What are the appeals of the world-famous Imabari towels? A summary of Shikoku’s vaunted craft products, including Marugame Uchiwa fans and Tosa Uchi-hamono knives

Imabari towels are high-quality towels made around Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture, and are popular around the world. They are highly valued for their softness, water absorbency, durability, and more. Imabari towels are subject to careful quality control—only high-quality products that meet the original strict assessment standards are given a brand logo.

It is said that Imabari towels started in 1894 when Heisuke Abe, a manufacturer of cotton textiles known as Iyo men-neru, started producing towels. The warm climate and abundant water resources were suited to towel production, so a factory was built in the city and towel production developed as an industry.
After this, the introduction of mechanization and new technologies led to increased production efficiency, dyeing techniques and ways of softening the fabric evolved, and sales grew.
However, with the increased distribution of cheap towels made overseas at the start of the 2000s, the sales and production of Imabari towels dropped. To overcome this, the company started a project to popularize the Imabari Towel Brand, and after trial and error, Imabari towels are now loved in Japan and overseas as a world-famous towel brand.

Imabari towels use high-quality cotton, making them extremely soft on the skin and wonderfully absorbent. They are also durable, keeping their shape even after repeated washes, and can be used for long periods of time. Plus, their production method minimizes the use of chemicals, so you can use them with peace of mind even if you have sensitive skin. The abundant designs and color variations are also a reason for their popularity.

In Imabari City, there’s a museum especially for towels! In addition to exhibits that give a detailed introduction to towel production processes, the museum also displays a variety of towel-themed art pieces. In its shop, you can buy towels made in Imabari and Imabari towels, perfect for souvenirs. There is also a café and restaurant in the museum, so we recommend eating lunch here.

Marugame Uchiwa, made in Marugame City in Kagawa Prefecture, are traditional hand-made uchiwa fans. These fans are a Nationally Designated Traditional Craft Product, and their beautiful designs and excellent utility make them popular in Japan and overseas. Marugame Uchiwa developed as a local industry in Marugame starting in the Meiji period (1868-1912), and around 80–90% of the bamboo uchiwa fans in Japan are now produced here.

Marugame Uchiwa fans have been around for more than 400 years, and embody history, uniquely Japanese craftsmanship, and the wishes of the craftspeople and community.
Plus, Marugame’s tourism using uchiwa fans and its initiatives to educate the next generation and conserve the environment have been recognized, and it has been selected as one of the top 100 sustainable tourist areas worldwide.

With around 400 years of history, these are also a Nationally Designated Traditional Craft Product. While only products that fulfill all of the predetermined, detailed processes can be called “Tosa Uchi-hamono,” the craftspeople carry out these processes in an integrated manner, from forging to attaching the blades and finishing them, meaning that the final product can be made with a free form based on its purpose. Because of this, these blades are also known as “Tosa no jiyu chuzo,” meaning “Tosa’s free forging.” Their excellent cutting ability, derived from Japanese swords, and their durability mean that these knives are widely loved for everything from cooking to forestry and agriculture.

Mima Wagasa rain umbrellas emphasize utility, and can be used from day-to-day. They also include paper umbrellas decorated with a traditional bull’s eye design (known as a “snake’s eye” in Japanese) and small parasols. The stretched-out oiled umbrella paper is both beautiful and cute—use it on a rainy day and hear the comforting sound of the raindrops falling on the umbrella.

Mima City Traditional Crafts Experience Center Mirai Kobo

This workshop stands in Udatsu Townscape, a designated Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings where you can enjoy a nostalgic atmosphere. Here, you can experience making original mini Wagasa umbrellas and lampshades.

Shikoku boasts many more beautiful craft products!
*★: Craft products that are Nationally Designated Traditional Craft Products

We have lots of other memorable experience plans for Shikoku, not just those for craft products. Have a look at articles that summarize these!