What is Banshu production area? What is Banshu weaving?

― Why We Continue Weaving in Banshu ―

At Ueyama Textile, we primarily produce a woven fabric known as “Banshu-ori.” Even if you’ve heard the name before, you may not have had the opportunity to fully understand:

・Where exactly is “Banshu”?
・Why did textile production flourish in this region?
・What makes Banshu-ori so unique?

These questions are not often answered in a comprehensive way.

Here, we’d like to offer a deeper look into the Banshu production area and the basic knowledge of Banshu-ori that forms the foundation of our craft.

What is the Banshu Region?

“Banshu” is an old name for the Harima region, located in the southwestern part of Hyogo Prefecture. Today, the area is more commonly associated with Himeji Castle, the town of Ako, or the somen noodle brand “Ibonoito.”

In the textile industry, however, the “Banshu production area” refers to the northern part of Harima, situated in the central area of Hyogo Prefecture.

  • Nishiwaki City
  • Taka Town
  • (Parts of Kato, Kasai, and Tamba Cities)

This area is commonly referred to as the Kita-Harima (North Harima) region.

Among these, Nishiwaki City serves as the central hub. Banshu-ori is sometimes also called “Nishiwaki-ori.”

Why Did Textiles Thrive Here?

The growth of Banshu as a textile region is deeply rooted in its natural environment and way of life.

Several rivers flow through the area:

  • Kakogawa River
  • Sugiharagawa River
  • Nomagawa River

These rivers provide soft water ideal for dyeing, enabling stable and beautiful color results.

Historically, weaving in Banshu was carried out as a side job for farmers. This allowed textile craftsmanship to take root in everyday life, gradually forming a thriving production region.

Origins and History of Banshu-ori

The origin of Banshu-ori dates back to 1792 (Kansei 4), when Yasubei Tobita, a master carpenter in Hie (now Nishiwaki City), introduced weaving techniques from Kyoto’s Nishijin district.

After that,

  • The foundation for the industry was laid in the late Edo period
  • Trade associations were formed in the mid-Meiji period
  • During the Taisho era, Banshu-ori expanded internationally

After WWII, many fabrics were exported to the United States and other overseas markets.

Since the 1990s, domestic demand has increased, and Banshu-ori has evolved into a textile closely connected to everyday life and clothing in Japan.



What Is Banshu-ori?

Banshu-ori is more than just fabric made in this region. It is defined as fabric produced entirely within the Banshu area by:

  • Weaving
  • Dyeing (more than half of the process)
  • Finishing

These steps are carried out by manufacturers who are members of the Banshu-ori cooperative.

The most distinctive feature is that Banshu-ori is a “yarn-dyed fabric.”

The Yarn-Dyeing Technique

Banshu-ori uses a technique called saki-zome (yarn-dyeing), where threads are dyed before being woven into patterns.

This method offers the following advantages:

  • Less color fading thanks to pre-dyed threads
  • Vibrant and rich color expression
  • Over 50,000 color formulas archived
  • Soft texture and exceptional feel on the skin
  • Ideal for multicolor patterns like checks and stripes

By adjusting warp and weft, thickness, color, density, and weave structure, infinite designs can be created.

Today, around 80% of Japan’s yarn-dyed fabrics are produced in the Banshu area.

Banshu weaving expands to a variety of uses

Banshuori may be best known as a shirt fabric, but in reality it has a wide range of uses.

  • Shirts, dresses
  • Handkerchiefs, stoles
  • Tablecloths, interior fabrics
  • Miscellaneous goods, product applications, etc.

From plain to checked, dobby and jacquard, there are no restrictions on weave or design, making this a highly flexible textile .

Why We Still Weave Here Today

Banshu’s greatest strength lies in its ability to complete every step of production—from yarn management, dyeing, preparation, weaving to finishing—within the region.

  • High-mix, small-lot production
  • Short delivery cycles
  • High quality and added value

We continue to meet the needs of modern manufacturing through this integrated local approach.

As a proud member of the Banshu region, we at Ueyama Textile are committed to carrying forward the skills of artisans and the legacy of the region.

From Banshu, to the Future of Textiles

Banshu-ori is a time-honored tradition, but it is far from outdated.

With respect for the environment, technology, and people that have nurtured this region, we continue to create new textiles, new purposes, and new value.

From Banshu to the fabrics that enrich modern life—

We continue to weave, here and now.