Java Hokokai Batik - Japanese influence

Java Hokokai Batik came during the Japanese occupation in Indonesia 1942-1945, which design & colours are strongly influenced by Japanese culture. The name of "Java Hokokai" taken from an organization formed by Japan on 1 March 1944 to replace Putera  (Pusat Tenaga Rakyat).

Dominant motifs are butterflies and sakura flowers with traditional Java motifs as background such as Parang, Kawung, and Sidomukti.  In the past, Java Hokokai Batik motifs were made with complicated ornament & isen-isen intentionally to make the batik process longer, due to the lack supply of mori  and synthetic colours from Europe after World War1&2. Nowadays,  Java Batik Hokokai motifs are simplified without loosing its beauty & unique designs.

Below picture are new Java Batik Tulis Hokokai from Pekalongan, Central Java.