An Interview with Japanese Clean Skincare Brand, DAMDAM Tokyo
What does the word ritual mean to you? The important thing about rituals is that they ground us. Rituals help us cultivate joy, creativity, empathy, and connectedness, but most importantly, they help us stay connected to who we are.
What does your morning ritual look like? Several years ago, a friend taught me a Buddhist chant. I began chanting for a deeper connection to creativity and nature. Dedicating a few minutes to grounding myself led me to basket weaving, something my mother did when I was young and a practice that carries so much ancient wisdom. When I’m weaving, I feel free in the early hours of the day.
Tell us more about your connection to nature. Finding a balance between the digital tools that surround us, and feeling connected to the physical earth are at complete odds. I’ve learned that my connection to who I am is through my hands, and working with nature means being human.
Why baskets? The rhythmic quality of making baskets with plant materials allows me to become completely absorbed. My mind calms and focuses on the task. I block outside noise, stress dissipates, and creativity is triggered through its relaxation properties. One must focus on the making and nothing else. The repetition and rhythm are very powerful!
What is THE UNDERWATER WEAVING CLUB? I wanted to create a new entry point for learning to weave baskets and offer a modern, accessible way into a scarce ancient craft. The club is a subscription to our bi-monthly basket weaving kits, but each has a new theme. I want to spark creativity and joy with each seasonal delivery.