Indigo dyeing has a long history that dates back thousands of years and has developed independently in many parts of the world, including India, China, Africa, and Japan. The dye is extracted from plants such as Indigofera species or Japanese indigo (Persicaria tinctoria). In Japan, indigo dyeing became especially popular during the Edo period (1603–1868). Because blue fabrics were considered practical, durable, and resistant to dirt, indigo-dyed clothing was widely worn by common people such as farmers, merchants, and craftsmen. Indigo was also believed to have antibacterial and insect-repelling properties, which made it even more valuable in daily life. Different regions in Japan developed their own techniques and shades of indigo, creating a rich tradition known as “Japan Blue.” After the Meiji period, synthetic dyes were introduced, and traditional indigo dyeing declined, but it has seen a revival in recent years as part of cultural heritage and sustainable crafts. Today, indigo dyeing is appreciated both as a traditional art form and as an eco-friendly natural dyeing technique.
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