Cloth woven from Ramie hemp is hand processed in hot water to form the crepe material used. This method is an ancient tradition in Ojiya City, Niigata Prefecture. The crepe material naturally retains heat and sheds moisture, and is both strong and very light--characteristics that make it ideal for the hot and humid Japanese climate. It is extremely easy to use, being light and crease resistant. And, if it ever gets grubby, it washes clean as new!