Fabrics with stripes or checked patterns are called kanto. There are different reasons why fabrics with certain patterns can be considered kanto fabrics, and no clear rules exist for classifying them.

In the 16th centry, when kanto fabrics were introduced into Japan, the striped and checked patterns felt new and fresh to chajin (Tea practitioners). From that time on, they were used for making pouches for chaire (thick tea container), considerably earlier than donsu and kinran. Even after donsu and kinran became highly valued, the use of kanto fabrics did not decline because they provided a new range of fabric colors.

In the right frame, from top
Miyauchi Kirinte Kanto, Kapitan, Suoji Hakuiri Kanto, Tosai Kanto, Shijira Kanto, Mumyo Kanto, Kiji Kosanada Kanto, Chaujima Kanto, Taishi Kanto, Tsurugaoka Kanto, Mochizuki Kanto, Shusuji Kanto, Yahyoe Kanto, Nikuzushi Kanto, Hino Kanto, Aoki Kanto, Sagara Kanto1, Sagara Kanto2, Sagara Kanto3, Satsuma Kanto, Yoshino Kanto1, Yoshino Kanto2