The history of towel manufacturing
Speaking of Imabari Town, Ehime Prefecture, many people may have heard the name. Yes, this is a city famous for high quality towels. To many people, Imabari means towel and vice versa. The brand is very famous, and of course the towel production is the highest in Japan. Among the many manufacturers in Imabari, ”Masaoka Towel” is being used by many of the world’s top hotels. It is a long-established towel maker founded in 1923. Taking advantage of the warm climate, cotton cultivation has long been popular in Ehime. The origin of it is said to be able to trace back to the end of the eighth century. Utilizing the tradition, cotton fabric called Shiramomen cotton was made in the Imabari region in the Edo period, but the industry gradually declined. In order to overcome the situation, the latest technology of cotton flannel production was introduced in the Meiji period, and towel fabric was made. The real history of Imabari towels starts here. The history that has continued since the 8th century has revived with the introduction of new technology. ”
The quality of ”Made in Japan”
Water of Imabari is a soft water that is suitable for bleaching and dyeing. This water creates the delicate and soft texture, and bright colors of the towels. Plus, traditional craftsmanship backed by history makes it possible to make towels that cannot be made elsewhere. With the history of such Imabari towels, ”Masaoka Towel” aims at the quality of ”Made in Japan”. The material is 99% domestic yarn, and the dyeing and washing processes are performed at the local factory. Many cheap towels such as those from China are on the market, but they stick to domestic production, from materials to weaving, dyeing and finishing. Masaoka Towels absorb away sweat and moisture quickly and stays dry. They do not deteriorate even if they are washed with a washing machine many times, and maintains the softness which does not require a softener. This is a quality that can only be achieved with ”Made in Japan”.
