The origin of Banshu textiles is said to date back to the middle of the Edo period (1603-1868), when a palace carpenter named "Yasube Tobita" (Yasube Hida) brought back textile techniques from Nishijin, Kyoto.
With a history of 230 years, it has been produced mainly in the Kita-Harima area of Hyogo Prefecture, supporting postwar Japan as well as other countries, and is now a representative weaving of Hyogo Prefecture, loved around the world.
Made with "soft water" suitable for dyeing in Hyogo Prefecture, Banshu textiles are characterized by its yarn-dyeing method, in which the yarn is dyed first and then kneaded. With this method, the combination of weaving warp and weft yarns gives depth to the colors and patterns. It is said that about 80% of Japan's yarn-dyed fabrics are produced in the Banshu region.
This manufacturing method allows for the free and expressive expression of patterns such as various checks and stripes. The advantages are that the colors do not fade easily, and the fabric is finished with a wonderful texture, giving it a luxurious feel.
Banshu textiles, an old-fashioned traditional textile, has been appreciated for its high quality, as it has been adopted by famous brands such as Louis Vuitton and Burberry, although it once entered a period of stagnation and was less likely to catch the public's attention. In this day and age, a certain brand of women's clothing and accessories made of Banshu textiles are sold at Beams and the main Mitsukoshi store in Nihonbashi, and is regaining popularity among young people.
We hope you will try to incorporate "Banshu textiles," a good old Japanese textile, into your daily life and experience its splendor.
Nishiwaki City in Hyogo Prefecture is said to be the "center of the Japanese archipelago and the navel of Japan," located almost in the center of Japan at the intersection of 135°E longitude and 35°N latitude. There are many humorous things associated with the "navel" in the city.
In 2005, the city was merged with Kurodasho Town in Taka County and newly established as Nishiwaki City.
With three rivers, the Kako River, Sugihara River, and Noma River, the city was blessed with water resources essential for dyeing, and as a result, Banshu textiles, which have a history of over 200 years, flourished and became famous throughout the country.
In addition to Banshu weaving, the area is also famous for Kurodasho wagyu beef, the king of Nishiwaki gourmet foods, and Banshu ramen, the soul food of Nishiwaki.
Experience the beautiful scenery unique to Nishiwaki created by nature's ups and downs in each season, such as the shibazakura cherry blossoms at the Kyu-Kurashike Jutaku, the Tsumanosato hydrangea garden, fireflies along the Hatanigawa River, autumn leaves at Nishirinji Temple, and the sea of clouds from Yazusuyama Mountain.
Please consider commemorative gifts using“Banshu Textiles”.
We accept a variety of requests,
including letterhead sets and Japanese paper accessories,
as well as items such as the souvenir example.
In the Taisho Period, the opening of the railroad greatly enhanced transportation capacity, which led to increased consumption in urban areas and the spread of the "Banshu textiles" name throughout the country.
Furthermore, the company turned its attention to overseas markets and expanded its overseas sales channels to Southeast Asian countries.
From this period onward, the company established its first golden age as a major export production center.
Thereafter, the number of weaving machines decreased due to World War II, but prices soared as a result of inflation caused by material controls to maintain a balance of demand and shortages of daily commodities, and clothing became highly priced.
Around 1950, the entire textile industry entered a boom period known as the "Gotchaman Boom," thanks to the development of new products and the expansion of sales channels through the development of the American market. The name "Gachaman" comes from the fact that it was said that 10,000 yen was earned for every "Gachacha" sound made by a loom.
However, the economic boom did not last long, and a period of stagnation followed again, but now various efforts are being made to revitalize Banshu textiles while responding to the diverse needs of the domestic market.
Please consider commemorative gifts using“Banshu Textiles”.
We accept a variety of requests,
including letterhead sets and Japanese paper accessories,
as well as items such as the souvenir example.