[meri] Indigo dyed loofah sauna mat

Loofah fibers are dyed in deep indigo that reflects the sea. Quick-drying, breathable, soft and blends into the skin. The antibacterial properties of indigo and its beauty over time make this a one-of-a-kind sauna mat that grows with the passage of time.

*meri means sea in Finnish

The concept is ``I want you to enjoy the feeling of the indigo-dyed loofah becoming familiar with each use and growing into your own one-of-a-kind sauna mat.'' Loofah fiber is quick-drying, has excellent breathability, and becomes soft against the skin when it absorbs moisture. By sitting on the sauna, you can protect your body from the heat of the seat and enjoy the sauna comfortably.
In addition, by dyeing it with indigo, it further increases its antibacterial properties, and as you use it, you can enjoy the aging effect, adding color to your sauna life.

[meri] The reason for the birth

It all started with the thoughts of a female university student studying art and culture.

I want to create “lifestyle products that grow by spending time together”!

Something that will grow with you the more you take care of yourself and spend more time with yourself.

Every time you use it, it becomes familiar to you and you can enjoy the feeling of growing it.

We were looking for materials created by nature that would bring color and moisture to people's lives.

Meanwhile, it has excellent water absorption, quick drying, and heat resistance, and becomes soft when wet with water.LoofahI met with

Suddenly, it occurred to me that I could make a loofah out of the material used for sauna mats.

andIndigo dyeingBy applying this, the antibacterial and deodorizing properties are enhanced, and the natural shading of the material and the vivid Japan blue of indigo combine.

sauna mat [meri】was born.

“meri” development project members

Indigo dye shop Aiya Ayumi Nanbu

While raising her children, she started indigo dyeing in the summer of 2015. ``Natural lye fermentation'' is a traditional technique that has been around since the Edo period, which produces colors using only natural ingredients without the use of chemicals. In the winter of 2018, he moved to an old folk house in Kakuma, Uozu City, Toyama Prefecture, which is rich in nature, and has been spreading the word about indigo dyeing and the charms of living in Satoyama to many people.

Professor, Department of Arts and Culture, University of Toyama

Kazumi Uchida

Graduated from Tama Art University, 3D Design Product Department (1986)
Biography: Worked as a car designer, product designer, etc. at Volkswagen AG (Germany), Porsche AG (Germany), MIE Design Co., Ltd., etc., before assuming current position in April 2013.

(Basic design of indigo-dyed sauna mat)
Rino Takada(Graduated from Uchida Design Laboratory, Department of Art and Culture, Faculty of Art and Culture, University of Toyama)
In his fourth year of university, he developed an indigo-dyed loofah sauna mat. Currently working outside the prefecture.

Toyama Prefecture General Design Center

Yuta Itano

Meri's godfather. A man who loves saunas more than anyone else, using the heat waves as his partner and synchronizing with the steam of Loryu. His passion is scorching hot, and he is a true sauna gentleman who can even take a cool cold bath.

Hechima Sangyo Co., Ltd.
Representative directorHidenari Takita

Japan's only loofah specialty company has been cultivating loofahs without pesticides for over 40 years in Imizu City, Toyama Prefecture, and handles everything from manufacturing and processing to product development and sales. Every day, she is searching for new ways to use loofahs, such as skin care products, daily necessities, and interior objects.

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