[Nishijin Maizuru] Weaving tradition

This time we will introduce Nishijin-ori.

This time we spoke with Nishijin Maizuru, a company that has been weaving textiles in Nishijin since 1907.

First, let me explain about Nishijin-ori.

Nishijin-ori is a general term for dyed (yarn already dyed) fabrics made in Kyoto.

As the name suggests, the area known as Nishijin, located slightly northwest of the center of Kyoto City, is a major production area, hence the name.

The most distinctive feature of Nishijin-ori is its delicate and gorgeous decoration.

The lustrous patterns drawn using gold and silver threads capture people's hearts and never let go.

Nishijin-ori has a long history, with origins said to date back to the 5th or 6th century.

The techniques of sericulture and silk weaving were introduced to Kyoto from the continent, and the area developed mainly in the western part of Kyoto.

When the capital was moved to Kyoto during the Heian period, Nishijin weaving caught the attention of those in power at the time, and thanks to the tireless training of its craftsmen, the techniques for Nishijin weaving began to flourish.

Nishijin Maizuru, which we visited this time, produces textiles using hand looms and power looms (machines that use power to weave).

The handloom workshop gave off a quiet and delicate impression.

As the craftsman sits in front of the loom, he repeatedly checks the appearance of the fabric, and then at the right moment, he starts weaving.

The sound of the loom echoes through the quiet workshop.

How many more times will these sounds have to be piled up before they become a single piece of work?

It was a moment when I was able to experience the depth of weaving.

In contrast, the power loom workshop gives a dynamic and powerful impression.

Rows of power looms were lined up, making a loud clanging noise as they wove textiles at a dizzying speed.

It is very impressive to see the craftsmen working with earplugs on.

As amateurs, we couldn't keep up with the speed of the machine and had no idea what was going on.

The craftsmanship of the artisans is truly amazing.

Watching them completely control the machine and weave the fabric, I couldn't help but say how cool it was.

Representative Maizuru-san said that hand looms and power looms each have their own areas of expertise.

Power looms are controlled to a certain extent by computers, which allows for dramatic increases in production speed.

On the other hand, hand looms take more time, but they are said to be able to produce a unique fluctuation that cannot be found anywhere else.

What I found particularly interesting in Maizuru's talk was the characteristics of the town of Nishijin.

The story goes that the town of Nishijin is based on division of labor.

There are designers (those who decide on designs), thread makers, and weavers.

It seems that if you break it down further, it will be divided into many more sections.

Each company is independent, yet they cooperate with each other. I was deeply moved by the fact that the traditional form of Japanese industry still remains to this day.

These days, I feel that the town of Nishijin is also a piece of work woven by the people.