In September 2025, the European Shibori Lovers Association welcomed Japanese indigo producer and master dyer Kenta Watanabe to Bordeaux for a series of events dedicated to Shibori and indigo.

Participants took part in a Shibori workshop co-led by Cornelia Buttmann-Scholl and Kenta Watanabe at Maison Indigo, where traditional Japanese techniques and contemporary approaches were explored. Several Shibori and Sukumo dyeing workshops also provided an opportunity to discover the depth of Japanese blue and the subtlety of the craft.

This week dedicated to textile art concluded with Japan Blue Day, a day of conferences at Espace Moon, bringing together Kenta Watanabe, Caroline Cochet, Françoise Carayol and Julia Tabakhova. Between history, expertise, natural indigo and contemporary perspectives, the meeting offered a special opportunity for exchange, learning and transmission.

This series of events confirmed the importance of international dialogue on Shibori and natural dyeing, and reflects ESLA's mission: to support creativity, preserve traditional skills and forge links between craftspeople, researchers, enthusiasts and institutions.