RIKU MATSUZAKI

Riku Matsuzaki's Philosophy:

"Nature's colors support people." Before medicine was invented, people used clothes dyed with "natural colors" which is the origin of the word “medication."

The roots of "Japanese Indigo" are in Kyoto, where we return to the basics of fermentation with water, wood ash, and homegrown indigo to create genuine, non-bleeding indigo dye.

Our studio, revives the lost "Kyoto Indigo" from the Taisho era and incorporates the colors of natural plants that have supported humanity, both in art and daily use.


-Encapsulating life with the colors of life-
Riku Matsuzaki, “Kyoto Indigo (Kyoai)” Dyer

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In 1990

Riku Matsuzaki was born in Kyoto, Japan.

In 2013

Matsuzaki discovered Japanese indigo dyeing in New York.

In 2014

Matsuzaki expressed interest in becoming an apprentice to Yoshio Yoshioka, the fifth-generation master of a traditional Japanese dyeing house.

In 2015

Matsuzaki spent two years learning about silk farming, weaving, and traditional Japanese tailoring in Niihama, Ehime Prefecture, with the support of Yoshioka.

In 2017

Matsuzaki joined Yoshioka's dyeing house, where he learned dyeing and weaving techniques under the guidance of Yoshioka, Fukuda Denshi, and other skilled craftsmen.

In 2018

Matsuzaki participated in the restoration of a Tang Dynasty garment held in the Shosoin Repository, Nara, Japan.

In 2019

with Yoshioka's approval, Matsuzaki began preparing for independent activities.

In 2020

While working at Yoshioka, Riku Matsuzaki started his own natural dyeing brand called GROMWELL.

In 2021

Yoshioka became independent, and Matsuzaki leased a 320 sq/ft field to revive “Japanese indigo dyeing (Kyoai)”, which had died out during the Taisho era. I focused on dyeing products and artworks that returned to the earth.

In 2022

Matsuzaki built a “Kyoto indigo dyeing (Kyoai)” factory.

In 2023

Change GROMWELL to Riku Matsuzaki and create products with the concept of 'wrapping life with the color of life.'
With the aim of passing down 'Kyoai' (Kyoto indigo) to the next generation, the artist focuses on their artistic activities and dedicated the 'Kyoai Wall Viewing Painting' to Myoshinji, Keishunin Temple.

In 2024

Announced the collaboration with KANSAI YAMAMOTO at the Japan Mastery Collection.
Unveiled the collaborative work 'KYOAI' with the Italian luxury leather brand Valextra at Milan Fashion Week.
Forbes JAPAN CULTURE-PRENEURS 30　⇒Selected as one of the 30 people shaping the world.
Hosted a large-scale solo exhibition across two venues, including the special exhibition space on the first floor of Daimaru Kyoto, titled 'Casa Valextra.'