The purpose of this study was to clarify the position of the kinran sector and its production and marketing structures in the Nishijin textile production area in order to revitalize the kinran sector. We interviewed members of Nishijin weaving cooperatives and a representative kinran weaving company. The position of the kinran sector has been rising, but shipments have decreased since 1975. Labor has become better organized in both kinran weaving companies and related companies, but kinran companies remain small-scale family businesses. The market is predominantly temples, so demand is small. Three factors could revitalize the kinran sector: to catch demand from temples as soon as possible, to cooperate with all temples in both production and marketing, and to assist sales promotion with Nishijin weaving cooperatives. (Juan Zhang, Email:zhangjuanrq@hotmail.co.jp)
