In previous studies on the textile industry and production areas, the success factors of the Fukuyama production area have often been discussed in terms of the success of KAIHARA, a company specializing in denim production with an integrated manufacturing process encompassing spinning, dyeing, weaving, and finishing. As a result, Fukuyama has often been viewed less as an area known for textile production and more through the lens of KAIHARA’s corporate success. However, in reality, the region is home to several long-established small- and medium-sized enterprises, that are neither subcontractors nor spin-offs of KAIHARA. These enterprises have each taken on specialized roles in spinning, weaving, dyeing, and processing. They have collaborated horizontally in a way that rivals the capabilities of KAIHARA, while also making efforts to facilitate the entry of younger generations into the industry. These efforts have contributed to the revitalization of the entire production area, countering the issue of an aging workforce that has affected other regions.
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