The Miyasaka Silk Reeling Company was established in 1928. It is the only company where visitors can still see the old silk yarn production machines. The company was using these during the early Meiji Period (1870s) and continues to use them today. If the company exclusively used modern automatic reeling machines, they could increase their silk production tenfold. They have chosen to continue using old types of machines so that they can produce the softest and best quality silk for dyeing. There is a high demand for such silk for vegetable dyeing. The company recently developed silk soap which is popular for its lather ability and gentleness on sensitive skin.
The company moved inside the Okaya Silk Museum in 2014 and is now a dynamic museum exhibit. There are currently seven employees. A few young people have recently joined the workforce and are learning the traditional techniques.
Inside the factory, Suwa Reeling Machines which have not been altered since the heyday of silk reeling, Joshu (Shàngzhōu) Reeling Machines which have been traditionally used in Japan, Multi-End Reeling Machines which were used until the 1960s and automatic reeling machines are all in use. This is a facility where visitors can see how silk yarn is made. No other facility in the world offers such a tour. The highlight is for visitors to learn the entire production procedure while experiencing all the sights and aromas involved.
Their silk production method combines traditional methods and automated methods which enable the production of a wide variety of products in small quantities. This allows them to meet customers’ individual needs. They have developed original yarns, such as “Ginga Silk” and “Tornado Silk.” These new types of silk can be used to create various items including Japanese and western style accessories and interior décor products.
Visitors can purchase vegetable dyed silk yarns and other products, such as hand-woven scarves and cosmetic products, in the factory shop. Silk soap and silk gel lotion made with Japanese silk powder are very popular sale items.
The history of silk reeling and the factory are explained in detail on display panels. The factory can be enjoyed by children and adults alike.
History of Silk Production
Silk yarn technology began in ancient China and then was transferred to Europe via the Silk Road. When industrial revolutions occurred in Europe, Italian and French reeling machines were developed. The technology came to Japan in 1898 and led to the development of the Suwa Reeling Machine in Okaya. With the use of Suwa machines and later silkworm hybrid technology, the foundation of Japan’s silk empire was created. Automatic reeling machines were invented from Suwa machines and led to the automatization of reeling.
In addition, the Shàngzhōu silk technology was transferred from China to Japan via the Silk Road. Following traditional Japanese silk reeling methods, Joshu (the Chinese characters for Shàngzhōu are pronounced “Joshu” in Japanese) machines are still in production today and create rustic but unique yarns.