The History of the Banshu Region

The Banshu production region has been shaped by the material of cotton, natural water conditions, and the accumulation of expertise. Here, we summarize the major events in chronological order.


  • Mid-Edo Period
    The Beginnings of Cotton Cultivation and Yarn Dyeing

    Cotton cultivation begins in the Banshu region. From around 1750, yarn dyeing begins with an eye toward dyeing applications. Water resources (soft water) from the Kako, Sugihara, and Noma rivers would later support the formation of the production area.


  • 1792 (Kansei 4)
    Introduction of Weaving Technology

    The catalyst for full-scale textile production is said to be master carpenter Yasubei Hida bringing back loom manufacturing technology from Nishijin, Kyoto, to what is now Hie-cho, Nishiwaki City.


  • Late Edo to Early Meiji Period
    Transition to Factory-based Handicraft

    By the end of the Edo period, the region had reached the stage of factory-based handicraft. Records indicate that there were 60 to 70 cotton textile merchants and weaving shops in the early Meiji period.


  • 1892 (Meiji 25)
    Regional Organization Progresses

    The organization of local weavers begins, and development of the production area advances (including the establishment of the Taka District Striped Cotton Association).


  • 1900 / 1906
    Introduction of Power Looms and the Emergence of the "Banshu-Ori" Name

    In 1900, Toyota-style power looms (shuttle looms) were introduced, shifting production from cottage industry to factories. In 1906, the name "Banshu-Ori" was used for the first time.


  • Showa Era (1930s)
    Golden Age as an Export Hub

    The region developed as an export-oriented textile center, recording a scale of 100 million square yards annually during the 1930s.


  • 1948 (Showa 23)
    Founding of Ueyama Orimono Co., Ltd.

    Ueyama Orimono Co., Ltd. (the predecessor to Ueyama Textile) was founded.


  • 1970s–80s to Recent Years
    Structural Transformation and Value Enhancement

    Production volume decreased due to the strong yen and the influx of inexpensive imported textiles. In recent years, structural reforms such as "high-mix, low-volume, short-lead-time" production, "higher added value," "branding," and "finished product manufacturing" have been progressing.


  • 2008
    Registration of "Banshu-Ori" Regional Brand

    Registered as the regional brand "Banshu-Ori," and an official logo was established. *Explained in a separate article.

Inheriting History, Weaving the Future

The journey of the Banshu production region over more than 200 years has been spun through the blessings of nature, human skill, and the accumulation of challenges faced in each era.

There were golden ages, and there were difficult times. Yet, each time, the production area transformed, polished its strengths, and connected itself to the next generation.

We view this history not merely as past achievements, but as the foundation for building the future. The strength of integrated production, the technology of yarn dyeing, and the division-of-labor structure that supports the entire region—preserving these while evolving them into the value demanded by the times.

With the responsibility of being a member of this production region at heart, we will expand the possibilities of Banshu-Ori and continue weaving cloth that connects this land to the next generation.