"What is Nakagawa all about?"
We often receive this question.
A lifestyle goods store? A manufacturer? The fukin cloth company?
Founded in 1716 in Nara as a linen textile merchant, Nakagawa has evolved over 300 years. Beyond manufacturing and retail, we support the revitalization of Kogei manufacturers, organize trade shows, and engage in community development—initiatives that might seem unusual for a manufacturer. Our vision: "Revitalizing Japanese Kogei!" This, too, might seem unconventional for a lifestyle goods manufacturer.
Why would a lifestyle goods manufacturer support other companies' revival? Why organize trade shows and community development? What does "Revitalizing Japanese Kogei!" really mean?
Let's address these questions through six key points that define Nakagawa:
Six Questions About Nakagawa
1. Why we're called a "Heritage Startup"
2. The one thing unchanged in 300 years
3. How a "mere dishcloth" won a Good Design Award
4. Why we share expertise to revive Kogei manufacturers
5. Why a manufacturer hosts trade shows
6. Why Nakagawa engages in community development
1. A Heritage Startup
We're often called a "Heritage Startup"—evidence of 300 years of constant evolution.
Founded during the peak of premium linen textiles (Nara Sarashi), we nearly closed when our main customers—the samurai class—disappeared in the Meiji era. Each generation's leadership overcame adversity through innovation, from Imperial Household patronage to factory establishment and artisan training. The 12th generation found new purpose in tea ceremony items and linen accessories, laying the foundation for today's lifestyle goods company.
We've survived 300 years by continuously adapting to challenges.
2. One Unchanged Element in 300 Years
We've preserved hand-spun, hand-woven linen production since our founding. While some processes moved overseas, we maintain Edo-period Nara Sarashi methods. Our 11th generation chose hand-crafting over mechanization to preserve unique textural qualities.
From burning fields to growing hemp, spinning threads fine as hair, weaving, bleaching, and dyeing—it takes two years to create fabric. This patience-testing handcraft produces irreplaceable quality, our pride for three centuries.
3. A Simple Dishcloth's Design Award
Our iconic Hana Fukin exemplifies Nakagawa's craftsmanship.
Using Nara's mosquito net fabric properties, this dish cloth won the 2008 Good Design Gold Award. This 30-year bestseller began with a desire to preserve declining local craft.
Like Nara Sarashi, many Japanese Kogei face extinction. Working with over 800 artisans nationwide and 60 direct stores, we adapt traditional crafts for modern life, preserving their essence while enhancing functionality.
4. Why We Share Expertise to Revive Kogei Manufacturers
"We're closing down"—the 13th generation recalls receiving many such notices yearly. Kogei relies on division of labor, and this sparked concern about our own production's future. Thus began our revival support initiative.
We share everything from financial analysis to product design and production planning. When asked why we share valuable expertise, our answer is simple: one successful company can inspire an entire region.
Our first success, Maruhiro of Hasami porcelain in Nagasaki, launched the hit brand "HASAMI," revitalizing the entire region. We're now supporting nearly 50 manufacturers, aiming to revitalize 300 regions nationwide.
5. Why a Manufacturer Hosts Trade Shows
"Finally got an order!" Such excitement fills our "Dai-Nippon-Ichi" trade show, where about 50 companies, including revived Kogei brands, gather.
Proper distribution channels are crucial for artisans' success. Unable to find suitable trade shows ourselves, we created one. Today, about 3,000 buyers attend, providing a platform for Kogei manufacturers to connect directly with sellers and users.
6. Why Nakagawa Engages in Community Development
Revitalizing Kogei means revitalizing regions. Maruhiro's success attracted visitors, spurring new cafes and shops, creating a positive cycle.
Starting with our hometown Nara, we launched the "N.PARK PROJECT" in spring 2021—our first commercial complex. We hope this becomes a model for other regions, demonstrating how Kogei can energize communities.
All for Revitalizing Japanese Kogei
These seemingly disparate initiatives—our heritage startup status, preserved traditions, award-winning dishcloth, manufacturer support, trade shows, and community development—all serve one vision: "Revitalizing Japanese Kogei!"
Though indirect, we progress step by step, not just for ourselves but with other artisans and regions. We continue our journey toward a future where Japanese Kogei thrives.
Related Reading
"May Japanese Kogei Live On in Japan, 100 Years from Now: The Story of Nakagawa's Craft"
→ Read article
