This time, we would like to introduce you to Bishu Shinmihon Factory, a clothing store directly operated by Oshika Co., Ltd. It is also the activity base of the production area revitalization circle "Bishu Current," where people working in Bishu (from the western Owari region in Aichi Prefecture to the Seino region in Gifu Prefecture) convey the charm and manufacturing of Bishu.

Therefore, this time, we will tell you about the charm of Shinmihon Factory and Bishu Current.

What is Bishu Current?

Bishu is so well-known around the world that it is called one of the "world's three major textile producing region," along with Huddersfield in the United Kingdom and Biella in Italy.

However, in recent years, Bishu has been in decline due to the rise of fast fashion, lack of successors and labor. In order to revitalize Bishu, an activity circle centered on young people working in textile companies, "Bishu Current", is working every day.

"Current" means the flow of water, and represents the division of labor and distribution in Bishu, the production area of woollen fabrics.

Since its inception in March 2019, seven companies have joined the group, transcending corporate boundaries. They have been working energetically to promote Bishu by exhibiting at local events, on the radio, and developing original brands, while seeking new ways to revive Bishu.

Shinmihon Factory is located in Ichinomiya City, Aichi Prefecture. It is a corner of the factory of the textile company "Kitama Keori" founded in 1893. It takes about 1 hour by car from Nagoya.

The saw roof marks the factory.

As you go through the factory, you will see a sign that says "Mihon Factory". This is Shinmihon Factory 's showroom and physical store.
Originally it was a reservation system only on weekdays, but this time it will be a permanent opening.

Anyone can easily buy clothes from Bishu at the production area.

To Liven Up the Declining Bishu

This time, we interviewed Mr. Yudai Hikosaka, a designer of textile manufacturer Oshika Co., Ltd.
First of all, we asked about the reason for the establishment of the production area activity circle "Bishu Current" and the details of the activities.

Mr. Hikosaka:“Bishu Current started in 2019. At the Ichinomiya event that is held every spring, we were asked if we could bring together textile companies in Bishu to open a store. That's what started it.

That was the first time that I had opened a store beyond the boundaries of companies, and I myself had a desire to do something about the production area. Also, I knew that there were young employees from young companies who were similarly passionate about Bishu, so I thought that the companies would support me if it was in the form of a group. It was decided that Bishu Current would be launched in the form of gathering. ”

Bringing Consumers and Producers Closer Together

Mr. Hikosaka:"Bishu has been declining day by day since it was at its peak. Each of us felt that frustration. However, by working as Bishu Current, we have increased our ability to attract customers and have increased the number of times we communicate the appeal of our products. You can now take on new challenges and create opportunities for people to get to know Bishu.

Since 2019, we have also been hosting the "Bishu Production Area Cultural Festival" to make people feel closer to the existence of the production area. At the event, you can easily see and experience the textile production area, such as food, miscellaneous goods, music, workshops, sales of fabrics and clothes made with Bishu, and factory tours.

Shinmihon Factory was born out of a desire to create a place where we could interact more directly with consumers while actively engaging with them. This is where apparel buyers, designers and consumers can visit.

In the business meeting space, you can see more than 500 types of fabrics at once, and the general public can purchase the products directly. We also hold factory tours from time to time, so we would like to make it a place where not only people who buy clothes but also people who pick up our products can feel their thoughts as added value. "

Bishu no Pants that you Want to Wear Every Day

From here, we will introduce brands that can be purchased at Shinmihon Factory. First of all, the original brand "Bishu no Pants".

These simple pants can be worn by anyone, regardless of gender or generation. There are about 20 types of fabrics carefully selected according to the season and situation. You can choose your favorite fabric from among them and make your own trousers.

The most popular fabric is this fabric made by Garabou. After the factory tour, many people wants one with this fabric.

Be sure to check it out when you visit Shinmihon Factory.

"Blanket" Sticking to Materials and Traditional Embroidery

"blanket" develops coats and blankets using high-quality melton fabric produced in Bishu. The brand message is "weaving sheep," “"apaneseness," and "friendliness."

The material of the coat is the finest Bishu wool, and the back of the coat is usually finished with a lock or piping.

A duffel coat has a heavy image, but the blanket coat is made of double weave that contains a lot of air in the fabric, making it surprisingly light and warm. On top of that, it is very durable and the fabric is moist and soft. It's a comfortable coat that makes you feel like you're wrapped in a blanket.

I Wanted a T-shirt like this! 100% wool T-shirt Brand "Ito to Iro"

"Ito to Iro (Yarn and Color)" is a brand that makes 100% wool T-shirts using Bishu wool. Wool has a strong image of winter, but we wanted you to feel the splendor of it even on a hot summer day, so we developed it based on our extensive knowledge and technology of wool. Made with the finest merino wool, it won't irritate your skin even when worn directly.

It is an T-shirt that combines luxury and elegance.

A sweater from a spurious sheep. "Minemura Suffolk"

We want to make a purely domestic wool sweater with the clean water of the Central Alps and healthy sheep's wool that lives in rich nature! The brand “Minemura Suffolk” was born from such a project by Kitama Keori.
The material used is wool from sheep raised at Minemura Ranch in Shinshu Shinmachi, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture. It is a purely domestic sweater made in Japan. A good amount of plant seeds and fragments remain, and this is the taste unique to Minemura Suffolk.

Don't miss the clothing "Shinmihon Factory" that uses carefully selected materials made in the production area! . With a basic design that is not influenced by trends, it has a high-quality material that can be worn for a long time and is comfortable to wear. The unisex design is also attractive.

Items such as jackets, pants, and shirts that use carefully selected Bishu 's finest fabrics are available. All of them are made with attention to detail, and you can feel the craftsmanship of Bishu.

Also, the most surprising thing is that the price is reasonable because it is shipped directly from the production area. If you go out to town, there are only items that you can never buy at this price. Please visit the factory and check out the items that catch your eyes.