[Mizuho-ku, Nagoya] Learn about the History of Brother's Manufacturing at the "Brother Museum"

"Brother Museum" is located in Mizuho Ward, Nagoya City, Aichi.

Operated by Brother Industries, this is a hands-on museum where you can have fun learning about Brother's history and products. It opened in 2005, the year of the Aichi Expo.

Consisting of three exhibition zones, the Sewing Machine Zone, History Zone, and Product Zone, you can learn about the history of "mono-zukuri (manufacturing)" that Brother has cultivated for over 100 years.

Admission is free. There is also a hands-on section, perfect for outings with children!

Here I am at Brother Museum.

The location is a 2-minute walk from Hotta Station on the Meitetsu Nagoya Main Line. It is a 3-minute walk from Horita Station on the Meijo Subway Line. There are 11 free parking spaces available, but public transportation is recommended as it gets crowded during events.

Upon entering the museum, we were greeted by a stylish video. You will have to wait until you visit to find out what kind of images you will see!

There is a courtyard in the center of the building, which is very open!

When viewed from above, the building looks like a sewing machine.

The History of Sewing Machines around the World & Brother's Founding Period
"Sewing Machine Zone"

First, go to the Sewing Machine Zone. Many people may think of sewing machines when they think of Brother.

In this zone, more than 50 types of sewing machines are introduced, including the world's first sewing machine (replica), overseas antique sewing machines, and Brother's representative models.

A sewing machine born in England in the late 18th century

1790 Thomas Saint (replica)

The sewing machine was invented in England during the industrial revolution in the late 18th century.

The photograph shows a sewing machine reproduced based on the patent, which is the oldest official record of a sewing machine, obtained in 1790 by Thomas St., an English furniture maker.

A patent misclassification kept it out of the spotlight for so long that a replica was exhibited at the Paris Exposition of 1878, revealing to the public that the sewing machine had been invented by Thomas St. 88 years earlier.

1897 Jones Company (Replica)

This is the sewing machine of the British oldest sewing machine manufacturer "Jones" established in 1869.

This sewing machine served as a furnishing at that time. The decoration is very beautiful.

45 sewing machines in a row! sewing machine wall

There are 45 sewing machines on the back wall of the Sewing Machine Zone. You can read the explanation of each sewing machine on the touch panel in front of the wall.

It is also popular as a photo spot.

Brother's beginnings as a sewing machine for straw hat production

In this section, the sewing machines that supported Brother's founding period are introduced.

In 1908, Mr. Kanekichi Yasui raised the signboard of "Yasui Sewing Machine Company" and decided to concentrate on the repair and sales of sewing machines. This was the beginning of Brother.

1928 Chain stitch sewing machine for manufacturing straw hats (Shosan-style sewing machine)

The founder brothers, who aimed to domestically produce sewing machines, completed a "ring-stitch sewing machine for straw hat production" in 1928. At that time, many farmers in this region grew wheat using two crops, and straw hats were made using this material.

1932 Model 15 Type 70

Brother Industries' first household sewing machine was the "15 types of 70 models."

Like the British sewing machine I introduced earlier, this one also has a very beautiful decoration.

Foot sewing machine experience game

There is also a corner where you can experience a treadle sewing machine in a game format!

Editorial Team Our staff tried it, but it was more difficult than we imagined and we could not clear it. We hope you will give it a try.

Wasn't Brother the brand name of the first sewing machine? !

Actually, the first candidate for a brand name for a sewing machine was not "brother".

The name "Sister", which sounded similar to the American ”Singer” who was the world's number one sewing machine manufacturer at the time, was a candidate, but it was not adopted because it had already been registered as a sewing machine. The company was named "brother" because of the joint efforts of the founder brothers.

Next, go to the 2nd floor of the Sewing Machine Zone!

On the second floor, industrial sewing machines are mainly introduced.

Inherited Monozukuri DNA
"History Zone"

Next, go to the "History Zone".

Brother has a strong image of sewing machines, but it also handles various products such as printers and fax machines. In this zone, past successive products are exhibited. This is a zone where you can learn about the history of Brother's manufacturing.

Developed in 1924, when Brother was founded, the hydraulic machine for manufacturing straw hats.

Yasui Sewing Machine Co. at the time of its founding. So the world-class Brother started here.

The "chain stitch sewing machine for manufacturing straw hats" that appeared earlier. This sewing machine on display was used until April 2008, which is surprising.

In the back of the zone, Brother's successive products are lined up.

You can see that he was working on various products such as typewriters, fans, vacuum cleaners, home knitting machines, etc.

It seems that he even worked on a motorcycle!

Three hundred were produced on a trial basis, but due to a management decision, they became a mirage. Only the engine section remains today.

In the center of the zone, there is also a corner that introduces the history of Brother's printing!

It was full of interesting topics, such as the development of typewriter printing inspired by the traditional sweet "Hinamochi".

Brother products can also be experienced!
"Product Zone"

Finally, head to the "Product Zone" where Brother's latest technology is introduced.

Many of you may be familiar with the label writer "P-TOUCH CUBE" that allows you to easily design labels on your smartphone.

Try Brother's products!

In the center of the zone, there is also a section where you can experience Brother's products!

First, experience a home embroidery sewing machine!

I was able to easily embroider a name just by flicking the screen.

Next, experience a cutting machine that can easily cut various materials without using scissors or cutters! It also has a built-in scanner, so you can scan and cut handwritten illustrations.

It seems to be very popular with kindergarten and nursery school teachers!

This would make a great gift for children, too.

Enjoy the audio guide on your smartphone!

Brother Museum offers an "audio guide" that you can easily listen to on your smartphone. You can access it from your home!

▼BROTHER MUSEUM Audio Guide
https://museum.global.brother/guide

In this issue, we have brought you a lot of fascinating information about Brother Museum. Admission is free. There is also a hands-on corner, so it is a great place to go with your children!

Please visit the "Brother Museum" and learn about the history of Brother's craftsmanship.