About Tatoh-Shi, which is necessary to keep Kimono for a long time.

Do you know Tatoh-Shi?

Basically pure silk is susceptible to insects and moisture, but even after 100 years it is still sold as Antique-Kimono because of its paper.

So today’s topic is Tatoh-Shi.

Tatoh-Shi is wrapping paper for storing Kimono.

Depending on the region, this paper is also called “Bunko-Shi”; Bunko is paperback, and Shi means paper.

The typical material of the Kimono is silk, which is quite troublesome.

Even if it is stored in a closet, it will be damaged by moisture and insect damage.

And then, the paper has the role of protecting it.

Tatoh-Shi protects Kimono from moisture.

As you know, Japan has a humid climate.

In early summer, we have a rainy season, and the days when you get squeezed continue.

Therefore, mold may grow if we just store it.

Tatoh-Shi is made of Washi, which is Japanese traditional paper.

This paper is so strong, that is why Japanese old books still can be read more than hundreds years after.

It is absorbs moisture and protects Kimono from mold and shrinkage.

It’s also said that products of silk are breathing, so if you put them in a plastic case, they can’t breathe and become worse.

Preventing from this bad condition, you should wrap each piece of Kimono in Tatoh-Shi and store them in a chest made from paulownia.

If you don’t have a paulownia chest, I recommend you to wrap with Tatoh-Shi and wrap over with a piece of cloth, like Furoshiki.

Additionally, Tatoh-Shi has other advantages that protect your Kimono from dust, prevent wrinkles, and easy to order.

There are two sizes of Tatoh-Shi; one for Kimono and another for Obi.

Generally, one for Kimono is longer than for Obi, but depending on the brands, there is slight difference in length.

So, before you buy the paper, you should check the length.

Also, there is other kind that can be folded compactly for travel.

However, when you store Kimono and Obi for a long time, it is important not to accumulate too small.

Tatoh-Shi is necessary to change each two years.

This paper has a limited life, about 2 years.

As told before, Japan has a lot of humidity, and Tatoh-Shi works hard; keep Kimono and other related things dry, so you can use it only for two years.

Using the same paper for a long time, there is no good thing that Kimono will get moisture and the paper will be damaged by insects.

Since it is not so expensive, I recommend that you replace it every few years to protect your Kimono.