The stuffed mascot “Ai kuma” dyed with Japan’s traditional indigo blue is made entirely by hand. “Ai” stands for indigo dying but also means “love” in Japanese language. Founded in 1872 in Hanyu City in Saitama Prefecture known as one of Japan’s leading producers of kendo clothing, Kojimasenshoku Co., Ltd. has been manufacturing indigo dye fabrics, which are designated as a traditional handicraft product in Saitama. The deep blue color, obtained by dying the yarn core over and over again by hand, was once preferred by samurai warriors as auspicious “Kachi-iro,” or winning color. Also, dyed indigo textile is a traditional work of art that does not get tired of, and by using it you will appreciate it more and more with the passing of time. It also makes an ideal gift on celebratory occasions.