For the first time in a long while, Makoto Shinkai’s your name has placed the spotlight on the traditional Japanese braiding practice known as kumihimo. And during AnimeJapan 2017, several artisans of the traditional style conducted a demonstration of their braiding technique. In fact, the event’s own YouTube channel started streaming a demonstration during the event itself:

Another video also surfaced from the event, this time from CrystalynH

A kumihimo booth sold braided bracelets during the event, as well as kits on making ones. While they sold finished products through lotteries due to high demand, the kits weren’t. Each set cost 2,500 yen during the event, and it also came with instructions and materials.

your name featured the art in the film quite a lot, and was even central to the story. Aside from the prominent red one that she’s always wearing, Mitsuha also demonstrated how to make one traditionally. And now, interest in this traditional Japanese handicraft has increased in recent months. In fact, the surge in sales for kumihimo have started back in September, a month after the film made its premiere. There’s also the fact that fans are even making these braids themselves using the traditional techniques.