抄録
We examined the characteristics of the Hachioji textile production area in recent years and the status of goods marketed under its regional brand, “Mulberry City Necktie,” in an attempt to understand the future directions of the industry and revitalize this weaving production area. We performed a series of intensive interviews with members of the Hachioji weaving cooperative and with staff of direct management shops and a company. The main results were as follows. Although the Hachioji textile production area has been known for decades as a necktie production area, in recent years this type of production has struggled to survive under the severe conditions resulting from factors such as a weakening production base. The status of regional-brand goods has been very low among major domestic textile production areas, and production of such goods has been decreasing since 2005. We have two proposals for revitalizing the Hachioji textile production area. First, the weaving industry cooperative should endeavor firmly to maintain its traditional technique of necktie production and should act quickly to gain an understanding of consumer needs. Second, the cooperative should find a way of coping more strategically with the problems inherent to the market, and it should especially tap new markets for its brand goods. (E-mail: zhangjuanrq@hotmail.co.jp)
