Reviving Glory: The Unlikely Tale of Mikawa Cotton

The history of Mikawa cotton, a durable and rustic fabric that once dominated Japan’s textile industry, is set to captivate audiences in the new documentary ‘Our Town, Responding’. The film, directed by Iwama Gen, delves into the plant’s origins, its decline, and its unprecedented resurgence in the 21st century.

From Subtropics to Japan

Believe it or not, the journey of cotton (Gossypium barbadense) started in the tropics and subtropics of the Americas, Africa, and the Indian subcontinent. As the story goes, “Kunlun”, an Indian, is said to have introduced the cotton seed to Japan around the early 8th century during the Heian period. However, due to Japan’s climate, cotton cultivation never truly blossomed until much later in history.

Mikawa Cotton: A Brief Flourish

Around the Edo period (1603-1868), cotton cultivation gained momentum in Japan, with the warm, water-abundant Mikawa region leading the charge. Here, the renowned ‘Mikawa Cotton’ was born, textured and durable like a judo uniform. Its popularity surged, becoming a symbol of Japanese textile excellence.

Mikawa cotton’s heyday lasted until after World War II, but the introduction of cheaper Chinese cotton products in the early 21st century threatened its existence.

Reviving a Lost Industry

‘Our Town, Responding’ chronicles Gen Iwama’s ambitious quest to breathe new life into Mikawa cotton. His approach? Not your typical documentary style. “What exactly should I photograph to portray a ‘declining local industry’?” he pondered, ultimately deciding to engage with the community, asking questions, and promoting the fabric’s uniqueness.

“Response seyo,” or “Let’s respond,” became the film’s rallying cry as Micawa cotton enthusiasts stood up to save their cultural heritage. What followed was a whirlwind of renewed interest, innovative design, and international recognition.

This work is a ‘documentary that features people working hard to promote the industry in a declining region,’ but there have been many such works in the past…” Tsuchiya Toshio, film producer

Unforeseen Success

Iwama’s bicycle-powered journey around Gamagori, often in the rain, sparked something magical. The spirit of recreating traditional Mikawa cotton patterns, like the iconic ‘Mikawa Stripes’, captivated the city and the world. Today, Mikawa cotton is enjoyed in Western European cities, even evolving into innovative new designs.

Join the Response

Join the response and be part of Mikawa cotton’s incredible journey. Watch ‘Our Town, Responding’ in theaters nationwide starting May 2, and explore the 247sports.news collection of in-depth news stories on the resurgence of Japan’s textile history.