“Only now, only here.” These were the words of the owner of a yarn store in Kyoto, which is famous among handicraft enthusiasts and where I bought a lot of silk threads. And they were in “skeins”. Not the usual small bundles of yarn, but larger bundles shaped like churros. Not knowing what to do to make it easier to use, I pulled out just enough to use and embroidered a koala.

Then, I saw an elegant shine I had never seen before! For some reason, the smooth texture of the koala’s fur was evoked. My heart pounded with excitement.

I was instantly captivated by the deep and immeasurable brilliance of this exceptional silk thread, even though I am exposed every day to such beautiful and luminous materials as lustrous rayon thread, gold and silver thread, and crystal.

So, I immediately decided to start looking for a Japanese embroidery class to learn how to handle this wonderful silk thread.

I met Ms. Fumi Oki there and he told me, “Well, Ms. Ishihara, you started from a thread.” and laughed.

Ever since I started making original Japanese embroidery works, butterflies have somehow found their way into every piece I make. I even designed the “inscription” on my work, which is equivalent to a signature, from butterflies. Of course, butterflies are quite fascinating as a motif for embroidery. Still, I didn’t realize I liked it that much. It was strange even for me.

Recently, however, there was a strong spark in my mind, and I had a moment of clarity.

It was last year when I heard the news of the passing of designer Hanae Mori.

It was more than a decade(?) ago.

I cannot recall exactly when it was, but I had met, or rather encountered, Ms. Hanae Mori herself.

One day, I was walking along Omotesando Avenue very early in the morning. I can’t remember what it was about, but it was necessary. Naturally, there was no one on the street. There was only a security guard in the distance and a woman standing in front of the “Hanae Mori Building”, looking up at the building.

I walked along the sidewalk and pretended not to see her, but was surprised when I passed her. I shouted in my heart, “It’s Hanae Mori!”

She was wearing sunglasses, but there was no way I could have mistaken the woman with the distinctive hair style, straight back, and gracefully dressed in a suit. There was no doubt in my mind that it was her.

As a housewife, I didn’t have the courage to talk to the world-renowned celebrity, so I simply walked past her in amazement.

Looking back, I wish I had said, “I have your clothes.” (because it was true).

At the time I wondered why she was looking at the building with such deep emotion, but recently I found an old article that said, “Ms. Mori was notified in 2007, but her store moved to Roppongi in 2009 due to the reconstruction of the building.” I understood that it must have happened around that time.

It is just my imagination, but I felt that she had worked hard in this building and had many fond memories of it. I imagine that she was deeply moved by the experience and did not want to be disturbed by anyone else.

It was such a strange coincidental experience, but I had completely forgotten about it. I suddenly remembered it when I heard of her passing, and I thought, “I will inherit the butterfly!”

So I decided to take the liberty of taking the name “Hanabusa” from her name. (The character for “Hana” in Japanese Kanji is read as “Hanabusa”.)