The "Purely Domestic 'Treasure Silk' Exhibition" will be held at Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store from October 15th, shining a spotlight on silk, a symbol of the beauty of textiles. The exhibition will run until the 21st.

In recent years, domestic production of cocoons and raw silk has drastically decreased, and there are fears that if things continue as they are, they will disappear. With the aim of "passing on the unique texture produced by silkworms to the next generation," the exhibition will introduce the appeal of sericulture and high-quality products made from purely domestic silk, as well as the delicate production process, in order to prevent the disappearance of silk, a source of Japanese pride.

The main venue, the Central Hall on the first floor of the Main Building, will feature Isetan Mitsukoshi's original brand, "Sankou." The brand focuses on high-quality silk, pursuing a thin, strong, and supple quality. It developed its products in collaboration with sericulture farmers in Nagano and silk mills in Gunma, as well as experts in dyeing, weaving, and sales. The exhibition will feature a wide range of products, from rare rolls of silk to small items. Other exhibits include live silkworms and various varieties, including the cocoons used in Sanko. Other exhibits include a model and various panels related to the Tomioka Silk Mill and Related Industrial Sites, which was registered as a World Cultural Heritage site on June 21. A documentary film titled "Purely Domestic 'Takara Silk' - How the Miracle Thread is Made" focuses on the artisans behind silk production and follows the process of silkworms turning into purely domestic silk products. Daily events will also be held throughout the exhibition in the store's main building's first-floor central hall and fourth-floor kimono department. A hands-on workshop will be held by the Institute of Sericulture and Silk Science, demonstrating the "za-reeling" method, which is considered the roots of Japanese silk reeling. For the participatory workshop, Takashi Fukuda from Ryukobo, a manufacturer and retailer of Japanese clothing accessories in Ningyocho, Tokyo, will be invited to participate in a bracelet-making experience using the "kumihimo" technique, which involves braiding silk threads. Participatory workshops will be held three times a day, at 11:00, 13:00, and 15:00. Each session is approximately 30 minutes long and is limited to six people. Reservations will be accepted by phone from 10:00 on October 8th.


[Event Information]
Purely Japanese "Takara Silk" Exhibition
Location: Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store, Main Building, 1st Floor Central Hall, 4th Floor Kimono Department
Address: 1-4-1 Muromachi, Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Dates: October 15th to 21st, 2014
Time: 10:00 to 19:00
Free admission