RIDGE MOUNTAIN GEAR JUN OSON × RIDGE "Tenugui"

Illustrator JUN OSON and I have been discussing doing something together again for a long time. His characters and drawings possess a powerful quality that immediately identifies them as OSON's work, along with a somewhat humorous and relaxed atmosphere. I've been a fan of his for a long time, and I've always thought about how RIDGE's craftsmanship and OSON's expression could be combined.

Art is generally appreciated by hanging it on a wall or flipping through the pages of an art book. But we thought, "There should be a way to carry art with you more casually, more in everyday life." Instead of just looking at OSON's art, we wanted to incorporate it into daily life and mountain gear. By doing so, art transforms from something to be displayed into something "usable."

Superimposing art onto tools has a meaning beyond mere design. For example, when you catch a glimpse of OSON's motif during a hike. Your fatigue might ease, or your spirits might lift. We hoped to deliver such small moments.

"What if I could always carry OSON's artwork in my pocket?"
"What if it could be unfolded as a tool in the mountains, in nature?"

This idea is the starting point of this project.

Graphic

This graphic has an original painting. It is an oil painting titled "Dance 3" which was unveiled at AFAF in 2024.
This work marked a major turning point for me, who had been creating works with acrylic paints until then.
The reason for switching to oil painting was "I wanted to draw more sensory pictures that go between figuration and abstraction."
People who are neither male nor female are dancing among trees? flowers?
Are they dancing? I don't know, but I wanted to draw a picture that seems understandable but isn't quite clear.
This time, I redrew that oil painting in a flat style and further refined it so that it could be repeated.
It's a picture where you can't tell what's drawn, but I hope you enjoy it.
JUN OSON

Spec

Material: 100% Cotton
Weight: Approx. 36g
Country of Origin: Japan
Manufacturer: Mizuno Some Kojo Co., Ltd., Asahikawa City, Hokkaido

Material

This tenugui uses Tokuoka.
Tokuoka is a type of traditional cotton fabric often used for tenugui and yukata.

【Weave Characteristics】
・It is a plain weave mainly using fine threads around count 30, which is very fine-grained and smooth on the surface.
・Due to its high thread density, it has a firmer texture than general tenugui fabrics (Bun or Oka).

【Texture】
・While having the softness characteristic of fine threads, it also has a firm body, making it gentle on the skin.
・Because it is tightly woven, the printing and dyeing finish is beautiful, making it suitable for delicate pattern expression.

【Water Absorbency and Quick Drying】
・Woven from 100% cotton, it has excellent water absorbency, and being thin and breathable, it dries quickly.
・It is easy to use for everyday hand wiping and sweat wiping, as well as for outdoor activities and travel.

About Dyeing and Texture

This tenugui is printed with reactive dye inkjet (Nassenjya).
Compared to conventional stencil dyeing, this method reduces the amount of ink and water used, contributing to the preservation of water quality in rivers.
As a characteristic of the finish, you may feel a slight stiffness (coarseness) immediately after touching it. This is inherent to the manufacturing process and is like a sign of starting to use it. The more you use and wash it, the softer and more familiar it will become, developing its unique texture. We hope you will enjoy this change, as it becomes "your own piece" the longer you use it.

Why the raw edges?

【Quick Drying】
・Since there are no seam allowances or folds, it dries quickly after washing. This is a rational design suited to Japan's humid climate.

【For Maintaining Cleanliness】
・The absence of seams makes it difficult for dirt and germs to accumulate, allowing for hygienic use. This was particularly important in the past when it was used daily instead of handkerchiefs or towels.

【Softness and Comfort】
・Since there is no thickness at the edges, it does not feel bulky when wrapped around the neck or skin, providing comfortable use.

【Versatility】
・The reason for the raw edges is also that it can be torn straight into bandages or cleaning cloths if necessary. This is a useful tip in emergencies or when traveling.

Care Instructions

【Fraying at the beginning of washing】
The threads will fray from the edges during the first few washes, but they will naturally settle into a fringe. There's no need to trim them excessively; simply snip off any long, protruding threads.

【Washing in a net is recommended】
If you're concerned about fraying, placing it in a laundry net will prevent it from getting tangled with other clothes.

【Natural drying is best】
It dries quickly, so air-drying in the shade is sufficient. Be careful not to expose it to too much direct sunlight, as this can cause fading.

【Ironing to reshape】
It will soften with use, but if you want to reshape it, a light ironing will improve its appearance.

Collaborator

In Collaborateur, we introduce the people involved in our products.

JUN OSON is an illustrator and artist who draws characters and landscapes with simple lines and flat colors.
He has released works in a wide range of forms, including advertisements, book covers, animations, posters, T-shirts, and small items. He also holds exhibitions in galleries, expanding his activities both domestically and internationally. His works are not overly bustling, but not weak either. They are characterized by leaving "space" for the viewer's imagination.

OSON is a friend whom the mountains connected me with.
We met through hiking and even walked together for a period. Through that accumulated time, I gradually came to know OSON's art and personality.

OSON's art is instantly recognizable.
Clear lines, uncluttered shapes, flat colors. Not overly bustling, yet not weak. The expressions can look like smiles or calm faces. That "in-between" draws out the viewer's imagination. It's never tiring to look at for a long time, and you suddenly want to see it again. That's what I love about it.

Another good thing is that it "blends in wherever you put it." It has a strong presence as a wall-mounted artwork, and its charm doesn't diminish when it's made into a poster, T-shirt, or small item. I think it's because the lines are firm and the color scheme is subtle, so it doesn't waver even when its shape or size changes.

"It would be great if art could be carried around. If it could be brought into our tools."
Even when OSON's art is placed on mountain gear, it doesn't feel excessive and is clearly visible. It's not too flashy under natural light, and easy to spot when needed. I believe this aligns very well with the philosophy we value in RIDGE's craftsmanship. The flat colors complement the fabric's texture, and the bold lines are discernible even from a distance. It's not just a decoration; it becomes a visual function that is useful every time it's used.
Having met through hiking and walked the mountains together, we share the same scenery. The soft morning light, the long afternoon shadows, the way the wind blows. I believe we can share such sensations.

JUN OSON

Artist and illustrator based in Kamakura. Started his career as an illustrator in 2005. His distinctive stateless style is rooted in the influence of manga and anime he enjoyed since childhood, fused with Western elements. He has worked on a wide range of projects including advertisements, animations, book covers, and merchandise design, while also actively holding solo exhibitions. Since 2020, he has exhibited his work worldwide in Asia, Europe, America, and the Middle East, expanding his activities beyond the boundaries of art and illustration.

https://junoson.com/

Size Chart

Attention

To ensure your product lasts a long time, please follow these care instructions:

・Use neutral detergent for washing.
・Avoid tumble drying.
・After dehydration, reshape and air dry in the shade.