Utility Cord Belt / Sanada Himo

From hauling heavy loads to everyday wear. The strongest woven belt, trusted by samurai with their lives.

"Sanada Himo" is a traditional Japanese woven cord, historically prized by samurai to secure their heavy armor, and by merchants and craftsmen for binding heavy goods.

We have reimagined its extraordinary tensile strength and unparalleled grip into a tough, everyday gear.

Whether worn through the belt loops of your denim or work pants, or used as a heavy-duty tool for carrying weights and securing outdoor equipment, this versatile utility belt will be your most reliable companion in any situation.

Length：213 cm
Width：4.5 cm
Weight：60 g

Silk
Cotton

SANADAHIMO ENAMI

"The endless possibilities of Sanada-himo"

Today, Sanada-himo is mainly used for paulownia boxes for tea ceremony utensils and ceramics, but it can also be used for luggage strings, sandals, accessories, and even art, making the uses of Sanada-himo diverse. I have discovered the potential of Sanada-himo and is making an effort to pass on the possibilities of Sanada-himo to future generations through lectures and other events.

ARTISAN STORY

Isao Wada / Sanada-Himo Enami
Enami has been making Japanese braided cord for over 15 generations, working in Kyoto for more than 500 years. It is the only store specializing in hand-woven Sanada-himo, made using original methods passed down over centuries, as well as unique bracelets and necklaces that beautifully complement our modern age. Ancestors at Enami have a unique and treasured lineage; on the father’s side, they organized ninja warriors, and made these braided cords as one of the tools of their trade. On the mother’s side, they are related to none other than the great Sen no Rikyu, the godfather of the tea ceremony and one of the most revered characters in all of Japan's cultural history. Suigenkyo is very proud of our unique relationship with this storied house and pleased to offer this very limited collection.

ACHIEVEMENTS

・Received The Scholastic Art Awards
・Received 6Gold key awards
・Received 1Blue ribon award

SANADAHIMO / JAPANESE BRAIDED CORD

About 500 years ago / 1500s / Sengoku Period

Sanada-himo is a flat, densely woven cord traditionally made from cotton or silk. It is associated with practical military and transport uses in the Sengoku period and became firmly established in the Edo era as the cord used to tie paulownia boxes for valuable tea utensils.

In Japan, the name suggests a cord that is narrow but exceptionally strong. Because it stretches little and holds knots securely, it appears not only on tea boxes but in belts, bags and contemporary straps, combining decoration with function.

In tea culture, the color and stripe pattern of the cord can help identify a school, maker or provenance. The cord therefore acts as more than packaging: in some contexts it functions almost like a brand label or authentication marker wrapped around the box.

Individual Differences

As each piece is individually handcrafted, slight variations in color, pattern, shape, and texture may occur. These subtle differences are a natural characteristic of handcrafted works, making each piece truly unique. We hope you will enjoy these individual variations as part of the beauty and character of Japanese craftsmanship.

Production Time

If an item is not currently in stock, it may be made to order by the artisan. As each piece is carefully handcrafted, production may take several months depending on the item and the artisan's schedule. We appreciate your patience and understanding.