tourism

Kokura-ori is a type of cotton fabric that was once widely woven from the early Edo period through the Taisho era around modern-day Kitakyushu. Known for its distinctive vertical striped patterns, Kokura-ori is characterized by its high warp density and exceptional durability. During the Edo period, it was used for items such as hakama and obi. Its strength earned it the reputation of being the preferred fabric for samurai attire, with the saying, “Only Kokura will do for a samurai’s hakama.” This fabric was beloved throughout Japan, but as fashion shifted towards Western-style clothing in the early Showa period, Kokura-ori gradually disappeared and was largely forgotten.
However, the beauty of the vertical stripes captivated textile artist, Noriko Tsuiki, who painstakingly revived and restored the textile. While traditional Kokura-ori already featured a very high warp density, Tsuiki experimented with finer threads, achieving an even denser fabric and gradient patterns that made the weft virtually invisible. Her work has earned numerous awards. Later, she contributed to the development of making wider Kokura-ori fabric through machine weaving, and in 2007, her sister, Eiko Watanabe, launched the “KOKURA SHIMA SHIMA” brand. Today, Kokura-ori is highly regarded both domestically and internationally, especially as an interior fabric.

KOKURA SHIMA SHIMA fabric is woven inside a building in the heart of Kokura city. Established in 2018, Kokura Textile Inc. began producing Kokura-ori fabrics with precision and craftsmanship. During the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the textile factory, which resembles a glass-walled laboratory, and gain a deeper understanding of the weaving process while receiving expert explanations. Be sure not to miss the warping machines and looms, each with its own unique name. In the afternoon, we will visit the main store and gallery of KOKURA SHIMA SHIMA, where you can enjoy shopping as well.