Jun Sugimae
JunAle Sashiko Studio
1-4-18-102, Shigita, Joto-ku, Osaka 536-0015, Japan
JunAle is an Osaka-based sashiko studio founded by artist Jun Sugimae, dedicated to expanding traditional Japanese craft into contemporary design. Its SASHIKOSNEAKER™ pieces are made from collected boro textiles and strengthened through repeated hand stitching, while natural dyes such as indigo and persimmon tannin become part of each piece’s evolving story. Working across repair, bespoke sneakers, garments and art, JunAle embraces boro and wabi-sabi to show how sashiko can bind past and present—and extend the life of what already exists.
- Materials/Resources
- Methods/Processes
- Methods/Processes:
- Sourcing model
- Sourcing model:
- Services Offered
- Languages
- Languages:
- Japanese
- English
- Scale
- Solo
How to get in touch: Contact via website or Instagram only
About the practice
JunAle is led by Jun Sugimae, a sashiko artist born in Osaka in 1983. After studying tailoring, working in London across brand assistance and stage-costume production, and returning to Japan in 2006 to work as a sportswear designer, Sugimae began questioning whether traditional handcraft could hold the same power as modern technical materials. That question led him to sashiko in 2014. Sashiko is a Japanese stitching method that binds, reinforces and extends the life of cloth; for Sugimae, its repeated stitches became a way to connect past and present, natural and synthetic fibres, handcraft and technology. JunAle’s signature SASHIKOSNEAKER™ begins with the careful collection of boro—textiles shaped by time, wear and human touch. Sugimae reads the history held in each fragment and transforms these materials into contemporary products. Every stitch is applied by hand, and strength emerges through repetition rather than any single stitch. Natural dyeing is central to the studio’s practice. Sugimae uses plant-based dyes including indigo and persimmon tannin on threads, fabrics and sometimes the sneakers themselves, allowing the material’s changing character to become part of each piece’s story. Grounded in boro, wabi-sabi and the beauty of imperfection, JunAle creates bespoke sneakers, everyday garments and art pieces. Its work presents sashiko not simply as heritage craft, but as a living method for repair, reinvention and future-making.
This re-maker or reuse business is included in a public directory. Information may have been submitted by the maker or business, nominated by another person, or added through a partner process. Listings are not endorsements, certifications or guarantees.