DEEPTOKYO
magazine
EN
DEEPTOKYO
magazine
EN
2026.03.18
PRThe JAPAN COLLECTION is THE NORTH FACE’s exploration of future manufacturing through a reinterpretation of Japanese culture, technology, nature, and art. One of the pieces in the lineup, Natural Dyed PERTEX, applies Onibegie® dyeing technology—an environmentally conscious material system developed in Japan—to PERTEX® QUANTUM AIR DIAMONDFUSE, a high-performance material also born in Japan. To explore the story behind this world-first innovation, we spoke with the project planner who brought the product to market, as well as Komatsu Matere Co., Ltd., which oversaw the processing stage.
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The JAPAN COLLECTION is not simply about incorporating materials or techniques originating in Japan. Its purpose is to reconstruct a philosophy that expresses respect for culture, technology, the natural environment, and art through outdoor wear. Natural Dyed PERTEX was born within this context.The series combines PERTEX® QUANTUM AIR DIAMONDFUSE—known for its lightweight yet highly durable performance—with the dyeing technology used for Onibegie®. This environmentally conscious material reinterprets traditional Japanese colors through modern methods, achieving both a natural texture and uncompromised functionality. From the earliest stages of development, extensive testing was required to ensure color fastness, achieve the desired tone, confirm suitability for outdoor wear, and preserve the material’s inherent performance. The processing technology that enabled this high-performance fabric to be dyed using Onibegie® techniques was provided by Komatsu Matere.
Iijima of THE NORTH FACE (hereinafter TNF)
With the JAPAN COLLECTION, we aimed for a functional beauty that could be realized entirely through Japanese technology,” says Kazuhiro Iijima of THE NORTH FACE. “The idea began with a question: could PERTEX® QUANTUM AIR DIAMONDFUSE—planned and distributed by MN Inter-Fashion Ltd., and known for being lightweight yet exceptionally strong—be dyed with naturally derived pigments using Komatsu Matere’s processing expertise? That initial consultation with both companies marked the starting point.
Uba of Komatsu Matere (hereafter Komatsu Matere)
The PERTEX® QUANTUM AIR DIAMONDFUSE used in this project is a high-performance fabric woven at high density from nylon yarns with a unique diamond-shaped cross section. Dyeing such a material using naturally derived ingredients is extremely difficult. The technology we employed draws on the environmentally conscious Onibegie® system, which originated from upcycled onion skins. For a company that has long pursued both environmental responsibility and advanced dyeing techniques, this was an opportunity to demonstrate our capabilities.
TNF
Pairing PERTEX® QUANTUM AIR DIAMONDFUSE with Onibegie® felt like a natural fit for the JAPAN COLLECTION, which embodies the intersection of Japanese culture, technology, and functionality. We were confident that Komatsu Matere could rise to—and deliver on—this challenge.
Raw materials used as dye sources—including onion skins, rice husks, olive leaves, bamboo charcoal, and grape pomace—are shown alongside samples of Onibegie®-dyed fabrics in various colors. By utilizing natural ingredients, the process produces nuanced tones that cannot be achieved through chemical dyes alone.
Founded in the UK in 1979, PERTEX® is a fabric brand renowned for its lightweight yet durable high-performance materials, trusted by outdoor brands worldwide. The PERTEX® QUANTUM AIR DIAMONDFUSE adopted in this series is a high-performance material planned and distributed in Japan by MN Inter-Fashion Ltd., designed to achieve both exceptional thinness and durability. By drawing on the combined expertise of MN Inter-Fashion and Komatsu Matere, the fabric achieves deep, dimensional coloration without compromising performance. The tones created using naturally derived ingredients reduce light reflection and can also help minimize the amount of UV light reaching the eyes. For THE NORTH FACE, achieving deep coloration that would endure even after prolonged outdoor wear was essential. Preserving that richness under everyday stresses—such as sweat, rain, and UV exposure—was key to realizing the JAPAN COLLECTION’s vision of creating garments designed to be worn and appreciated for years to come.
TNF
We prioritized durability under everyday conditions,” says Iijima. “Deep coloration and color retention were points we simply could not compromise.
Komatsu Matere
Achieving this depth of color on synthetic fibers using natural ingredients—and ensuring that it lasts—was an extremely difficult challenge,” Uba notes. “But making it succeed was our mission. Through repeated testing, we arrived at the optimal process.
Natural Dyed PERTEX products build on the durability of PERTEX® QUANTUM AIR DIAMONDFUSE, informed by the wealth of knowledge Komatsu Matere has built up over the years to achieve rich, nuanced coloration. THE NORTH FACE then refines these materials into timeless designs, resulting in garments that perform effortlessly in both everyday life and outdoor settings.
At one point, progress in the development of Onibegie® had stalled. The breakthrough came from an unexpected source: the uniforms worn by staff in Komatsu Matere’s employee cafeteria. Observing that vegetable stains clinging to their white rubber boots refused to fade, the team began experimenting with a variety of plant materials—ultimately leading to the discovery that onion skins were effective.
For THE NORTH FACE, what matters consistently within the JAPAN COLLECTION is not only functionality or technical excellence, but the very background behind the craft itself. From the philosophies and environments that give rise to materials, to the decisions made by artisans at each stage of production, understanding and communicating these stories encourages users to form lasting connections with the products.
Considering how to inspire a deeper sense of attachment to a garment is itself an essential part of long-life manufacturing.
Based on our long-selling compact jacket, this relaxed silhouette has a roomy shoulder and body width. Natural dyed perspex jacket 24,200 yen
Tightening the hood’s drawcord helps maintain visibility while preventing wind from entering around the face.
Indigo layered over pigments extracted from onion skins creates a deep navy tone. Its soft texture and subdued color blend naturally into everyday life.
This ultra-lightweight half coat is an adaptation of the brand's classic Journey Coat. The elegant look of the zipper-less, wing-tailored design and the relaxed silhouette allow it to be worn over a jacket as well. It comes with a hood that can be stored at the neck. Natural Dyed PERTEX Coat JPY 29,700
The bottoms are available in two set-up styles. An elastic waistband ensures comfort while maintaining a clean silhouette. Natural Dyed PERTEX Pants ¥16,500 , Shorts ¥9,900
Through its diverse efforts to connect Japanese craftsmanship with outdoor technology, the JAPAN COLLECTION has produced pieces designed to accompany their wearers for years to come.
“Onibegie” is a registered trademark of Komatsu Matere Co., Ltd.
“PERTEX” is a registered trademark of MN Inter-Fashion Ltd.
Merchandising Director (MD) of the Apparel Division at THE NORTH FACE, primarily overseeing lifestyle wear. His responsibilities span demand forecasting, inventory management, and factory visits throughout Japan.
Chief of the Osaka Sports Textiles Team at Komatsu Matere, a textile processing company based in Ishikawa Prefecture. He oversees commissioned sales operations for manufacturers and trading companies.
