Founded in 1907, established as Higashino Kigyojyo in 1950, and renamed in 2007, Higashino Tokichi Orimono continues to weave silk fabrics using the Habutae technique in Fukui, formerly the birthplace of myriad fabrics and dubbed a textile kingdom. In recent years, the company also produces mixed weaves of silk and other materials.
- Company Name
- Higashino Tokichi Orimono
- Address
- 2-9-21 Moto-machi, Katsuyama City, Fukui 911-0804
- Phone
- +81-7-7988-0317
- Website
- http://higashino-tokichi.com
Nureyoko Habutae born of the unique climate of Fukui
Higashino Tokichi Orimono specializes in Nureyoko Habutae, which combines the two techniques of Habutae and Nureyoko. Whereas the basic plain weave comprises a crisscross of one warp thread and one weft thread, Habutae uses a pair of fine untwisted warp threads to produce a lightweight and yet strong weave. Nureyoko is the technique of moistening the weft thread while weaving, to create a dense cloth with a texture that is smooth, firm, and lustrous. The latter was born of Fukui’s uniquely humid climate. The company uses vegetable dyeing, which works well with silk, and other dyeing methods according to use.
Akinori Hiagashino 東野 晃典
Akinori Higashino upholds the traditional Nureyoko Habutae weave born of Fukui’s uniquely humid, seasonally varying climate. His fabric is used primarily in the body lining of luxury kimono gowns sold at major department stores. In recent years, he develops not only fabrics but also the company’s own products, engaging in the planning, production, and sales of stoles, handkerchiefs, scrunchies, and face wash mitts. Higashino proudly believes that his daily involvement in production and the preservation of technology will be the source of Fukui tradition tomorrow.
Higashino joined Higashino Tokichi Kigyojyoin 2000, was appointed as representative director in 2008, and established BATTAN BATTAN in 2019.
Kaoru Hiagashino 東野 薫
As the fourth-generation of Higashino Tokichi Orimono, Kaoru Higashino maintains the company’s technology while promoting communication by taking part in events and tradeshows in and outside Japan. Also an enthusiastic participant in activities to promote regional industry, he served as chairman of the Katsuyama Textile Cooperative from 2006 to 2010, and chairman of the Katsuyama City Textile Association in 2013.
Higashino joined Higashino Kigyojyo in 1967, was appointed as representative director in 1971, renamed the company Higashino Tokichi Kigyojyo the same year, renamed the company Higashino Tokichi Orimono in 2007, and was appointed as chairman in 2008. Awards include Heritage of Industrial Modernization recognition by the Ministry of Trade, Economy and Industry (as a factory; 2007), the Katsuyama City industry merit award (2011), and the Fukui Prefectural achievement award for textile technology (2013).
Supremely Gorgeous and Comfortable for a Moment of True Bliss,
Made Possible by the NUREYOKO HABUTAE Weave Born of Fukui’s Climate.
Through this product, we hope to express the magnificent harmony of silk and cashmere, for a garment sure to bring bliss to the wearer.
NUREYOKO HABUTAE is a silk weaving method that combines habutae — in which thin warp threads are woven as untwisted parallel pairs with the weft threads — with NUREYOKO, a technique that uses moistened weft threads. This traditional method was inspired by the moist climate of Fukui, where it remains humid throughout the year. It was once used in fabrics woven for export to Europe and North America, but is now used primarily for kimono linings.
For this stole, we used silk for the warp threads, and silk and cashmere for the weft threads. Moistening the threads helps hold them together, to bring out the perfect balance of both materials as they are woven together into an item that is both gorgeous and comfortable. I look forward to sharing the joy of this combination of the finest natural materials and traditional techniques.
- Product Name
- Harmony Habutae
- Size
- 860 mm wide × 1,800 mm long
- Materials
- 55% cashmere, 45% silk
Habutae Furoshiki gentle on people and the wrapped object
Furoshiki wrapping cloth made with silk fabric using the Nureyoko Habutae technique—. A natural fiber obtained from the cocoon that tenderly shields the silkworm, silk is gentle on the skin and offers excellent heat retention, moisture retention, and moisture releasing properties. Since the advent of eco-friendly reusable bags, the demand for reducing waste has grown ever stronger. Habutae Furoshiki is designed to renew recognition and appreciation of the excellent item traditionally used in Japan, and offer a wrapper that merits using again and again over time.
- Product Name
- Habutae Furoshiki
- Size
- 730 mm wide × 730 mm long
- Materials
- 100% silk
- Dyeing
- Traditional Japanese color layering (kasane-no-irome) expressed with vegetable dyeing