Kojima, Kurashiki City, is known as the “holy land of jeans.” Japan’s first jeans were made here in 1965, and jeans production flourished from the 1970s onward.
Betty Smith, which has Japan’s oldest jeans factory in Kojima, is a jeans manufacturer. In addition to manufacturing jeans, it opened the “Jeans Museum & Village” in 2003. The facility has become a tourist attraction visited by more than 50,000 people each year from Japan and abroad.
In April 2024, the “Jeans Museum & Village” marked its 20th anniversary and underwent a major renovation.
We’ll introduce how Betty Smith’s “Jeans Museum & Village,” considered a symbol of Kojima, has evolved.
The information presented was current when this article was published in May 2024. Please note that it may differ from current information.
About Betty Smith
Betty Smith is a jeans manufacturer headquartered in Kojima, Kurashiki City. Founded in 1962, it was the first company in Japan to make women’s jeans.
In 2002, Betty Smith’s sewing factory was featured in an elementary school social studies textbook as an example of a local industry. Since then, the company has welcomed elementary school students on annual social studies field trips, with 2,000 to 3,000 children visiting each year to learn about the history of jeans.
It also continues to invigorate tourism in Kojima as a symbol of the “holy land of jeans,” creating new styles through initiatives such as its patented jeans-making experience, Kurashiki custom jeans, and Eco Betty.
What Is the Jeans Museum & Village?
“Jeans Museum & Village” is the name for the entire facility operated by Betty Smith.
The “Jeans Museum & Village” grounds are home to a variety of jeans-related facilities in addition to the factory, and visitors can explore them like a theme park.
The grounds also include the “Jeans Museum,” the first museum in Japan to be registered with the Japanese Association of Museums.
The “Jeans Museum & Village” also has the following facilities.
- Betty’s Store
- Kurashiki Custom Jeans Salon
- Jeans Museum Building 1
- Jeans Museum Building 2
- Jeans-Making Experience Factory
- Sewing Factory
- Cafe
- Dog Run
- Garden
The “Jeans Museum & Village” underwent a major renovation based on the concept of “an entire museum devoted to jeans.”
The facilities that were particularly renovated are “Betty’s Store” and the “Kurashiki Custom Jeans Salon.”
A Guide to the Jeans Museum & Village Facilities
Now, let’s take a look at the facilities at the “Jeans Museum & Village” one by one.
Betty’s Store
The shop that used to sell goods in a warehouse on the west side of the grounds has moved to the first floor of the Betty Smith headquarters building.
It previously focused on outlet products, but demand for Betty Smith’s standard products has grown. The shop now focuses on products made at the headquarters, and has also changed its name to “Betty’s Store.”
The store is full of thoughtful touches that help visitors learn about the history of jeans.
Videos showing the jeans-making process are played in the shop, and a sewing machine imported and used in the 1960s is on display. It’s fascinating to learn where and how the jeans on sale are made.
In addition to small items for souvenirs, there is also a customization corner where you can personalize pouches, key chains, and other items, offering an easy way to try your hand at crafting.
On weekends and public holidays, the arcade in front of the store hosts a jeans market and market fair. An outlet section is also set up to sell products at special prices.
Kurashiki Custom Jeans Salon
“Kurashiki Custom Jeans®” was conceived by Betty Smith in 2003, ahead of its time.
A room previously used as staff accommodation was renovated and transformed into a stylish salon where visitors can relax.
The salon is reserved for one group at a time, and you can have a special pair of jeans made to suit your preferences and body type.
You can customize even the smallest details, making this the perfect shop for anyone seeking a fit and personal style that ready-made products can’t offer.
Jeans Museum Building 1
Opened in 2003, this was Japan’s first jeans museum.
The museum introduces the history of jeans overseas before they came to Japan, including their origins and the story of how jeans were created, with panels and displays of rare jeans from the period.
The facility also displays unusual goods and mannequins that evoke the era. It’s a fun place where you may feel nostalgic, find yourself gazing intently at the exhibits, and end up staying for a long time.
Jeans Museum Building 2
The second building of the Jeans Museum, newly opened in 2014.
Here, panels and nostalgic jeans introduce the birth of domestically made jeans and how jeans changed from the 1960s through the 2000s.
There are face-in-hole panels featuring clothing that was popular in the 1970s and 1980s, where you can take photos. You can also try activities such as denim processing, making this a facility where you can learn through hands-on experiences.
Jeans-Making Experience Workshop
A popular hands-on activity that attracts bookings from many tourists from overseas, who come to make their own one-of-a-kind jeans.
Because the uniqueness of the “Jeans-Making Experience” is protected by a patent, it is available only at Betty Smith stores (including the Ebisu Workshop in Tokyo).
Choose your favorite jeans style and from several types of buttons and rivets, then attach them using a special machine. You can also choose your preferred leather patch and appliques, allowing you to create a one-of-a-kind pair of jeans.
Sewing Factory
This is the oldest jeans factory in Japan.
Visitors cannot enter the factory, but can view it through the windows.
We were specially allowed into the factory to take photos for this article. Visitors are not normally allowed inside.
There is also a cutting factory right next door, where you can see the jeans-making process.
Cafe (BS Cafe&Gallery)
Opened in May 2023 at the entrance to Jeans Museum Building 2, the cafe (BS Cafe&Gallery) is attached to the building.
The cafe serves light meals and drinks. Inside, you can read a book, look out over the Jeans Museum, and enjoy a relaxing break.
Dog Run
A dog run on the grounds. Staff maintain it by hand-weeding without using herbicides, so you can let your dog play with peace of mind.
We hear that many people who visit the Jeans Museum & Village bring their dogs along.
Garden
The garden is planted with flowers that bloom throughout the four seasons, letting you enjoy the changing seasons.
The grounds are open to the public, so children come to play and local residents use them as part of their daily walking routes. There are also many familiar faces.
Tomatoes are also grown from the end of the rainy season through summer, and visitors who shop here can enjoy free tomato picking.
You can really feel the welcoming atmosphere.
Betty Smith’s “Jeans Museum & Village” has reopened after renovations to mark its 20th anniversary.
We interviewed Oshima Yasuhiro, representative of Betty Smith.
Betty Smith company information
| Organization | Betty Smith |
|---|---|
| Industry | Planning, manufacturing, and sales of jeans and casual wear |
| Representative | Oshima Yasuhiro |
| Established | April 1962 |
| Address | 52-70 Kojima Shimonomachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-473-4460 |
| Website | BettySmith Betty Smith |
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