The Incredibly Black T-Shirt "YABAKURO"

What defines the blackest T-shirt? YABAKURO – a black so profound it makes other black tees look pale in comparison. Unrivaled in durability and fade-resistance, this black endures.

Slip it on and experience the sleek, sophisticated black that exudes grown-up style. Its depth draws you in, its dignified beauty persists wash after wash.

Introducing YABAKURO: where "YABA" (Awesome, Amazing, Incredible) meets "KURO" (Black). This is the T-shirt that redefines darkness.

"Nagoya Kuromontsukizome" (Nagoya Black Crested Dyeing) is a technique that has been passed down for over 400 years in Nagoya, a city now also known as one of the world's leading automotive industry hubs. The black produced by this technique has been so highly regarded that it's described in Japanese as "shikkoku" (jet black) or "shinkoku" (deep black).

The technique's origins can be traced back to around 1611, early in the Edo period, when the Owari clan created banners and flags. Since then, it flourished in Nagoya, the stronghold of the Tokugawa family. Artisans known as dyers honed their skills, constantly seeking an even deeper black. By the late Edo period (mid-18th to mid-19th century), its use had spread from samurai to commoners. In modern times, it became established as the go-to fabric for formal attire worn at weddings and funerals.

Founded in 1919, Yamakatsu Senko is one of the last guardians of the Nagoya Kuromontsukizome tradition. Once, over 100 dyeing houses flourished in Nagoya; today, fewer than 10 remain. Yamakatsu Senko stands at the forefront, not just preserving this 400-year-old craft, but actively working to evolve the dyeing technique for the modern world. They're not just keeping history alive; they're writing its next chapter.

The blacker, the better.

For YABAKURO, we've adapted the traditional techniques of Nagoya Kuromontsukizome to create an unparalleled black dye for cotton. While the materials differ from silk kimonos, the centuries-old expertise shines through every step of our process.

For instance, we use several times more dye than typical clothing production. But that's not all - we don't just use black dye. By mixing red and yellow with black, we achieve a depth of color that's truly extraordinary. This innovative approach is inspired by the "beni-shitazome" technique from traditional Nagoya Kuromontsukizome, where white fabric is first dyed red before being overdyed with black.

The Art of Time and Temperature

What truly sets Yamakatsu Senko apart is their mastery of time and temperature. Each T-shirt is immersed in a vat of dye solution and kept at the optimal dyeing temperature of 60-70°C (140-158°F) for an astounding 2.5 to 3 hours - over 3 times longer than conventional dyeing methods.

During this process, artisans manually stir the vat every 5 minutes, ensuring even distribution of dye and checking the color's progress. This method mirrors the kimono dyeing techniques unchanged since the Edo period. While modern clothing is typically mass-produced, with dyes applied quickly under machine pressure for efficiency, Yamakatsu Senko's approach is a testament to traditional craftsmanship. This painstaking process allows the dye to penetrate deep into the fibers, resulting in an unparalleled depth of blackness.

Unmatched Color Fastness

In the world of textiles, "fastness" refers to a fabric's resistance to fading. Yamakatsu Senko's black dyeing boasts an exceptionally high fastness rating. This remarkable durability is achieved through their unique process:

- Using several times the normal amount of dye
- Pre-treating the fabric with hot water
- Dyeing for over 3 times longer than standard black dyeing
- Post-dyeing wash cycles alternating between hot and cold water for 2-3 hours

This labor-intensive process, unique to Yamakatsu Senko, results in a black that not only looks deeper but also lasts longer.

The standout feature of YABAKURO is undoubtedly its intense blackness. Just look at the comparison photo: YABAKURO (front right) next to a standard black T-shirt (back left). The difference is striking at first glance. YABAKURO's black is so deep that it makes ordinary black tees look almost navy blue in comparison.

Photo comparison: YABAKURO in the foreground. The difference is clear when compared to a standard black T-shirt.

We've prioritized comfort alongside color. The neckline, typically prone to stretching out, features a binder neck for superior durability. You can confidently machine wash your YABAKURO without fear of it losing its shape.

We use carefully selected California San Joaquin cotton. With minimal fuzz, the fabric allows the black to truly shine. It offers a perfect balance: substantial enough to drape well, yet light and breathable for all-day comfort.

Our flat seam construction ensures a smooth feel against your skin, eliminating irritation and enhancing overall comfort.

Our logo draws inspiration from traditional dyeing equipment, evoking the image of a black hole. It's a visual representation of our unwavering commitment to the perfect black.

Preserving a Fading Art

Takehiro Nakamura, the current head of Yamakatsu Senko, took over the family business after his father's sudden passing. His story is one of determination to keep a tradition alive.

Nagoya Kuromontsukizome has a rich four-century history. At its peak, over 100 dyeing houses operated in Nagoya. However, by the 2010s when Nakamura joined the business, that number had dwindled to a single digit due to declining kimono demand and a lack of successors.

This dramatic decrease is largely attributed to changes in Japanese lifestyle. "Men used to have black formal wear made for their coming-of-age ceremony," Nakamura explains. "Now, with Western-style formal wear becoming the norm, orders from the general public have all but disappeared. Our clientele has narrowed to traditional artists like shamisen players, Noh and Kyogen performers, and rakugo storytellers."

Bringing Japan's Black to the World

The birth of YABAKURO came from a fortuitous meeting between Nakamura and Junichi Honda from Begin magazine. Visiting Yamakatsu Senko for a feature, Honda was struck by the artisans' meticulous work - spending several times longer than usual on each piece - and the resulting depth of black.

To showcase this extraordinary black to a wider audience, they decided to apply it to something people wear every day: the T-shirt. Thus, YABAKURO was born.

Through YABAKURO, we aim to introduce the world to the unparalleled black born from Japanese traditional techniques. Our goal is not just to create a product, but to ensure the survival and revival of Nagoya Kuromontsukizome.

Embrace the deepest black with our range of YABAKURO T-shirts. Each size is crafted with the same meticulous care and unparalleled dyeing technique.

YAMAKATSU SENKO Co.,Ltd

Founded in 1919, Yamakatsu Senko is a guardian of "Nagoya Kuromontsukizome," a traditional Japanese craft. While preserving this centuries-old dyeing technique, we're also pioneering its application in modern fashion. Our expertise in black dyeing has even attracted world-famous designer brands, showcasing the global appeal of our craft.

Begin Magazine

YABAKURO represents the perfect fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern style. By combining Yamakatsu Senko's centuries-old dyeing expertise with Begin's fashion industry insights, we've created a T-shirt that's not just a garment, but a wearable piece of art and history.