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《 Product Story 》会津木綿──幻の布と最後の職人たち

Writer's picture: 野原 真麻野原 真麻



福島県の会津地方で育まれてきた会津木綿。


厳しい寒さの東北地方を支えたこの布は、30年前に町内最後の織元が廃業して以来、幻の布と呼ばれてきました。しかし現在では、再び動き出した100年前の織機を用い、わずか二件の織元によってその伝統が守られています。






かつては農業用の野良着として使用され、丈夫で温かく、湿度調整機能に優れた会津木綿は、耐久性がありながらも使いこむほどに柔らかくなるのが最大の魅力。


30年以上愛用できる衣類 – そこには、生活の衣類であるだけでなく、その品質に対する地元の人々の誇りが息づいています。

会津木綿復興の物語は、技術や織物の再生に止まらず、地元の誇りを取り戻すことでもありました。





修理から1年以上かけ再び動き出したと言われる100年前の織り機。その仕上がりの品質には、工業的な部分と人の勘による手仕事のよさを持つ絶妙さがあると言います。






ゆっくりと丁寧に織り上げられるため、糸には負荷がかからず、人と糸がまるで互いを労わりあって生まれた会津木綿。

福島の人々の生きる強さと、愛と、誇りがつなげた、地域を守り地域に守られた布。

この軌跡(道すじ)の布が、Kizunaにやってきます。




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Aizu Momen: The Fabric of Resilience, Love, and Pride

Aizu Cotton, nurtured in the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture, has a history deeply intertwined with the lives of the people in the harshly cold Tohoku region. This fabric, which supported life in this frigid area, was called the "phantom fabric" after the last weaving mill in the area closed its doors 30 years ago.

Today, however, the tradition is being preserved by just two weaving mills, which have revived century-old looms that had been dormant for decades. Once used as durable, warm, and humidity-regulating workwear for farmers, Aizu Cotton stands out for its exceptional durability and its unique ability to become softer and more comfortable with use. It is a fabric that can last for over 30 years, embodying not only practicality but also the deep pride of the local community in its quality.

The story of Aizu Cotton's revival goes beyond the restoration of weaving techniques and textiles. It is a tale of reclaiming local pride. The century-old looms, which were painstakingly repaired over the course of more than a year, are now operational once again. The fabric they produce represents a delicate balance of industrial precision and the artistry of human intuition.

Because the weaving process is slow and meticulous, the threads experience minimal strain, creating a fabric that feels as if it is born from mutual care between the weaver and the threads themselves. Aizu Cotton is a fabric that carries the strength, love, and pride of Fukushima’s people—safeguarded by the community and in turn protecting the region’s heritage.

Now, this extraordinary fabric, a miracle woven through time and care, has found its way to Kizuna.


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