In our previous article, we introduced Bishu, a textile production area. Even before wool was used to make fabrics, this region had a thriving textile industry centered on weaving, in addition to agriculture. With good soil for mulberry fields (silk production) and cotton fields (cotton yarn), and water (Kiso River) suitable for dyeing, processing, and finishing yarn and fabrics, records show that fabrics made from hemp, silk, and cotton were produced in accordance with the times for over 1200 years. The region suffered a major blow in the Nobi Earthquake of the Meiji era, and since then, wool has been adopted in place of cotton, ahead of the rest of the country. Thanks to the tireless efforts of our predecessors, Bishu has become known throughout Japan as a wool textile region, and its production has become the largest in the country.

A key characteristic of Bishu is its well-established division of labor system. Production companies called "oyabata" (master weaving companies) plan what kind of textiles to create, and then collaborate with companies specializing in each process to complete the textiles. In Bishu, there are 90 oyabata companies and 600 subcontracting factories called "kobata" that support Bishu's manufacturing industry.

This time, we'll be introducing suits and coats made from fabric woven by a textile manufacturer called "Katsuri Woolen Mill" in the Bishu region.


Using the company's own low-speed Schonherr looms, this fabric is woven slowly and carefully, incorporating air into the weave over time. Despite being 100% wool, it boasts a soft texture reminiscent of cashmere.
ISETAN MEN'S Suit: ¥82,080
Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 5th Floor = Business Clothing



Next up is a coat made from "Moriyasu" fabric.
Using cashmere in the weft, the fabric features a snow-like nep and weave that evokes a deep, vintage feel, while maintaining a soft touch.
New Yorker Classic Coat ¥96,120
Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 5th Floor = Business Clothing

The Tweed Run Bishu will be held on Saturday, November 7th, in the Bishu region, which we've introduced in two previous posts!
The Tweed Run is a unique event that started in Germany in 2009, where participants ride bicycles while wearing tweed items as part of a dress code. It has since expanded to include New York, Florence, Sydney, and Tokyo. This globally acclaimed event is now coming to Ichinomiya City, Aichi Prefecture. Don't miss the Tweed Run taking place in the Bishu region, Japan's leading tweed production area! *Registration is now closed. http://tweedruntokyo.com/


Next time, we'll introduce this year's popular coats.

*All prices include tax.