Mikawa Momen is the general term for cotton textiles that have long been grown and produced in the Mikawa region of eastern Aichi Prefecture (around Nishio City, Gamagori City, and Toyokawa City). According to tradition, cotton cultivation in Japan began in 799 (Enryaku 18), when a person from Konron (said to have been Indian) drifted ashore and introduced cotton seeds, in a place identified as Hazu District, Mikawa Province (present-day Nishio City). The earliest documentary reference dates to 1510 (Eisho 7), when the record 'Eisho-nenchuki' of Kofuku-ji Temple's Daijo-in notes that 'Mikawa momen' was paid as a tax tribute. During the Edo period, cotton growing and cotton weaving flourished throughout the Mikawa region, and the textiles were shipped to Edo as one of the 'three white products' (sanpaku momen). From the Meiji era onward, the industry developed by adopting Western spinning and weaving technology, and it became known nationwide under the brand names 'Mikawa Momen' and 'Mikawa-jima.' Products include 'Mikawa-jima,' known for its distinctive vertical stripes and pale indigo color, and multi-layered woven gauze prized for its warmth and absorbency. It was registered as a Regional Collective Trademark in 2007.
Origin
According to tradition, cotton cultivation in Japan began in 799 (Enryaku 18), when a person from Konron (said to have been Indian) drifted ashore at Fukuchi village, Hazu District, Mikawa Province (present-day Nishio City), and introduced cotton seeds. The earliest documentary reference dates to 1510 (Eisho 7), when the record 'Eisho-nenchuki' of Kofuku-ji Temple's Daijo-in notes that 'Mikawa momen' was paid as a tax tribute.
History
During the Edo period, cotton growing and cotton weaving flourished throughout the Mikawa region, and cotton merchants expanded their sales routes as far as Kyoto. Textiles from this region were also shipped to Edo as one of the 'three white products' (sanpaku momen). In the Meiji era, the industry developed by adopting Western spinning and weaving technology and became known nationwide under the brand names 'Mikawa Momen' and 'Mikawa-jima.' It was registered as a Regional Collective Trademark by the Mikawa Textile Industry Cooperative in February 2007.
Features
Representative products include 'Mikawa-jima,' known for its distinctive vertical stripes and pale indigo color, as well as multi-layered woven gauze made by weaving cotton thread in several layers. The multi-layered structure gives it moderate warmth and absorbency, and it becomes softer and more comfortable against the skin with use, making it popular for a wide range of products including gauze blankets, handkerchiefs, towels, and clothing.
Materials Used
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Artisans & Workshops
株式会社タネイ（sasicco / 和楽）
A Mikawa Momen weaver headquartered in Toyokawa City. It manufactures and sells the bag brands 'sasicco' and 'Waraku,' which use sashiko-woven Mikawa Momen, a regional brand textile.
Official site →How to Buy
- 夢織人（三河繊維産品アンテナショップ）
- An antenna shop for Mikawa textile products located inside a seaside facility in Gamagori City. It carries clothing, accessories, and bolts of Mikawa Momen cloth.Where to buy →PR
- sasicco 正規販売店
- Tanei's bag brand using sashiko-woven Mikawa Momen. Tote bags and other items are available for roughly 9,000 to 10,000-plus yen.Where to buy →PR
Hands-on Experiences
手織り三河木綿工房 手織場（てばたば）
愛知県蒲郡市栄町10-5（朝日館内）
Open every Friday through Sunday, 10:00-16:00. Visitors can experience part of the hand-weaving process (contact for pricing).
View details →竹島クラフトセンター
愛知県蒲郡市竹島町2
Hand-weaving experience for a Mikawa Momen coaster, roughly 2,500 yen for adults and 2,000 yen for elementary school students, taking about 90 minutes, reservation required.
View details →