I'm staying near Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden this month. I love walking through this amazing park — you should visit when you're in Tokyo.

During one of my daily walks, I discovered a shop selling maekake, traditional Japanese aprons.

The deep indigo colors caught my eye so when I got home, I decided to learn more about these beautiful pieces.

What does maekake mean?

The word is wonderfully simple: mae (前) means "front" and kakeru (掛ける) means "to hang."

From ships to shops: The evolution of maekake

Maekake are traditional Japanese aprons worn at hip level by craftsmen and shop staff.

Their story begins in the 15th century during Japan's Muromachi period (1336-1573).

Fishermen would cut up old sailcloth to make sturdy aprons. That's why the full name is "ho-maekake" — literally "sailcloth apron."

By the Edo period (1603-1868), maekake had become essential workwear for traders and artisans across Japan.

Modern maekake: Old craft, new uses

When automated shuttle looms arrived in the early 1900s, maekake production soared.

Shops and companies began printing their names on these aprons. They became both practical workwear and smart advertising.

Today, maekake attract a fresh audience: cooks, florists, bartenders, and even camping enthusiasts.

Maekake by Anything: Keeping tradition alive

Like I explained in my previous post about denim, shuttle looms were replaced by more efficient looms. But the durability is not as good, among other downsides.

That's why some companies still use shuttle looms — including the shop I found.

Their maekake showcase stunning indigo depths that photos can't capture. You really need to see them in person to appreciate their beauty.

NB: The physical store opened on July 1st and it’s still not on Google Maps, so if you want to visit it

, the address is at the bottom of their website.

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