About Happi
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Happi and hanten are garments with unique designs, traditionally used as work clothes for artisans or as festival attire.
Artisan hanten express skill and pride, festival hanten convey energy and unity, and shop hanten reflect the spirit of hospitality.
High-quality hanten and happi that exude a special atmosphere captivate onlookers and instill a sense of pride and fulfillment in the wearer.
At KatouKen Flag Shop, we carefully select the type and thickness of fabric, dyeing techniques, and subtle color variations to match the customer’s needs and intended use, creating custom-made happi and hanten with expertise and craftsmanship that will leave a lasting impression.
Design
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Self-Designed
(including logos and fonts)
- Submit your design proposal in electronic data formats such as Illustrator, PDF, Word, or Excel. (We will consult with you on details such as the desired size, fabric texture, colors, and finishing methods.)
- We will fine-tune the design to create the optimal layout for the flag, and you will be able to review the proposal. (Even designs that only include logos or text are acceptable. Revisions can be made as many times as necessary until you are satisfied.)
- We will propose the most suitable options from a variety of fabrics, dyeing methods, and types of embroidery.
Design Consultation
- We will inquire about your desired design and purpose via email.
- We will propose fabrics, dyeing methods, embroidery techniques, and the optimal layout for the flag that meet your requirements.
- Review of the design proposal (Revisions can be made as many times as necessary until you are satisfied).
Major Achievements
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Sompo Japan
We had the privilege of creating happi coats as commemorative gifts for top-performing sales representatives of Sompo Japan. In the past, we crafted happi coats for the Kyoto branch of Sompo Japan, which has roots in Edo-period firefighters. Due to the high praise those happi coats received, we were commissioned to produce them on a national scale. Using high-quality fabric and authentic dyeing techniques, we achieved a rich color with depth. Special attention was given to beautifully reproducing the blurred effect of the symbol mark, resulting in a happi coat that combines traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern design and elegance.
INTERGATE HOTEL Kyoto Shinmachi
We had the honor of creating happi coats and aprons for use during events and operations at Hotel Intergate Kyoto Shijo Shinmachi, which opened on March 1, 2018. These happi coats were also used at receptions where local partners and sake brewers were invited, reflecting the unique concepts tailored to each region as part of the nationwide INTERGATE HOTELS brand. The happi coats, made from high-quality cotton slub fabric with a distinctive texture, feature detailed expressions of the logo and text, showcasing a sense of prestige and a strong connection with the local community.
Murakami Landscaping
We had the pleasure of creating gardener’s happi coats and hand towels for Murakami Landscaping, based in Fushimi, Kyoto. To ensure the design and silhouette stand out while being used in landscaping work, we incorporated a simple yet refined design that conveys a traditional Japanese atmosphere and craftsmanship. The addition of a belt with a waist pattern gives the coat a more polished and cohesive look.
Hanatani
We crafted this happi coat using authentic Edo-style calligraphy for all the characters, including the character “嘉,” which signifies goodness, auspiciousness, excellence, and prosperity, as well as the name “Hanatani” and the angular characters on the waist. Today, there are very few artisans who can write genuine Edo-style characters, and the difference in atmosphere compared to Edo-inspired fonts is striking. The finished product combines the depth of the dyed color with the unique texture of the calligraphy, resulting in a one-of-a-kind happi coat.
Our Noren
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Dyeing Method Suggestions
Bringing Out Beautiful Results with Dyeing Techniques Suited to the Design and Fabric
The optimal dye and dyeing method vary depending on the design, purpose, and fabric.
While fully reflecting your requests, we will make professional suggestions to ensure deep colors and beautifully refined results.
Support for Intricate Designs
Precise Expression of Detailed Designs
Even intricate designs can be beautifully dyed using traditional methods.
However, when dyeing very fine text with precision, allowing the dye to penetrate through to the reverse side can cause the text to become blurred or distorted.
We will explain the technical aspects of achieving your desired design and work with you to determine the best approach for the most beautiful result.
Tailoring Suggestions
Expressing Japanese Elegance with a Back Seam
Traditionally, Japanese garments featured a “back seam,” where the fabric was sewn together at the back. This originated from a time when only narrow fabrics were available, and the fabric had to be joined at the back to create a complete garment.
Additionally, the back seam was believed to ward off evil, and it also represented the care and thought of the maker for the wearer, making it an important symbolic element.
Today, wider fabrics are available, allowing garments to be made without a back seam.
However, to deepen the traditional Japanese aesthetic and infuse the creation with care and meaning, we recommend including a back seam in the garment.
We Cater to Your Preferences for Lining
Custom-Made Shoulder and Sleeve Linings
As a unique design feature or to accommodate the environment in which the garment will be used, you can choose the thickness and breathability of the shoulder and sleeve linings. We offer a range of options, from solid colors to patterns, tailored to your preferences, and the linings are carefully sewn with expert craftsmanship.
Share your specific preferences with us, and we will create a one-of-a-kind garment just for you.
Commitment to Typography
Craft a Garment with Pride Using Authentic Handwritten Characters by Artisans
When designing the characters requested by our customers, we offer authentic handwritten lettering by skilled artisans.
Especially for Edo-style characters or angular lettering around the waist, as shown in the photos, there are very few artisans today who can write them authentically.
This is why we pay special attention to the design of the lettering, ensuring that your garment becomes a one-of-a-kind piece of pride.
Steps to Order
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Deciding on Product Details
Choosing the Product and Fabric
Please select the type of product you wish to order (flag, noren, happi coat) and the fabric (linen, cotton, synthetic, etc.).If you are unsure which fabric is best, we can provide suggestions based on the intended use, so feel free to consult with us.
Finalizing the Design
Decide on the shape, dyeing method, color, text, and finishing method.
We will consult with you on revisions until you are fully satisfied.
Specifying the Size
Decide on the final size. If you are unsure, please contact us.
※ We can also offer suggestions for fabric and design, so feel free to reach out to us.
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Quotation
Once your order is finalized, please notify us via email.
Based on the details of your order, we will calculate the price and delivery time and get back to you.
We will also send a rough draft of the design at a reduced size via email. If everything is correct, please confirm your order by email.
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Order Confirmation & Production
Once your order is confirmed, we will begin production of the product.
Depending on the product, it may take about 2 weeks to 1 month to complete.
Please note that after this point, a cancellation fee will apply if the order is canceled for customer convenience.
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Shipping & Payment
Once the product is completed, we will contact you by email and then ship the product.
After receiving the product, please check it and make the payment via bank transfer.
※ For returns and other details, please refer to the “Indications Based on the Act on Specified Commercial Transactions” page.
