Abstract
To define ways to revive the demand for Japanese clothing production, we interviewed representatives of nishijin weaving cooperatives and an obi weaving company. The demand for Japanese clothing, especially kimono and obi for women, decreased gradually from 1975 to 2011. Obi weavers have shifted to the small-scale production of a variety of items, and competition among them has become keen in recent years. We offer three ways to revitalize the Japanese clothing sector: to change the way of thinking about Japanese clothing from a commodity to artistic goods which are made with care and hard work; for weavers and traders to cooperate; and to strengthen sales promotion by nishijin weaving cooperatives.
