Have you heard of “Japan Heritage”?
Kurashiki City has had three Japan Heritage stories recognized:
- A Kurashiki story beginning with a single cotton flower: A textile town woven from Japanese and Western influences
- A world apart, woven from the dreams of men who braved the rough seas: Ports of call and shipowner settlements along the Kitamaebune route
- Okayama, the town where the “Momotaro legend” was born: A tale of demon-slaying inspired by the heritage of ancient Kibi
The writer took the “Kurashiki Japan Heritage Certification Exam” in February 2023.
Wanting to learn more about Kurashiki’s Japan Heritage, the writer came across this event and decided to attend.
At this event, the writer felt the passion of those carrying on Kojima’s long-standing industries.
Here’s a closer look.
The information presented was current when this article was published in May 2023. Please note that it may differ from current information.
Discussing the future of Kojima’s industries through the lens of Japan Heritage
Organized by the Kurashiki City Japan Heritage Promotion Office, this was the fifth relay symposium, which has been held since fiscal 2020.
Under the theme “Creating Kojima’s future through the fusion of inheritance and conviction,” it was held from 1 to 3 p.m. on March 19, 2023, at the Exchange Building of the Kojima Civic Exchange Center.
The program was as follows:
| Opening and rakugo | Jambotei Konan (Okayama-dialect rakugo performer) |
|---|---|
| Keynote address | Speaker: Takada Hisashi (Takata Orimono Co., Ltd., President and Representative Director) |
| Panel discussion | [Coordinator] Shoda Junya (Nanba Kenchiku Kobo Co., Ltd., President and Representative Director) [Panelists] Takada Hisashi (Takata Orimono Co., Ltd., President and Representative Director) Maehata Masumi (Sankan Shuzo Ltd., seventh-generation owner) Katayama Yukieko (Showa Co., Ltd.) |
Industry leaders from Kurashiki and Kojima take the stage one after another
The event began with lively rakugo in the Okayama dialect by Jambotei Konan.
He adapted the famous rakugo story “Toki Soba” to give it a Kojima flavor.
Laughter spread through the tense audience.
Once the audience had warmed up, Mr. Takada of Takata Orimono Co., Ltd. began his keynote address.
Titled “Tracing the origins of a textile town,” he spoke about how the tatami-edge industry spread through the Karakoto district and his vision for its future.
The event concluded with a panel discussion.
Representatives of the following four companies, which have long supported Kojima’s industries, took the stage:
- Nanba Kenchiku Kobo Co., Ltd.
- Takata Orimono Co., Ltd.
- Sankan Shuzo Ltd.
- Showa Co., Ltd.
They discussed their visions for the industries their companies will support in the future, from the perspectives of clothing, food, and housing.
Opening with lively rakugo in the Okayama dialect
The first performer at the relay symposium was Jambotei Konan, performing rakugo in the Okayama dialect.
In fact, he is a civil servant who works weekdays as an employee of the Kurashiki City Tourism Division.
He explained with jokes how he came to perform as the opening act for the event, drawing laughter from the audience.
Kojima specialties were scattered throughout the rakugo performance.
“This soba is hard… just like Sanada-himo!”
The audience erupted in laughter at his clever comparison of the hard soba noodles to “Sanada-himo,” a Kojima specialty.
I had heard “Toki Soba” many times before, but felt that hearing it adapted to the Okayama dialect and Kojima made it more familiar and entertaining.
Why did Kojima’s textile industry emerge, and how has it survived?
In his keynote address, Mr. Takada discussed the textile industry, particularly the background to tatami edging taking root in Kojima, in connection with Japan Heritage.
When he graduated from university, Mr. Takada saw the low public awareness of tatami edging as a challenge.
In addition to conventional sales methods, he pursued tie-ups and exhibited at stationery and handmade craft fairs.
Today, tatami edging can even be found at 100-yen shops.
Just as the textile industry has survived by changing shape as new things are created and then fade away, tatami edging will also adapt to the times and continue to survive.
“My goal is for one in ten people in Japan to know about tatami.”
Mr. Takada’s vision extended beyond Japan, with plans to bring tatami edging to people overseas as well.
I had also seen Takata Orimono products on sale at the station and various places around Kurashiki.
I also knew about “FLAT,” the factory shop for tatami edging run by Takata Orimono, but I realized that it was the result of their efforts to answer the question, “How can we help people learn about tatami edging?”
Kojima through the lens of clothing, food, and housing: What do we want to be going forward?
In the final panel discussion, panelists who will carry forward the work of companies that have supported clothing, food, and housing from Kojima shared their thoughts on the future.
In particular, in response to the question “What do you hope to achieve in the future?”, each speaker discussed what lies ahead for the industry they represent.
- Build on what has come before and reliably deliver something completely new
- We want to create tools that connect people through sake-making
- Because our products touch the skin, we believe in the power of textiles and “want to inspire the world through fabric”
From the Writer
What struck me at this event was how reassuring it was to see the younger generation who will shape Kojima’s future continuing to take on new challenges with the strong conviction that “we will build it ourselves”.
I had felt that the historical background of Japan Heritage and the present were not connected, but I finally began to see the connection between Kojima’s historical background and the present.
“Being part of the community.”
Perhaps it is their deep attachment to Kojima that has allowed its industries to endure, even as they have changed form.
Why not visit Kojima and experience what its industries are like today?
Articles about Japan Heritage in Kurashiki City
Kurashiki City Japan Heritage Relay Symposium Information
| Name | Kurashiki City Japan Heritage Relay Symposium |
|---|---|
| Date | March 19, 2023 (Sunday), 1:00–3:00 p.m. |
| Location | 2-2-38 Ajino, Kojima, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture 711-0913 |
| Admission (tax included) | Free |
| Website | Kurashiki City Japan Heritage Relay Symposium: The Role of Japan Heritage in Connecting History, Culture, and Community Development / Japan Heritage Promotion Office / Kurashiki City |
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