CONTENTS

EVOLVING TRADITIONAL INDUSTRY JAPAN /The Enduring Philosophy of One Hundred Years Japanese Textile Region Beyond Westernization.

This tour visits two dyeing companies critical to the textile industry, offering participants a chance to experience traditional practices and their evolution.  As you explore the region, you'll witness the fascinating journey of a major industry – its rise, its challenges, and its remarkable resilience. Since the Edo period, Fukuyama has played a vital role in Japan's textile production, renowned for its Bingo-kasuri fabric. However, as Western-style clothing gained popularity, kasuri production faced a decline. Resourcefully, Fukuyama leveraged the skills and techniques acquired through kasuri production to establish itself as a denim manufacturing center. Today, Fukuyama accounts for a remarkable 80% of Japan's denim output. With numerous companies boasting over a century of history, this region stands as a symbol of Japan's enduring textile legacy. Discover how this industry has navigated the changing tides of time, seamlessly integrating technological advancements with time-honored traditions. Meet the skilled artisans, witness their expertise, and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, scents, and textures of textile production, experiencing both its rich past and promising future. Explore a region where Japanese craftsmanship thrives, deeply rooted in tradition and culture, constantly adapting and reinventing itself.

  • Duration

    One-day（9:00-17:00）

  • Capacity

    15 people

  • Price

    ¥207,000 (JPY) for 2 people and up. For more details, please refer to the materials or contact us.

  • Location

    Sakamoto Denim Co., Ltd.：231 Hirano, Kannabecho, Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture Shinohara Textile Co., Ltd. ：703 Nakajima, Ekicho, Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture

  • Access

    The tour starts and ends at JR Fukuyama Station. About three and a half hours from JR Tokyo Station by Tokaido Shinkansen. About one and a half hours from JR Kyoto Station by Tokaido Shinkansen. About one hour from JR Shin-Osaka Station by Tokaido Shinkansen.

  • Other

    Beyond exploring the initial stages of denim production, we can also arrange customized tours based on your interests. These tours can feature visits to businesses engaged in finishing and utilizing denim, showcasing their upcycling efforts and the collaborative support provided by local government and businesses. 

  • Sights

    Visit two dyeing companies that play a vital role in Fukuyama's textile industry. ・Sakamoto Denim Co., Ltd. A craftsman company known domestically and internationally as SAKAMOTO of Technology, dedicated to perfecting indigo dyeing techniques for 132 years. ・Aiya Terroir A group of young artisans who use traditional methods to dye fabrics with the colors of the land, utilizing indigo cultivated over a year from seed.