Reasons to Choose Us | Traditional and Innovative Technology
Bringing tradition to the future
With a wish that remains unchanged, even as times change.
Creating koinobori that adorn and brighten special days
means continuing to create happiness.
Let's rejoice in the birth of a child, pray for a bright future, and protect and nurture them together.
This is the sentiment we have cherished and passed down through time since our founding in 1946.
Even as times change, we will continue to value the essence of our craft,
and widely convey the beauty of traditional craftsmanship, as well as the joy and fun of these events.
Using traditional hand-printing with silk screens,
our artisans determine the optimal timing based on daily changes in temperature and humidity to ensure uniform dyeing.
The combination of polyester fabric and disperse dyes is highly compatible,
and its greatest advantage is its excellent color development and ability to delicately reproduce the charm of the original artwork without compromise.
Furthermore, hand-printing is more fade-resistant than inkjet printing, maintaining its beauty for longer.
In addition, aluminum gold foil processing is possible, expanding the range of designs.
After numerous tests, we developed and announced the industry's first water-repellent finish in 1995.
This made our products easier to handle and more durable, as they repel water, are resistant to rain, and less likely to get dirty.
Additionally, we apply various weaving processes, including our confident "jacquard weave."
Jacquard weaving, which weaves patterns directly into the fabric, takes more time and is more costly,
but the patterns that emerge when the koinobori swim are exceptionally beautiful against the sky.
The jacquard fabrics featuring "Kiribambao" and "Kirin Mon'yo" are original patterns of Tokunaga Koinobori.
We also offer various other weaving processes to meet diverse needs.
Based on the original drawings by founder and Japanese painter, Shunho Tokunaga,
our designs are created from what our pattern makers reproduce on silk screen stencils.
While cherishing traditional beauty,
we are also challenging ourselves with designs that match the needs of the times.
Our proven track record as the No. 1 koinobori brand,
and trust extending to over 400 stores nationwide.
Our long-loved quality is chosen by many families.
High-level design that brings delicate and beautiful Japanese paintings to life
The patterns of Tokunaga Koinobori, which are representative of our brand,
originate from elegant and magnificent Japanese paintings.
Our founder, Shunho Tokunaga, studied under Shinsui Ito, famous for his bijin-ga (paintings of beautiful women), and became a leading Japanese painter in Okayama.
Even today, our designs are based on his original paintings.
The spirit of our founder, Shunho, who pursued authenticity and continued to refine his skills, has been faithfully passed down among our artisans for over 75 years since our founding.
Creating new forms while inheriting traditional techniques
Faithfully reproducing the original drawings by Shunho,
we use traditional dyeing techniques to enhance the vibrant and elegant patterns.
We pay close attention to design and color to ensure the koinobori look their most beautiful when swimming,
carefully select materials, and finish each piece with meticulous stitching.
While pursuing unique products without being influenced by general designs,
we are also challenging ourselves to create new products that meet the demands of the times.
Material evolution for even more
"easy-to-swim koinobori"
From paper koinobori in ancient times to cotton fabric, and then evolving with the times to nylon and polyester fabrics.
Not only do koinobori become easier to swim, but their quality also continues to improve with easier maintenance and higher durability.
We are dedicated to technological innovation to maintain beauty while addressing material issues.
Tokunaga Red, shining in the sky
How to make them look beautiful on the stage of the sky?
After much contemplation, Tokunaga Red was born.
Based on traditional Japanese vermilion, its unique color beautifully adorns the sky.
Soyokaze Line, swimming with the wind
To utilize the delicate and soft curves of Japanese paintings, we carefully hand-cut the fabric.
The Soyokaze Line also incorporates ingenuity and meticulous attention to detail for elegant and graceful swimming.