Hakusyumen Blankets, Baby Cloaks - Sakaiminato Agricultural Public Corporation (Tottori Prefecture)

Hakusyumen Blankets, Baby Cloaks Sakaiminato Agricultural Public Corporation (Tottori Prefecture)

Japan imports almost all of its cotton products from abroad. In recent years, regions around the country have taken initiative to try cultivating cotton in order to restore domestic self-sufficiency. However, most of the cultivation has been for western cotton, which is highly versatile and can be mass produced. The city of Sakaiminato in Tottori prefecture has cultivated a Japanese species of cotton since the early Edo period. Excellent fabrics such as yumihamagasuri were also created there, but the industry went under once cheap imported cotton came along. However, with the region at risk of forgetting cotton cultivation in the 21st century, a project that aims to revive Japanese cotton has been started as a city initiative within Sakaiminato. Now, with the support of agricultural public corporations and citizens, the abandoned farmlands are being revitalized with cotton.

Hakusyumen is a tried-and-true cultivation method that has continued for approximately 300 years, when there were no pesticides or chemical fertilizers. ”While the hair length of western cotton is superior, Japanese cotton has its own unique strengths,” says Kosuke Masamichi of the City Commerce and Industrial Department Agricultural Division (in 2014). “Cotton cultivation on this otherwise difficult-to-farm land has long supported people’s livelihoods. I want it to survive. Old farming methods are one approach to dealing with the environmental issues we can see approaching in the long term.” Now, newborn babies in the city are given wraps made from 100% hyakusumen. The citizens have come together to raise this small white material that buds from the earth.

Sakaiminato Agricultural Public Corporation General Incorporated Foundation

3000 Agarimichicho, Sakaiminato-shi, Tottori
684-0033
Tel.0859-47-1049
http://hakushu-cotton-sakaiminato.jp/

The wraps connect a desire to maintain the tradition for future generations.

The wraps connect a desire
to maintain the tradition for future generations.

Trying cotton farming for the first time, Supporters help the plant to grow.

Trying cotton farming for the first time,
Supporters help the plant to grow.

PRODUCTS - 2019

PRODUCTS - 2018

PRODUCTS - 2017

PRODUCTS - 2014

PRODUCTS - 2013