Vivid dyes using Mt. Fuji spring water

The dyeing process using Mt. Fuji spring water produces fabrics of vivid hues only found in the Yamanashi region. The water itself undergoes a long process of natural filtration in which rain water and melted snow runoff from Mt. Fuji seeps into the earth and undergoes a long process of natural filtration. The water itself is thus soft and lacks the chemicals that would otherwise interfere with the dyes added to the water, resulting in the most vivid dyes.

“Sakizome” thread dyeing method

There are three methods of dyeing textiles: dyeing an already finished product, dyeing material, and dyeing thread prior to weaving. Yamanashi textiles are produced by “sakizome,” the method of dyeing thread prior to weaving. It is the most complex and time consuming of the three methods, and results in high-grade color and texture.

  • Different threads are used vertically and horizontally
  • Colors change depending on the angle

Smooth, elegant textures achieved by delicate, fine threads

The use of fine thread results in the production light, thin fabric. However the finer thread, the more difficult it is to handle during the production process. Since the era when fabrics were produced using hand looms, Yamanashi textile manufacturing was famous for producing high-grade materials with “kenshi” silk fibers, the finest of all natural fibers. This technique has been handed down and the region has come to be known for the expert handling of this tricky fine thread in its production of high quality textiles.

  • Polyester thread
  • Intricate luster of fine silk

Meticulously woven patterns create high density textiles

Striking colors and patterns are created by interweaving high volumes of fine threads. While the use of even a couple thousand threads is considered high in volume, Yamanashi textiles are produced by interweaving over 10,000, using the technique and know-how of generations past. The illusion of depth and level of quality that result are defining characteristics of the textiles produced in the region.

  • An illusion of depth created by interweaving vertical and horizontal threads
  • Smooth curves can be achieved by using fine thread

Quality over quantity in production

Yamanashi textiles are produced predominantly in small, family-run factories that make use of the small scale of production to pour attention into detail and quality. We live in an era of reducing wastefulness and trying to make quality items last. Does it not seem that the manufacturing style of this region meets the demand? Yamanashi textile manufacturing honors the idea of valuing quality over quantity by remaining committed to small scale production.

  • For textile artisans, weaving a normal part of life
  • Meticulous and precise craftsmanship in production

Versatility

Yamanashi textile manufacturers are known for their expertise in the challenging production of high quality, high density textiles. They are therefore well equipped to meet the demand for a wide variety of needs. Currently there are specialists in the production of neckties, interior goods, lining, umbrella cloth, shawls and dress materials.

ハタオリのこと

  • 歴史

    1000年以上も前から織り続けられてきたハタオリマチの歴史を紐解いていきます。

  • 特徴

    先染め・細番手・高密度・小ロット・多品種の織物を製造しています。

  • 工程

    糸を紡ぐ工程から後加工に至るまで、多くの職人が手を取り合い生産されています。

ハタオリマチの織物でできたノートブック

ハタオリマチの織物でできたノートブック

富士吉田市・西桂町までのアクセス

  • 東京から電車
    富士吉田市へ
    新宿駅-(JR中央本線1時間40分、特急60分)-大月駅-(富士急行線50分)-「富士山駅」「月江寺駅」「下吉田駅」
    西桂町へ
    新宿駅-(JR中央本線1時間40分、特急60分)-大月駅-(富士急行線35分)-「三つ峠駅」

    東京から高速バス
    富士吉田市へ
    バスタ新宿-(中央高速バス【新宿~富士五湖線】1時間45分)-「中央道下吉田バス停」または「富士山駅バス停」
    西桂町へ
    バスタ新宿-(中央高速バス【新宿~富士五湖線】1時間40分)-「中央道西桂バス停」

    東京から車
    富士吉田市へ
    東京-(中央自動車道90分)-河口湖IC
    東京-(東名高速道路90分)-御殿場IC-(国道138号山中湖方面20分)須走IC(東富士五湖道路25分)-富士吉田IC
    西桂町へ
    東京-(中央自動車道80分)-都留IC-国道139号線富士吉田方面20分