From Nature to Textiles with Koko
Immerse in the natural wonders of Japan’s northernmost island with master textile artist Koko. From shearing wool to crafting yarn and dyeing with local plants, weave images in threads inspired by the natural beauty of Hokkaido. Beyond the studio, discover a world of craft beers, miso ramen, the freshest seafood, and sculpture parks. When you take this experience home, you will see nature differently.
- Snacks, Coffee, & Tea
Pricing
- One Guest
- USD $1300
- Additional guest(s) (max 2)
- USD $600
Meet the Artist
Koko is a Japanese textile artist who is deeply committed to using various local natural materials, including wool, cotton, and linen, to create motifs based on the natural beauty of Hokkaido. While studying textile design in Tokyo, Koko learned natural dyeing and spinning sheep wool, which sparked her interest in regional materials.
After college, she moved to Hokkaido, home to more than half of the country's sheep, and discovered abundant unused and discarded local wool. This kickstarted a lifelong commitment to using local resources. Today, Koko works at all stages of the textile process, creating tapestries, rugs, tableware, throws, scarves, and three-dimensional artworks.
Koko's artistic practice is a reflection of the world around her, much like a spider spinning a web that connects everything. Her designs are not mere creations, but a manifestation of the wind's sound, the scent and color of flowers, and the shapes formed by the wind and snow. To bring these designs to life, Koko sources wool from 100 local sheep, meticulously scouring, washing, and carding the yarn herself.
In a unique partnership with a nearby town, she forages for local plants to develop vegetable dyes that produce familiar and gentle colors. Occasionally, she ventures beyond natural dyes, experimenting with chemical dyes that offer vibrant and long-lasting hues. Koko's distinct approach results in intensely local works, with motifs inspired by Hokkaido's seasonal changes and landscapes.
Koko's goal is not just to create images with threads but to handle each strand with care, using the handiwork she learned from her predecessors. She is excited to help you unravel the secrets of textiles, highlighting the connection between hand and place.
After college, she moved to Hokkaido, home to more than half of the country's sheep, and discovered abundant unused and discarded local wool. This kickstarted a lifelong commitment to using local resources. Today, Koko works at all stages of the textile process, creating tapestries, rugs, tableware, throws, scarves, and three-dimensional artworks.
Koko's artistic practice is a reflection of the world around her, much like a spider spinning a web that connects everything. Her designs are not mere creations, but a manifestation of the wind's sound, the scent and color of flowers, and the shapes formed by the wind and snow. To bring these designs to life, Koko sources wool from 100 local sheep, meticulously scouring, washing, and carding the yarn herself.
In a unique partnership with a nearby town, she forages for local plants to develop vegetable dyes that produce familiar and gentle colors. Occasionally, she ventures beyond natural dyes, experimenting with chemical dyes that offer vibrant and long-lasting hues. Koko's distinct approach results in intensely local works, with motifs inspired by Hokkaido's seasonal changes and landscapes.
Koko's goal is not just to create images with threads but to handle each strand with care, using the handiwork she learned from her predecessors. She is excited to help you unravel the secrets of textiles, highlighting the connection between hand and place.
VAWAA Includes:
- Transform drawings and landscape photographs into textile designs.
- Touch and explore a variety of local natural materials such as wool, cotton, and hemp.
- Learn to shear, card, and clean raw wool (May-August).
- Make yarn using a yarn wheel.
- Dye yarn with plants that you collect yourself based on seasons.
- Weave a sample of your design on the loom.
- Visit the sheep at Rusutsu Farm, where Koko sources her wool (Spring-Autumn).
- Visit local artists and exhibitions around Sapporo.
- Option to walk in Moerenuma Park if time and weather permit.
Explore Sapporo, Hokkaido
Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, is known for its natural beauty and hot springs, with colorful blossoms in spring and summer, fiery foliage in autumn, and pure white snow-covered land in winter. The island has six national parks, home to various wildlife, including bears, foxes, birds, and squirrels. Beyond its unique nature, the city has an eclectic food culture, offering everything from miso ramen to fresh seafood and locally brewed beers. Art lovers can learn about the indigenous Ainu culture at the Upopoy National Ainu Museum, visit the popular outdoor parks featuring sculptures by Isamu Noguchi and Kan Yasuda, or enjoy the triennial Sapporo International Art Festival. Whether you’re an art lover, an outdoor enthusiast, or a foodie, Sapporo promises an unforgettable experience for all who venture into this northern gem.
Additional Details
Sapporo is lovely to visit year-round, with four distinct seasons that each have their own allure. Spring is renowned for its beautiful cherry blossoms, and summer for the mild weather and cultural festivals such as the Sapporo Summer Festival, Yosakoi Soran Festival, and the Odori Beer Garden. Autumn has breathtaking foliage celebrated in the Sapporo Autumn Festival and Sapporo White Illumination. Winter is home to the iconic Sapporo Snow Festival, a great time for snow sports in the nearby resorts. It’s best to avoid Golden Week (late April-early May), a peak time for domestic travel in Japan with heavy crowds and increased accommodation prices.
This VAWAA is not available for longer durations.
Adults 18 years and older are welcome to participate. Unfortunately, the atelier has stairs and is not wheelchair accessible.
Koko speaks Japanese and understands basic English.
This VAWAA is not available for longer durations.
Adults 18 years and older are welcome to participate. Unfortunately, the atelier has stairs and is not wheelchair accessible.
Koko speaks Japanese and understands basic English.
Guest Reviews
Sinead W., Canada
I loved my VAWAA with Koko, and learned so much through the process! Koko is a talented artist, passionate not just about her own craft, but also the other artists in her community. She has a thoughtful, caring, and respectful teaching approach. I had never explored textile art before, and she patiently taught me a great deal in a short time. I'm looking forward to expanding on what I learned now Read more
Cathy U., Italy
I had the most amazing time with Koko. Her studio is beautiful, light and airy, filled with wonderful pieces made by Koko and her friends. Koko is so lovely, encouraging, patient, generous and fun. Her work is very inspiring.
We had a translator with us who was great, but was sometimes a bit frustrating to rely on. Koko patiently taught me to spin wool which I was very keen to learn. I had alread Read moreGwendolen G., United States
We enjoyed our three days with Koko so much--from her impeccably planned syllabus to the delightful company and snacks, we loved sharing time in her studio with Koko, her son and her son's partner, and another artist who acted as interpreter and participated in the fun. We learned about her process of sketching and trimming, about spinning, dying, and of course, weaving. She was an extraordinary h Read more
Nikoline T., Denmark
I had the best stay with Koko. I learned a lot and Koko really took me under her wing and showed me her craft. She also showed me around Sapporo and gave me an authentic experience which I really appreciated! Highly recommend!
