Release scheduled for November 21st (Monday), 2022

Based on the philosophy that ‘tradition is continuous innovation’, Hiyoshiya, manufacturing Kyoto-style umbrellas, tirelessly seeks ways to incorporate the beauty of traditional umbrellas into modern lifestyles. Embodying the essence of Japanese identity, the Kyoto-based brand SOU-SOU, expresses Japanese aesthetics in textiles.These two Kyoto-born brands already collaborate since 2012, producing the best-selling Japanese umbrella 'Hiyoshiya x SOU-SOU’. As the second installment, a project that both parties have been nurturing for over three years is being unveiled: the 'Hiyoshiya x SOU・SOU KOTORI Pendant.’

SOU-SOU provides vibrant textiles illuminated by the gentle light of KOTORI for increased time spent at home. Whether in the living room, bedroom, or traditional Japanese room, it can be used seamlessly in various settings proposing the 'New Japanese Culture of the Reiwa era' to you.

United by the desire to share Japan's new lifestyle from Kyoto, Hiyoshiya and SOU-SOU embark on a new product challenge, guided by the principles of 'Tradition is a Continuous Innovation’.

SOU-SOU Textile Shades

SOU-SOU expresses Japanese sensibilities in textiles. The lighting created by Kyoto umbrella craftsmen changes completely its impression by changing the shade. Through collaboration between two Kyoto-born brands, three new designs have been chosen.

The first design is the iconic 'SO-SU-U' of SOU-SOU featuring widely used Arabic numerals. Arabic numerals are simple and possess universality that transcends nationality, gender and age. Despite being a ubiquitous form, the well-crafted symbols have an appealing and endearing shape.

The second design is  ‘Mari' (ball) inspired by ‘Kemari’, a court game that became highly popular among aristocrats during the Heian period. Nobles would set up practice grounds on their estates and devote themselves to daily training. The bouncing movement of the ball has inexplicably fascinated people since ancient times. We have captured the charm of its mysterious and endearing bounce in the design.

The third design is ‘Fumi’ featuring hiragana, one of the Japanese syllabaries and integral part of Japanese culture. When « The Tale of Genji » was written, people exchanged poems written on scrolls of Japanese paper as a form of communication. The success or failure of romantic endeavors depended on the interplay of these poems and writings. Women expressed themselves using hiragana, and their flowing brushstrokes conveyed beauty, grace, and richness.

All three designs aim to provide lighting that can be enjoyed in everyday life with a sense of affection. After the public release, you can view the project at: https://www.makuake.com/project/kotori/

Release scheduled for November 21 (Monday)!

The support page is here.
KOTORI×SOU・SOU