KLIB Convention 2009 Speakers

Trends of Awa Natural Indigo Industry in Tokushima, Japan

by Miyoko Kawahito
Researcher, Tokushima Prefectural Industrial
Technology Center
Japan

Awa natural indigo is a natural dye that is important in cultural asset preservation and traditional textile production in Japan. (Awa was an early name of Tokushima.) Development of Awa natural indigo industry in Tokushima, Japan is examined in terms of history, indigo cultivation, indigo production, consumer trends, support for the industry, and future of the industry.

• The origin of Awa natural indigo is unclear, but there are records of production in the year 1445. Natural indigo is particularly useful for dyeing cotton fabric and in the Edo period (1603–1867), increase in indigo production was connected to large-scale cotton cultivation in nearby Osaka.
• In 1903, the high point of the indigo industry in Tokushima, indigo was cultivated on about 150,000,000 m2. By 1966, about 40,000 m2 of indigo were cultivated. From 1966 to 2005, indigo cultivation increased about 500% to about 200,000 m2.
• Production of Awa natural indigo is over 1,000 bags (56.25 Kg/bag) and that indigo is distributed nationally. There is little or no export.
• Production of Awa natural indigo almost equaled domestic consumption from 1978 to 2005. At present, industrial use is decreasing and use for crafts and education is increasing.
• There are three important indigo support organizations in Tokushima. Tokushima Prefectural Industrial Technology Center is managed with the aim of contributing to the promotion and progress of the industry. The Center carries out research, investigation, and workshops.
• As of 2008, three full-time producers and two part-time producers continue the tradition of Awa natural indigo. For the future success of the industry, those producers and other support groups must work together to promote information about plant cultivation, dye production, and dyeing methods