Nishijin-ori｜The charm of traditional craftsmanship attracts attention in China | Featured in ‘Ichiban Nihongo’
The charm of Nishijin-ori is highly regarded overseas. Nishijin Okamoto was featured in the Japanese language learning magazine ‘Ichiban Nihongo’ published in China, Volume 17, Issue 8, August 2024.
The article on Nishijin-ori has provided an opportunity for Chinese learners interested in Japanese culture to learn about the value of traditional crafts.
We are deeply honoured that the charm of Nishijin-ori is recognised overseas.
What is ‘Ichiban Nihongo’?
‘Ichiban Nihongo’ is a monthly magazine published by Dalian University of Technology Press in China in collaboration with the Japan Association for Local Authorities Internationalisation Beijing Office, and is aimed at Japanese language learners in China.
According to the 2021 Survey of Japanese Language Education Institutions, the number of Japanese language learners in China exceeded 1 million for the second consecutive year, increasing by 5.2% to approximately 1.05 million. According to the Japan Foundation’s Japanese Language Education Information by Country and Region
Looking at the world by region, China is the only country where the number of Japanese language learners exceeds 1 million.
Enter the world of Nishijin weaving, where tradition and innovation come together
Nishijin-ori is a traditional Kyoto craft that involves weaving intricate designs into beautifully dyed silk threads. Among these, Nishijin Kinran Brocade is particularly luxurious and dignified. It was introduced from China during the Muromachi period and has been used to decorate shrines and temples, as well as for Buddhist robes.
The Future of Nishijin Okamoto and Nishijin Textiles
Our textile designer, Ema Okamoto, is originally from Sapporo City. She has been interested in handicrafts since childhood and studied fibre arts at an art university in Tokyo. After getting married, she joined Nishijin Okamoto and has been involved in public relations and design work while also actively participating in online sales and overseas exhibitions.
To share the beauty of Nishijin weaving with the world, she has expanded sales channels into European and Middle Eastern markets and participated in overseas design exhibitions such as ‘Design Shanghai.’ In recent years, she has been collaborating with other brands to add new value to traditional craftsmanship.
We are deeply grateful for this valuable opportunity. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Hyakunen Shokunin and Tokyo Ryuko Tsushin Editor-in-Chief Yao Yuan for their efforts.
