Fujiyoshida Region

Lively activities by young and creative power

A wealth of enthusiastic initiatives have emerged to promote the open- minded and creative benefits of the Fujiyoshida textile region in Yamanashi Prefecture, with a focus on youth in particular. These have included the ‘HATAORI-MACHI’ (Weaving town) festival, alongside events in which participants can meet and greet local creators and weavers on factory tours, plus an internship project to introduce textiles and weaving for students.

This region is also home to a historical legend, according to which Xu Fu brought in and introduced weaving techniques to this land, in the era of the first Qin Emperor. Blessed with rich and naturally filtered spring water from Mount Fuji, known for its purity and low hardness, this is a perfect setting for dyeing bright fabrics awash with tonality. During the Edo Period (1603-1868), people used to make their own competitive fashion statements with kimono linings in a range of head-turning shades, namely ‘Kaiki’ (Kai silk produced in Yamanashi); featuring fine weaves and premium-quality patterns in beautiful hues. Fujiyoshida City and Nishikatsura Town have also drawn on their sericulture heritage to produce silks. Nowadays, a wide range of products come from the region, pick of which includes fine-count and high-density jacquard - cupro for example - covering fields from fashion items and umbrellas right up to interior decor.