free to reach out to me here.
Experience:
2022
April Move to Japan from The Netherlands
Sept - Nov Studying and working with Japanese indigo at Watanabe’s, Tokushima
2023
February Move to Tokyo
2024
May Indigo Workshop at Kusunoki sou, Ikebukuro, Tokyo
Sept Craft Market at Hotel Graphy, Taito, Tokyo
Nov Tennoz Harbor Market, Shinagawa, Tokyo
Dec Shimokitazawa Flea Market, Setagaya, Tokyo
2025
Jan Shimokitazawa Flea Market, Setagaya, Tokyo
April Natural dye and indigo workshop at Hotel Graphy, Taito, Tokyo
May Natural dye and indigo workshop at Living Loop, Ikebukuro, Tokyo
May Tennoz Harbor Market, Shinagawa, Tokyo
May Indigo and Natural Ink Workshop organised with students from Taisho University, Ikebukuro, Tokyo
June / July Pop up and Natural Dye Workshops at BoboSocksandSake, Musashino, Tokyo
August Natural Dye Workshop for Azuma Shikoku, Tokushima
Nov Indigo Dye Workshop at Living Loop, Ikebukuro, Tokyo
Nov Indigo and Natural Dye Workshop at Kageokanoie, Ebisu, Shibuya
Dec Oto Camp Craft Market, Omiya, Saitama
Dec First time visiting indigo farm Aobozu, Chiba
2026
Febr - March Pop up and Natural Dye workshops at BoboSocksandSake, Musashino, Tokyo
April First successful natural Japanese indigo dye vat
April Craft Market at Miyashita park, Shibuya, Tokyo
May Indigo Dye Workshop at Kichijoji Music Festival, Musashino, Tokyo
June Japanese Natural Indigo Dye Workshop at Living Loop, Ikebukuro, Tokyo
June Japanese Natural Indigo Dye Workshop at Home/Flea/Work Market, Setagaya, Tokyo
June Workshop how to make a natural indigo vat with Taisho university students, Ikebukuro, Tokyo
June Natural indigo dye workshop with Taisho university students, Ikebukuro, Tokyo
July Zoshigaya Blue Handmade Market, Ikebukuro, Tokyo