In the fields of Yamano-cho, where the signs of autumn are deepening, we have successfully completed this year's harvest of indigo leaves. It has been six months spent tilling the soil, sowing seeds, and engaging with the indigo every single day.
■ The Harshness of Nature Brought by Extreme Heat
This summer was once again defined by the extreme heat that grows more severe every year. The consecutive days of scorching temperatures and low rainfall created a very harsh growing environment for the indigo, and to be honest, our overall harvest this year was lower than in previous years. We spent our days through trial and error as conventional wisdom no longer applied, and it was a challenging task day after day.
Though the yield decreased, the indigo leaves that endured this harsh environment and grew vigorously were of high quality, and we were able to achieve results we are satisfied with. 
■ Marking Each Unique Annual Environment as a "Vintage"
Temperature, precipitation, sunlight hours, and our own approach to indigo—no two years are the same. Naturally, the indigo leaves that grow and the properties of the "sukumo" (fermented indigo dye) we create from them differ every year.
If modern common sense dictates mass-producing uniform goods, we are doing the exact opposite. Embracing the "fluctuations" in climate brought about by that year and that land, and translating them into color—this is the philosophy we have poured into the name "THE TERROIR."
That is why we indicate the "vintage" (production year) on our products. Our indigo color is a "one-time blue" that holds the memories of that year's climate and land. We ourselves are looking forward to seeing what kind of blue the resilient indigo that survived this year's extreme heat will reveal.
■ The 120-Day Fermentation Process Begins
The harvested leaves will now enter a roughly 120-day fermentation process with microorganisms known as "sukumo-making." Please look forward to the day we can deliver to you the blue of the 2026 vintage, born from indigo leaves that have overcome this year's harsh summer.