Kanazawa is the castle town of Ishikawa in north central Japan. It is known for its fine crafts, and among them its sewing kits.

Hiro is a small garment maker in the town, passing through the generations for more than 80 years.

With a total of five employees, they now specialise in sewing accessories that show off various aspects of Kanazawa’s craft tradition, including lacquerware, yuzen dye and painted porcelain ceramics.

This set is based on the story of Princess Kaguya. One of the most famous Japanese fairytales, this was also the subject of recent Studio Ghibli animation.

Princess Kaguya is found in minute size within a bamboo stem, and this set somewhat recreates this scene by making a pin cushion within treated natural bamboo. The pins present both the princess herself, and aspects from the story including the moon, and a sedan carriage.

This cushion uses a regional Noto fabric, and all elements of the kit are made by hand.

Small like the moment of Princess Kaguya's discovery, the set fits into the palm of a hand.

It is presented within a box, and comes with a small illustrated scroll of the story.