Kojima in Kurashiki City is where the first jeans in Japan were born in 1965, and from the 1970s, jeans production became active, leading to it being called the "Holy Land of Jeans".
Betty Smith Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Betty Smith"), which has the oldest jeans factory in Japan in Kojima, not only manufactures jeans but also opened the "Jeans Museum & Village" in 2003, which has become a tourist attraction visited by over 50,000 people annually from both Japan and abroad.
In April 2024, the "Jeans Museum & Village" will celebrate its 20th anniversary and has undergone significant renovations.
We will introduce how Betty Smith's "Jeans Museum & Village," said to be a symbol of Kojima, has evolved.
What is Betty Smith?
Betty Smith is a jeans manufacturer headquartered in Kojima, Kurashiki City. Founded in 1962, it was the first in Japan to produce women's jeans.
In 2002, Betty Smith's sewing factory was featured in elementary school social studies textbooks as an introduction to local industries. Since then, the factory has welcomed social studies field trips from elementary school students every year, with 2,000 to 3,000 children visiting annually to learn about the history of jeans.
Additionally, with patented jeans-making experiences, Kurashiki Order Jeans, and Eco Betty, Betty Smith continuously creates new styles, enhancing tourism in Kojima as a symbol of the "Holy Land of Jeans."
What is the Jeans Museum & Village?
The "Jeans Museum & Village" is the name for the entire facility operated by Betty Smith.
Within the grounds of the "Jeans Museum & Village," there are not only factories but also various facilities related to jeans, allowing for tours like a theme park.
Among the facilities is the "Jeans Museum," the first museum in Japan registered with the Japan Museum Association.
The "Jeans Museum & Village" also includes the following facilities.
- Betty's Store
- Kurashiki Order Jeans Salon
- Jeans Museum Building 1
- Jeans Museum Building 2
- Jeans Making Experience Factory
- Sewing Factory
- Cafe
- Dog Run
- Garden
The "Jeans Museum & Village" has undergone significant renovations under the concept of "the complete jeans museum."
In particular, the facilities of "Betty's Store" and "Kurashiki Order Jeans Salon" have been renovated.
Introduction to the facilities of the Jeans Museum & Village
Now, let's introduce the facilities of the "Jeans Museum & Village" one by one.
Betty's Store
The shop that was previously selling in the west warehouse of the grounds has been relocated to the first floor of the Betty Smith headquarters building.
Previously focused on outlet products, due to the increasing demand for Betty Smith's standard products, the name has been changed to "Betty's Store" to focus on selling products made at the headquarters.
The store is filled with ideas to help visitors learn about the history of jeans.
In the store, videos are played to show the jeans manufacturing process, and a sewing machine used in the 1960s for imports is on display. It's interesting to learn where and how the jeans being sold are made.
In addition to selling souvenirs, there is also a customization corner for items like pouches and keychains, allowing visitors to casually experience crafting.
On weekends and holidays, a jeans market and marche are planned in the arcade in front of the store. An outlet corner is set up for selling discounted products.
Kurashiki Order Jeans Salon
In 2003, Betty Smith pioneered the "Kurashiki Order Jeans®."
The room that was previously used as staff accommodation has been renovated into a stylish salon where customers can relax.
Each group is accommodated privately, allowing for the creation of special jeans tailored to the customer's preferences and body type.
With the ability to customize fine details, this shop is perfect for those seeking a fit and individuality not found in ready-made products.
Jeans Museum Building 1
This is the first jeans museum created in Japan in 2003.
The origins of jeans and the secret story of their birth, as well as the history of jeans overseas before they came to Japan, are introduced through panels and displays of valuable jeans from that time.
The facility is filled with rare goods and mannequins that evoke nostalgia, making it a fun place where visitors might find themselves lingering.
Jeans Museum Building 2
The second building of the Jeans Museum, which opened in 2014.
Here, the birth of domestically produced jeans and the evolution of jeans from the 1960s to the 2000s are introduced through panels and nostalgic jeans.
There is a face panel featuring clothing that was popular in the 70s and 80s, where you can take photos. You can also participate in a denim processing experience, making it a facility where you can learn while actually experiencing it.
Jeans Making Experience Factory
A popular experience menu where you can create your own original jeans, attracting many tourists from abroad.
The "Jeans Making Experience" is unique and has been recognized as a patent, so it can only be experienced at Betty Smith stores (including the Ebisu workshop in Tokyo).
You can choose your favorite style of jeans and several types of buttons and rivets, which are then attached using special machines. You can also select your preferred leather patches and appliqués, allowing you to create one-of-a-kind original jeans.
Sewing Factory
The oldest jeans factory in Japan.
You cannot enter the factory, but you can observe it through the windows.
This was filmed with special permission to enter the factory for the interview. Normally, entry is not allowed.
Next door, there is also a cutting factory, where you can understand the process of making jeans.
Cafe (BS Cafe&Gallery)
A cafe (BS Cafe&Gallery) opened in May 2023 at the entrance of Jeans Museum Building 2.
It offers light meals and drinks, and you can spend a relaxing time reading books or looking at the interior of the Jeans Museum.
Dog Run
A dog run located on the premises. The staff maintains the grass without using herbicides, so you can safely let your dog play.
Many visitors to the Jeans Museum & Village come with their dogs.
Garden
The garden is planted with seasonal flowers, allowing you to enjoy the changing seasons.
Since the premises are open to the public, children come to play, and local residents use it as a daily walking route, so there are many familiar faces.
Additionally, from the end of the rainy season to summer, tomatoes are also cultivated, and a service for free tomato picking is provided for those who make purchases.
You can feel the homey atmosphere.
In commemoration of the 20th anniversary of its opening, Betty Smith's "Jeans Museum & Village" has undergone a renewal.
We interviewed Yasuhiro Oshima, the representative of Betty Smith Co., Ltd..
Data of Betty Smith Co., Ltd.
| Organization Name | Betty Smith Co., Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Industry | Planning, manufacturing, and sales of casual jeans |
| Representative Name | Oshima Yasuhiro |
| Year Established | April 1962 |
| Address | 52-70 Shimonochō, Kojima, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-473-4460 |
| Website | Betty Smith Co., Ltd. |
