Takisada-Nagoya Women’s Fabric Division Strengthens Manufacturing Capabilities
Enhancing the Bishu Lab and Fostering Textile Designers
Senken Shimbun: Updated Monday, December 8, 2025
 

The Women’s Fabric Division of Takisada-Nagoya is strengthening its manufacturing capabilities.
Section 32, which primarily handles wool fabrics, is focusing on the development of textile designers responsible for fabric creation.
The lab located in the Bishu production region has been arranged as a showroom,
and is increasingly utilized as a venue for business meetings and the presentation of manufacturing initiatives.
(Mariko Kosaka)

Development of Original Fabrics

The section shifted from exclusively handling sourced fabrics and began its “in-house production” initiatives in 2015.
In-house production refers to the parent-converter function, whereby textile designers are assigned internally,
and production processes such as spinning, weaving, and dyeing are commissioned to regional partner companies based on design specifications.
The initiative was launched with the aim of strengthening the development of original fabrics;
however, at the outset, the team proceeded through trial and error, including yarn procurement methods and design documentation.
“We keenly realized how little we understood about manufacturing,” reflects Division Director Takashi Ono.
Nevertheless, the division believed that in-house production would inevitably contribute to long-term growth.
With the alignment of Director Ono, Section Manager Yukihiro Yamaguchi, and textile designer Takashi Katsuragawa,
efforts to establish the organizational structure accelerated.

Today, approximately 20% of the domestic fabrics handled by the section are produced in-house.
The lab, whose interior was renovated this summer, now showcases approximately 700 original fabric styles produced in Bishu.

Serving Also as a Showroom

The lab was originally established within the facilities of SOTOH Co., Ltd., a leading dyeing and finishing company in Ichinomiya, Aichi Prefecture,
and was relocated in 2023 to the former Ichinomiya Division premises of SOTOH.
In addition to functioning as a hub for smoother collaboration with regional production partners,
the lab also serves as a showroom highlighting Takisada-Nagoya’s manufacturing capabilities.
Following the pandemic, apparel companies have resumed visits to production regions,
creating valuable opportunities to demonstrate that Takisada-Nagoya is engaged not only in fabric sourcing,
but also in original fabric creation.

The lab also displays award-winning works from the Japan Textile Contest.
Four styles of recycled 100% wool fabric, recipients of this year’s Ecology Award, are currently stocked.
The lab has reportedly welcomed visits from major select shops and emerging brands.

Focusing on the Development of Textile Designers

The division is also committed to nurturing textile designers. Tomoka Ban and Mako Imai joined the section after specializing in textiles.
While handling production management responsibilities, they are engaged in design development.
By learning directly from Katsuragawa and skilled artisans within the Bishu region, they are gaining valuable hands-on experience.
“Understanding why fabrics behave as they do, and why they are priced accordingly, provides essential growth opportunities.
It also stimulates the entire team,” notes Director Ono.
The division will continue promoting talent development and technical knowledge transfer,
while aiming to strengthen the supply chain through sustained partnerships with Bishu manufacturers.