Choshi Chijimi is a crimped cotton fabric (chijimi) woven in Choshi City, Chiba Prefecture. It is said to have originated when fishermen's wives began weaving it while praying for their husbands' safe voyages and a bountiful catch, and it has long been cherished as a summer kimono fabric prized for its distinctive texture. Its defining feature is the fine crinkled surface called 'shibo,' which is created by tightly twisting the weft threads, fixing the twist with starch, weaving the cloth on a loom, and then washing out the starch. The craft is said to date back to the Edo period, but production was interrupted in the late Taishō era, to the point that it came to be called a 'phantom textile.' It was later revived through the efforts of Tsuneyoda Shinjirō, who ran a cotton-processing business in Choshi, and in 1954 Choshi Chijimi was designated an Intangible Cultural Property of Chiba Prefecture, followed by its designation as a Chiba Prefecture-designated Traditional Craft in 1984. Today, third-generation weaver Tsuneyoda Shin'ichirō carries on the technique, exhibiting and selling products and offering indigo-dyeing experiences at the Choshi Chijimi Traditional Crafts Hall.
Origin
Choshi Chijimi is said to have originated in the Edo period, when fishermen's wives in Choshi began weaving it as a home industry, praying for their husbands' safe voyages and a bountiful catch. Tightly twisting the cotton weft threads, fixing the twist with starch, weaving the cloth on a loom, and then washing out the starch produces the distinctive crinkled texture on the fabric's surface known as 'shibo.' The soft texture created by this method made it a beloved summer kimono fabric among the women of this fishing town.
History
In the late Taishō era, production of Choshi Chijimi was interrupted for a time, to the point that it came to be called a 'phantom textile.' It was later revived through the efforts of Tsuneyoda Shinjirō, who ran a cotton-processing business in Choshi, passing the traditional technique on to the present day. In recognition of this achievement, Choshi Chijimi was designated an Intangible Cultural Property of Chiba Prefecture in 1954, and a Chiba Prefecture-designated Traditional Craft in 1984. Today, third-generation weaver Tsuneyoda Shin'ichirō carries on the technique, continuing production based at the Choshi Chijimi Traditional Crafts Hall.
Features
The defining feature of Choshi Chijimi is the fine crinkled texture called 'shibo,' created by tightly twisting the cotton weft threads, fixing the twist with starch, weaving the fabric, and then washing out the starch at the finishing stage. The uneven surface this produces resists clinging to the skin and allows excellent breathability, making it a valued fabric for cool, comfortable summer wear. Its distinctively soft texture is another major appeal, and beyond kimono fabric, it is also made into everyday items such as handkerchiefs and small accessories.
Materials Used
Production Process
- 1
Twisting
The cotton weft threads are given a strong twist to prepare them for the crinkling that will appear later.
- 2
Sizing
Starch is applied to the twisted threads to hold the twist in place and keep it from unwinding.
- 3
Weaving
The starch-fixed weft threads are used to carefully weave the fabric on a loom.
- 4
Washing out the starch
The starch is washed out of the woven fabric, allowing the twist in the threads to spring back and create the distinctive 'shibo' crinkle.
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Artisans & Workshops
常世田眞壱郎（銚子ちぢみ伝統工芸館）
The third-generation weaver of Choshi Chijimi. He carries on the traditional technique revived by his grandfather, Tsuneyoda Shinjirō, continuing production and exhibition at the Choshi Chijimi Traditional Crafts Hall.
Official site →How to Buy
- 銚子ちぢみ伝統工芸館
- In addition to bolts of Choshi Chijimi fabric and kimono lengths, the hall displays and sells a wide range of products, from small items priced from around 500 yen to full kimono fabric.Where to buy →PR
Hands-on Experiences
銚子ちぢみ伝統工芸館
千葉県銚子市松岸町3-228
Admission is free. Closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. There is a hands-on workshop in which visitors apply shibori tie-dye patterns to a white handkerchief and dye it with natural indigo; it takes about 90 minutes and costs from around 1,650 yen. Groups of 10 or more must make a reservation in advance.
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