2023.06.15
The Present State of "Tomioka Silk Mill", the Backbone of Japan's Modernization, and "Usui Silk", Japan's Largest Operating Silk Mill
Sericulture, or silk farming, is believed to have started in Japan during the Yayoi period. As time progressed, the techniques of silk production and the creation of raw silk from the cocoons produced through sericulture developed around the middle of the Edo period. The domestic production of raw silk increased dramatically.
Following the opening of ports in 1859, raw silk became Japan's largest export product and was positioned as an important industry. In 1872, the Tomioka Silk Mill, equipped with the latest French silk machinery, was established in Tomioka City, Gunma Prefecture, supporting Japan's modernization.
However, with the decline in Japan's silk industry, the Tomioka Silk Mill ceased operations in 1987. The mechanized silk mills, which numbered 288 nationwide in 1951, are now down to two: Usuiseishi Co., Ltd. in Gunma Prefecture and Matsuoka Co., Ltd. in Yamagata Prefecture.
In the first installment of our special feature on "Sericulture and Silk Production", we will visit the Tomioka Silk Mill, which has contributed to Japan's modernization and is now a World Heritage Site and tourist attraction, and Usuiseishi Co., Ltd., the largest existing mechanized silk mill in Japan. Along with sharing data and retracing their history, we will capture their present form and ongoing initiatives.
The Present State of the Tomioka Silk Mill
Located about a 15-minute walk from Joshu Tomioka Station in Tomioka City, Gunma Prefecture, the Tomioka Silk Mill was Japan's first government-operated model mechanized silk mill. It was inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2014.The World Heritage Site is the "Tomioka Silk Mill and Related Sites," and encompasses the "Takayama-sha Sericulture School" (Fujioka City), where research and instruction on the sericulture method of "Sei-on-iku" were conducted, the "Tajima Yahei Sericulture Farm" (Isesaki City), a building that is hailed as the origin of modern sericulture farming after developing the "Sei-ryo-iku" method, and the "Arafune Cold Storage" (Shimonita Town), constructed as a cold storage facility for silkworm eggs.
The innovative silk-reeling techniques brought from France, as well as the innovation of sericulture techniques in Japan, were also recognized for their novelty in silk production through modern technology, and as a conglomerate demonstrating this innovation and exchange, it is recognized by UNESCO.
Within the Tomioka Silk Mill facility, there are three buildings that are designated as national treasures. As you proceed from the main entrance, you'll notice the "East Cocoon Warehouse," one of them. This massive cocoon warehouse measures approximately 104 meters in length and during operation, cocoons were stored on the second floor and administrative work was conducted on the first floor.
Similarly, there is also the "West Cocoon Warehouse" (national treasure), of the same size and structure located at the back; it is also a facility where cocoons were stored on the second floor.
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