For more information about our textile production area in English, please visit the following linked pages.
https://yamanashi-tex.jp/warp/
Introduction of Yamanashi textile production area
1. Introducing Yamanashi Prefecture
Location and Nature
Yamanashi prefecture is located near the center of Honshu, the main island of Japan. It has an area of 1,723.8 mi2 and a population of 890,000. Surrounded by 6,560-9,840 ft high mountains and rich in nature, 78% of the prefecture is covered by forests including those of its three national parks and one quasi-national park, such as the famous Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Japan’s highest and most magnificent mountain, Mt.Fuji, is also known for its abundance of pure water. This famous water is collected at the foot of Mt.Fuji and shipped nationwide as mineral water.
Industry of Yamanashi prefecture
Among the various products of Yamanashi, the fruits grown in its favorable environment are some of the most famous. Its harvest of grapes, peaches and plums is ranked as the best and most beautiful in Japan, and the wines made of Koshu grapes are well known all over the world. In addition, kaiki (traditional weaving of silk textiles), crystal crafting, and the production of washi, or Japanese paper, are all very popular. Techniques refined in Yamanashi for cutting precious stones are among the most advanced in the world, as well.
2. Textiles made in Yamanashi – the finest textile born from Mt. Fuji’s spring water
The north foot of Mt.Fuji area has over thousand year history of producing high quality textiles with traditional techniques. Located at the base of the Japanese symbol Mt.Fuji, it is renowned as Japan’s leading textile region.
History of Yamanashi Textile Industry
For several centuries, north foot of Mt.Fuji area of Yamanashi Prefecture has been well known as
Japan’s major production area of high quality textile.
It is said that textile production in Yamanashi began in the northern foot of Mt. Fuji around 1633, at
the encouragement of the lord of a local manor.
From the Edo Era(1600-1868), north foot of Mt.Fuji, was famous for production of “KAIKI”, a plain
silk fabric which is characterized by use of pre-dyed, fine count, non twisted yarn. “KAIKI” was used
for lining cloths of “Haori”(short outer coats of Kimono), or other high-end products exclusive for the
upper class, because it is very light, chewy and does not lose warmth. The use of this fabric continued
till the early stage of Showa era, when the technology of chemical fiber was developed after the war;
the use of “KAIKI” declined rapidly afterwards. This traditional technique of weaving – high density,
yarn-dyed, fine count has been passed down to today.
The textile industry has developed in this area thanks to favorable environmental conditions which
have provided a thriving sericulture industry and rich, pure water from the melted snow of Mt. Fuji.
Textile techniques
We have many techniques of yarn-dyeing, weaving, finishing. The following techniques are
characteristic of fabrics made in this area.
・Yarn-dyed fine count woven fabrics
・High-density silk fabrics, both in Jacquard and Dobby
・High-density cupra rayon /polyester fabrics, both in Jacquard and Dobby
・Blend jacquard fabric of silk / rayon / polyester / cotton
・Fine count fabric of natural fiber, silk / organic cotton / linen / ramie / cashmere / wool
・Intricate fabric such as cut Jacquard / chambray organdy / floating Jacquard / double faced fabric /large pattern Jacquard
・Special process and finish such as needle punching / raising / chintz / chlorination shrink
Production item
We manufacture various type of fabrics, and have excellence at production of following item.
・Fabric for dress and ladies wear Due to the rich colour expressions of yarn-dyed and beautiful drape drape characteristic of fine count high-density weaving , our fabrics are used as a high-fashion clothing material.
・Necktie Cloth Yamanashi have the biggest market share in silk Necktie cloth production of Japan.
・Scarf, Stole We manufacture high quality stoles, lightweight and delicate texture, using fine natural fibers.
・Umbrella Cloth We have top share of Japanese market in yarn-dyed umbrella cloth.
・Interior Fabric Yamanashi have also high share of interior fabric such as drapery and Japanese cushions, using intricate Jacquard weaving.
More information and history about our textile production area in English, please visit the following linked pages.
https://yamanashi-tex.jp/warp/
More details and latest information, Please also check HATAJIRUSHI website.