About Gunma 06 : Tomioka Silk Mill / 富岡製糸場
We visited the Tomioka Silk Mill which was a symbol of the Meiji era(1868-1912) in Japan. (Built in 1870. )Most of us know this factory because it’s written in the textbooks of junior high school students.In the Edo era(1603-1867), Japan had closed its doors to foreign countries.In the Meiji era, we opened its doors and experienced the culture of Western countries in places like Europe.The factory was the beginning of industrialization.As for the spinning industry, we learned about it from France.
The Japanese government invited French engineers to open a new factory.It’s interesting that this building not olny incorporates Western technology but also Japanese old ways of building.
The framework is wood while the wall is brick.
The spinning machine is adapted for small Japanese workers.
Many young women were working at the factory , although there was a rumor that French people drank their blood because they drank a red wine.
Now the factory is now recommended as a world heritage site.
How fascinating! You do the most interesting things!
Thanks a lot. That’s encouraging.
Very interesting about Japans history and industrialization, Cocomino.
Thank you. That’s also good for me.
I learn so much from your posts.
Many thanks. I’m really happy to hear that.
As you pointed out it is very interesting to see the combination of different architectural styles / building methods!
Thanks. As you know, buildings show what culture is influenced in those days.
It’s very educational.
Very interesting post.
Thank you.
So interesting…didn’t realise French opened up silk Mills…thought the Japanese did that!!!
Thank you. I also learned a lot.
Interesting to read about France’s influence is this industry and the architecture.
Thanks. The architecture is always influenced by various culture.
My first reaction was surprise that France was involved in the silk trade, but then I remembered I’d seen a (rather bad) movie about it called Silk!
Did you notice the green curtain in front of the factory?
I didn’t know the movie.
Of course I noticed the curtain because I’m really interested in it.
和洋折衷の工場なんですね！
明治維新の歴史が感じられます。
フランス人からの製糸技術ですか？
でもフランス人はチーズとかワインなどの作ること、
もっと上手でしょうね〜
明治維新の象徴とのことです。
チーズやワインなどなんでも作るのはうまいですね、フランス人は。
Very informative and I love finding out about Japanese history. We visited an old cotton mill in Kurashiki, which was the first in Japan and built in 1889. A very European experience in Japan.
That mill is also good. I have never been to kurashiki. Thanks for sharing.
That is one fascinating trip. I have not been to a silk mill but today, It felt like I’d been to one. Great post!
Thank you so much. It was a good opportunity to learn about history.
Interesting to read about the connection with Japan and France in the technology of silk making
Thank you so much. Glad to hear that:)
It’s a good connection.
It is always amazing to me the chain of historical events that link us to our present!
Thank you. It’s great to know the chain first hand.
Fascinating ,thanks for sharing.
My pleasure. Many thanks.
It’s a good factory.
Very interesting history! Thank you for sharing this.
My pleasure. That’s encouraging.
There are endless of sites to visit in Japan!!!! Never get bored
I love it!
Thanks a lot. Even me, there are still a lot of places to visit.