Japan’s Makiko Tada is largely responsible for the growing international interest in the art of Kumihimo braiding. She creates designs from both traditional patterns and from her own original designs and is an expert on the long history of kumihimo.  After restoring ancient national treasure braids from the Kyoto National Museum, she dedicated them to Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Hayatama Shrine.

Makiko Tada conducts research and lectures in Europe, North and South America, Asia, and Australia and authored the seven-volume “Comprehensive Treatise of Braids”.  While completing her Doctorate of Engineering at Kyoto Institute of Technology she received funding from the Japanese government to invent a new braiding machine for composite materials.  This machine will be vital for making components for the construction and aerospace industries.

Dr. Makiko Tada’s 40 years of research, artistry, authorship, and invention assure the art of Kumihimo braiding will touch and enrich many lives across the world.