Asakuchi City, known as a production area for straw hats, is home to a hat factory that has been making hats for over 60 years. This is Eritate Hat Co., Ltd..
Since its establishment in 1960, the company has adapted its manufacturing methods to the changing times while remaining rooted in this area. The hats created by skilled artisans embody the history of the region and the sensibilities of contemporary life.
We covered the culture of hat-making originating from Kamogata and the thoughts behind it.
Hat-making nurtured in the straw hat production area
Kamogata has long been a region where wheat cultivation is thriving. The culture of weaving hats from leftover wheat stalks (straw) took root during breaks from farming, and hat-making has been a part of the local industry.
Eritate Hat Co., Ltd. was founded in 1960 by the father of the current representative Eritate Shigeki. At that time, they produced straw hats for export in collaboration with local home workers.
However, the influx of inexpensive foreign products led to a decline in the production area.
While many hat factories disappeared, Eritate Hat Co., Ltd. shifted from mass production to developing its own brand.
They deliver not what they can make, but what they believe is good.
This attitude has become the foundation of their current manufacturing.
Material selection utilizing local advantages
Kamogata is located between Ibara City, a denim production area, and Kojima in Kurashiki City.
Utilizing this geographical advantage, they also create hats incorporating local denim fabric and Kurashiki canvas. They actively challenge product development using original fabrics through direct communication with material manufacturers.
While raw materials may be sourced from overseas, processing is consistently carried out domestically.
The processing of the tape-like material, braid, is done in collaboration with a production area in Aichi, while sewing is performed in their own workshop. Such efforts support the quality.
Design sharpens technique
One of the characteristics of Eritate Hat Co., Ltd. is their approach of "starting with design in manufacturing." They first envision the ideal shape and then consider how to realize it.
The more difficult the shape, the more the technique is refined. Techniques such as sewing braid and fabric together without distortion and utilizing rare specialized sewing machines are meticulously crafted.
They focus not only on aesthetic beauty but also on functionality such as comfort and durability, aiming to create hats that can be used for a long time.
Unique shapes born from the designer's sensibility
The presence of designer Morimoto Mika is also indispensable.
Her designs, featuring soft curves reminiscent of whipped cream and bouquet-like shapes utilizing the fabric's selvage, bring a new expression to the hats.
Rather than deciding shapes based on "what can be sewn," they think about "how to sew the envisioned shape." Unique hats are born from the interplay of design and technique.
Together with the community, moving forward
Currently, they are also working on producing school hats for local elementary schools. This initiative started from the desire to provide children with experiences that connect them to local materials.
In 2005, they opened a directly managed store in the Bikan Historical Area of Kurashiki. Listening directly to customer feedback has also provided opportunities for insights into manufacturing.
We spoke with Eritate Shigeki, the representative of the Kamogata-based brand "Eritate Hat," about his thoughts on hats and future prospects.
Data on Eritate Hat Co., Ltd.
| Organization Name | Eritate Hat Co., Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Industry | Hat manufacturing and sales |
| Representative Name | Eritate Shigeki |
| Established Year | October 1960 |
| Address | 160-8 Kamogata-cho, Asakuchi City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 0865-44-5343 |
| Website | ERITATE HAT Inc. | Eritate Hat Co., Ltd. |
