About the exhibitor
Founded in 1921 by Isoichi Tsubouchi, Tsubouchi Towel is now run by the third generation, Takashi Tsubouchi. Each successive generation has faced formidable challenges, from the devastation of the World War II bombing to the consolidation of the local towel industry in the 1990s.
In 2001, the company renewed its commitment to quality, launching the brand PYYLE, a specialised line of organic cotton products crafted without artificial dyes or chemicals on classic looms.
About the products
Starting with a piece of raw cotton, Tsubouchi Towel weaves the towels using a traditional shuttle loom before giving them a gentle finishing wash, improving their texture and feel. The washing technique employed is kept as natural as possible, relying solely on soap and natural enzymes.
While the shuttle loomーof which only about 50 remain in Imabariー has its drawbacks, with the capacity of weaving merely 30 metres of towel fabric per day, the old-fashioned structure of the loom offers hidden advantages that emerge in the woven fabric. Weaving at a slow speed on a shuttle loom allows the fabric to capture air, resulting in a looser, airy finish that creates a soft, pleasant texture, which is both highly absorbent and quick to dry.