Traditional Takashima Chijimi Crepe Cotton Clothes for Summer Wear

Specifications

  Traditional Takashima Chijimi crepe cotton clothes for summer wear 

Beloved since Japan's Edo period,  Takashima chijimi is a breathable

and astoundingly absorbent traditional textile
Takashima chijimi is crafted using underground water from the Azumi River,

a class-A river under the protection of the Japanese government.

The water is so soft that it's popular for drinking
Takashima chijimi is prized for use in traditional garments

in hot and humid Japan

Also called "cotton crepe,"chijimi is a trademark textile of Japan's unique summer wear

and has a history reaching back to the Edo period (1603-1868).

Chijimi comes from the Takashima district, which lies on the west coast of Lake Biwa in Shiga prefecture.

The textile produced there is trademarked under the trade name of "Takashima chijimi".
"Takashima chijimi" is woven by tightly twisting threads in the weft,

or the crosswise threads of the weave, alone.

Afterward, through a bleaching process, the action of the threads as they attempt to return to

their original shape creates a distinctively uneven texture.

It is this texture that gives Takashima chijimi a smooth, breathable feel that doesn't stick to the skin

and makes the textile exceptionally absorbent and quick-drying.

It is highly-prized for use in undergarments in hot and humid Japan. 

Underground water from the Azumi River is used

at the factory where Takashima chijimi is made.

The water from the river is a popular choice for drinking water

and is soft enough for use in producing the chijimi.

Chijimi cannot be made in any area, be it in Japan or abroad,

where the water is not sufficiently clean; otherwise,

the water is completely unsuitable for the finishing of the textile.

Creases are added to the textile in this process.

The textile is treated with steam to bring the creases out.

Uneven creases are created throughout the textile

by rollers that hollow out the finer creases in the texture.

Any impurities in the fabric are removed.

After the bleaching process, the textile is gradually spread out and dried.

Worn since the Edo period, Takashima chijimi is indispensable in hot and humid Japan.

In our local Mikawa region, we have produced consistently for over 50 years,

with our core business being the manufacture and sale of high quality Japanese products.