About the exhibitor
The famous textile region of Yamanashi prefecture is located in one of the most beautiful and iconic parts of Japan, at the northern foot of Mount Fuji. Thanks to the clear water from the mountain's snow melt, a very productive textile industry could develop there. Its roots go back more than a thousand years. The moisty environment was perfect for cultivating silkworms and the perfectly clear creeks and rivers were conducive to the water-intensive dyeing processes of yarns. During the Edo-period (1603 – 1867), the region developed a reputation for its finely woven, colourful silk fabrics that were used as linings for the haori, the short kimono-style jackets.
About the products
Yamanashi's high-quality silk is renowned for using very thin, dyed yarns in a dense weaving technique. Moreover, the weavers excelled in jacquard patterns.
In modern times, original Yamanashi fabrics found widespread use for making umbrella's, neckties, scarves and interior decoration. Since the early 1970s, their fabrics have been ordered by high-end fashion and interior brands, both in Japan and on oversea's markets.
In recent years, the makers of the textile factory started to use their own craftsmanship and skills to develop original products. Many local textile brands and products have emerged, which are shown during the MONO JAPAN Fair.
GEN MAEDA
The textile company GEN MAEDA was founded in 1921. As is typical of the region on the northern slopes of Mount Fuji, the GEN MAEDA company began in the silk weaving. In 1993, it broadened its focus to weaving and manufacturing products from organic cotton yarn. It was the first company in Japan to import the sustainable yarn that meets the strict international certification standards of GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standards). Now it manufactures fabrics and all kinds of cotton items like baby apparel, home wear goods and blankets.
TENJIN FACTORY
TENJIN Factory is a small textile weaving company in close vicinity of Mount Fuji. The company was established some 70 years ago relying on the know-how and tradition of the local textile industry. At TENJIN only natural fibers are being processed for making fabrics. Linen, for instance. It is maybe the oldest material humans use for covering their bodies. Also, nowadays this natural material is still highly valued for its moisture absorbing and quick drying properties, while maintenance at home is easy. At TENJIN Factory we really cherish linen as a sustainable and healthy material. Moreover, the range of using our products is wide, and we trust that people around the world will like them
Watanabe Textile
The multi-talented artist Tatsuyasu Watanabe directs the Watanabe Textile Company, founded by his grandfather in 1948 in the beautiful town of Fujimi-Yoshida at the foot of Mount Fuji. Watanabe applies his knowledge of architecture and photography to his textile brand to design and manufacture contemporary woven textures for fashion and interior industries. Nowadays, the company only uses natural and recycled materials. They are developed to be soft on the skin while respecting the environment. Watanabe believes that the peaceful, rich nature of the Mount Fuji area inspires him to create minimalistic and comfortable soft fabrics.