The Romantic Story behind the Textile Powerhouse of East Japan

Feb 10, 2025

「EP.10」桐生織

KIRYU ORI
Gunma Prefecture

「transcript」

Once upon a time, ia humble janitor working at the royal palace, only known by the name of his birthplace—Yamada, fell in love with a noblewoman of the imperial court called Princess Shirataki. At the beginning, the princess kept herself distant due to the different status.

One day, the princess mocked the janitor with a poem stating that there is no way he will get her

須弥山の　山より高く　咲く花を　心がけるな　山田奴め

but she was surprised when he expressed a romantic poem back to her which showcased his intelligence to the Princess as well as the Emperor.

日照りにて　山田の稲も　枯れ果つる　落ちて流れよ　白滝の水)

Enchanted by his wit and devotion, she married him and followed him back to Yamada, sharing her expertise in silk and weaving. This was 1,300 years ago, and overtime, this area became the Eastern capital of textile now known as Kiryu. The textiles known as Kiryu Ori grew in fame, even serving as war banners during the Sekigahara campaign in 1600!

Over the years, Kiryu has implemented and embraced innovations such as jacquard looms that allowed for mass production of intricate designs, and now with modern technologies such as computer simulations of textiles, it is truly one of the most versatile and diverse textile manufacturers in Japan.

While artisans continue to craft traditional fabrics, Kiryu Ori has also found new life through haute couture collaborations and cutting-edge interior textiles, keeping it relevant both locally and globally.

With global exhibitions showcasing its brilliance, Kiryu Ori is more than a craft—it’s a living symbol of Japan’s perfect blend of tradition and innovation.

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