Project for
Wisdom from the Forest 2025
Traditional textiles of the past were nurtured within a rich and vibrant natural environment.
Their revival cannot be separated from the very nature that has always surrounded them
What is this project
Project for Wisdom from the Forest
Morimoto’s vision was not only to revive Cambodian ikat, but also to build a sustainable environment where artisans can live in harmony with nature. This vision gave birth to the “IKTT Village.”
Launched in 2003, the project began by reclaiming barren land—constructing simple houses, digging wells, planting mulberry trees for silkworms, and restoring trees for natural dyeing. What emerged was a craft village where people could live and create self-sufficiently.
Today, the IKTT Village is home to about 100 residents. Recognized as an official village, it preserves nearly half of its land as a reforestation area, embodying a way of life where nature and weaving thrive together.
Why We Revived the Project
In his later years, Morimoto suffered from cancer and was no longer able to move as freely as he wished. As a result, the efforts to restore the natural environment for textile production gradually scaled down.
After Morimoto’s passing in 2017, IKTT focused on fabric production and branding, and in recent years has begun to see tangible results. Consequently, the number of fabrics produced and sold has been steadily increasing. However, the dye plants and materials cultivated at IKTT alone are no longer sufficient to meet demand, and sourcing from outside has grown.
Given this situation and looking toward the future, it was clear that creating an environment in the IKTT Village where the materials needed for weaving could be produced sustainably was essential for passing the tradition on to the next generation. This led to the decision to revive the Project
Project Objectives
This project carries forward the vision of IKTT’s founder, Kikuo Morimoto, working toward the genuine revival of traditional textiles.
This project goes beyond simply preserving weaving techniques. It seeks to build on the IKTT Village’s foundation by expanding the cultivation of natural dye plants and mulberry trees, while also increasing silk production. Together, these efforts aim to create a more sustainable environment for textile making.
Project Plan
Timeline & Costs
目標金額 ￥1,000,000
ご支援金額￥502,562
※2025年11月現在
こちらのご支援金は、2026年1月に予定している新しい蚕小屋の建設に活用させていただきます。
Support Our Project
When IKTT was founded, reviving sericulture—essential for Cambodia’s traditional textiles—was a top priority. With support from Japan, the Mulberry Tree Fund was created to provide mulberry seedlings, vital for silkworm farming.
In 2003, the Project for Wisdom from the Forest expanded the fund to include plants for weaving and natural dyes.
Now, we are reviving the Mulberry Tree Fund to support the construction of a new silkworm house in January 2026. The new facility will allow us to raise silkworms safely and ensure stable production of high-quality fabrics.
We invite you to join us in supporting this important project.
桑の木基金
ご支援方法
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Our Team.
These members are driving the project forward on the ground.
They have been working at IKTT for years, tending mulberry plantations and dye gardens in the Forest of Tradition, and are now leading this project on site.
Project Manager
Vanna Ly
IKTT was founded in 1996 by Kikuo Morimoto (1948–2017) to revive Khmer silk weaving and promote sustainable textile production using natural dyes. We continue his vision by restoring traditional techniques. Hand-spun silk is produced into beautiful textiles inspired by the Angkor period, and natural dyes are used to minimize environmental impact. When fully operational, the project is expected to produce 10–20 kg of silk yarn in the first year, with production increasing annually through skill transfer and improved management. Dye plants will be cultivated as a sustainable resource for over 20 years. Our goal is to complete the project by the end of 2027, creating a sustainable future where local communities and nature thrive together. We sincerely thank everyone who supports and takes interest in this project.
On-Site Manager
TET
At IKTT, I work mainly in the mulberry farm. My knowledge of agriculture comes from my father, who studied farming at a school in Siem Reap. From a young age, I helped him and gradually gained both experience and understanding of nature. Now, living with my family at IKTT, I use the knowledge and skills I have gained to lead the project on site. We will continue to work together and give our best.
Midori Iwamoto
Project Director
My name is Midori Iwamoto from IKTT, and this year marks my 10th anniversary with the organization. I began my journey as an assistant to Kikuo Morimoto, gaining valuable experience. After his passing, I have focused on fabric production, branding, and overall organizational management. In 2024, while our efforts achieved certain results, new challenges also emerged. This project was launched to address them. To be honest, I had previously tried to strengthen field management, but progress was limited, and I had to temporarily pause those efforts. After that, without a dedicated supervisor, each staff member continued working to the best of their abilities. To ensure the project moves forward effectively, we appointed IKTT staff member Vanna Ly as the Project Manager, and we now proceed through collaborative discussions. Leading such a large-scale project is my first experience, but it is a challenge we must embrace. For the future of IKTT, I sincerely ask for your kind support.