Kamogata, Asakuchi City, is known as a straw-producing area.
There is a hat factory in this town that has been making hats for more than 60 years. It is Eritate Hat Factory Co., Ltd.
Since it was founded in 1960, the factory has remained rooted in this area while adapting its approach to manufacturing as the times have changed. The hats, made by hand by skilled artisans, bring together the history of the region and the sensibilities of people living today.
We visited to learn about the culture of hatmaking that began in Kamogata and the ideas behind it.
The information presented was current when this article was published in March 2026. Please note that it may differ from current information.
Hatmaking nurtured in a straw-producing area
Kamogata has long been an area where wheat was widely grown. A tradition took root of weaving hats from leftover wheat stalks (straw) during breaks from farm work, and hatmaking became one of the region’s key industries.
Eritate Hat Factory was founded in 1960 by the predecessor to the current president, Eritate Shigeki’s father. At the time, the factory produced straw hats for export, working with local people who did piecework from home.
However, the influx of inexpensive products made overseas caused the local industry to shrink.
As many hat factories disappeared, Eritate Hat Factory shifted its focus from mass production to its own brand.
Rather than delivering “what we can make,” we deliver “what we believe is good.”
This approach forms the foundation of the company’s manufacturing today.
Choosing materials that make the most of local advantages
Kamogata is located between Ibara City, a denim-producing area, and Kojima in Kurashiki City.
Making the most of this geographical advantage, the factory also makes hats using local denim fabric and Kurashiki Canvas. It works directly with material manufacturers and actively takes on product development using original fabrics.
Although some raw materials are sourced from overseas, the factory has established a system to carry out all processing in Japan.
The factory works with a production area in Aichi to process braid, a tape-like material, and carries out sewing in its own workshop. These ongoing efforts support the quality of its products.
Design hones technique
One of the defining features of Eritate Hat Factory is its approach of “starting the manufacturing process with design.” Artisans first consider how to bring an ideal shape to life, beginning with a design that has already been drawn.
The more challenging the shape, the more the artisans’ skills are honed. Every detail is carefully considered, from techniques for sewing braid and fabric together without distortion to the use of rare, specialized sewing machines.
The factory focuses not only on visual beauty but also on functionality, such as comfort and durability, and aims to make hats that can be used for a long time.
Distinctive forms born from a designer’s sensibility
Designer Morimoto Mika also plays an essential role.
Her free-spirited ideas give hats a fresh look, from soft curves reminiscent of whipped cream to bouquet-like designs that make use of the fabric’s selvage.
Rather than deciding on a shape based on “what can be sewn,” the team considers “how to sew the shape we’ve drawn.” Distinctive hats are born from a workplace where design and technique inform one another.
Moving forward together with the community
The factory is also working on making school hats for local elementary schools. The initiative began with the hope of giving children the experience of growing up in contact with local materials.
In 2005, the factory opened a directly operated store in the Bikan Historical Area. Hearing directly from customers also provides opportunities to find inspiration for its manufacturing.
We spoke with Shigeki Eritate of Eritate Hat Factory, a brand from Kamogata, about his thoughts on hats and his outlook for the future.
Eritate Hat Factory Co., Ltd. details
| Organization name | Eritate Hat Factory Co., Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Industry | Hat manufacturing and sales |
| Representative | Eritate Shigeki |
| Year established | October 1960 |
| Address | 160-8 Kamogata, Kamogata-cho, Asakuchi City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 0865-44-5343 |
| Website | ERITATE HAT Inc. | Eritate Hat Factory Co., Ltd. |
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