In modern language, Japanese explain the extreme of one thing with the word “極める”(kiwameru). And explain the ideal way with the word “極め”（kiwame）. The nobles of the Heian Period have been enjoying the bliss of glory and luxury. But they found the “difference” from the extreme joy, by the other words, they have seen the extreme bliss world which above other enjoyment. The word which explain the extreme bliss is “きわこと”(kiwakoto). Even overstepped the extreme quality, nothing could be better than it, they called, praised and longed for the word.

“Kiwakoto” also appears in The Tale of Genji. Hikaru Genji, the protagonist in the novel was once standing on the peak of his political life, his daughter was married to the Mikado, and this’s the happiest scene in the novel. To sort out the appurtenances his daughter took in the story, there’s a codex which written with kana (Japanese syllabary). Certainly, it was handwriting. Although the printing technology already existed in Heian period, same as the modern paintings, the unique is valuable. At that time, he recalled the words he had seen, which written by Rokujō no Miyasundokoro (Lady Rokujō 六条御息所, is a fictional character in The Tale of Genji). “That’s [Kiwakoto], it’s special treatment” he said. Lady Rokujo was known as one of lovers of Hikaru Genji, she used to be the Crown Princess. Even in the luxury capital, she was so famous lady. She’s not only famous by her naming, but also her knowledge about writing, she was well educated. The novel explained the aesthetic consciousness with the memory of Hikaru Genji.

The values of Kyoto were inherited from Heian period. And now, the ideal of “KIWAKOTO” is still alive in this ancient city. So, we want to make the ideal of “KIWAKOTO” integrate into our daily life. We want to casually feel the extreme spirit enjoyment always, just like Hikaru Genji did.