- [Narrator] This is the beginning of a kimono.

One of the world's most precious kimonos,

a thousand-year-old fashion statement

that all starts here in the mud on a unique tropical island.

This is the kimono world's dirty little secret.

This story starts in Ginza,

a neighborhood in Tokyo known for fashion,

and home to a famous kimono shop.

- [Narrator] In the 1700s, Japan invaded Amami Ōshima,

and everyone was forced to surrender

all of their silk kimonos to Japan's ruling class.

So, legend has it that the people of Amami Ōshima

hid their kimonos in the mud

and discovered that they were dyed a beautiful black color.

- [Narrator] Some say the heritage behind these kimonos

is just as sacred as the kimono itself.

(lively instrumental music)