2012 Volume 20 Pages 53-59
To support the survival of local textile production in the Komatsu area, we examined the postwar development of the area and the production strategies of the local weaving industry. We conducted verbal interviews with Komatsu weaving cooperatives and with staff of a representative weaving company. Peak postwar production occurred between 1970 and 1974. From 1975 until now (2009), textile production has been decreasing; in particular, kimono production has been declining and production using synthetic fibers has been slowly increasing. The cooperatives have initiated many activities, such as the Komatsu Fashion Design Contest, to revitalize this textile production area. The production strategy of both the production district and the weaving company has been to maintain small-scale production of a variety of items; nowadays, synthetic fibers are mainly used. We had two points of advice. The first was that textile production needed to change from sovereignty of production to consumer-focused production. The second was that weaving companies needed to try to develop new goods aimed at meeting future consumer demands.
