Enshu Region

Convergence of craftsmen for one-of-a-kind manufacturing

The Enshu textile region, which constitutes the western area of Shizuoka Prefecture around Hamamatsu City, is known as a producer of cotton woven fabrics. Indeed, during the Edo Period (1603-1868), it stood as one of the top three producers of cotton textiles, alongside Senshu and Mikawa. Farmers originally began manufacturing as a side job, given the long hours of daylight, moderate climate and rich water in the region. In the Meiji Period (1868-1912), meanwhile, founders of carmakers like Toyota and Suzuki developed weaving machines while major spinning mills moved in, although the industry peaked in around 1972, influenced by import pressure.

Their products mainly comprise assorted cotton woven fabrics, including narrow fabrics, single- and double-width cloths, velveteen and corduroy. Thanks to repeated technical refinement proactively by each manufacturer, the region emerged as a stand-out hub where skilled craftsmen/weavers would converge, leveraging unrivalled passion for manufacturing what were exclusive and original products from the region. Recently, the Enshu region has enhanced its promotional efforts by making booklets/pamphlets to showcase its textiles and supported by its newly established Enshu Regional Promotion Council. This has helped encourage more frequent visits by apparel companies and designers to the region.