People, industry and the future—
A road to open a new era and connect with the world.
A single thread of raw silk drawn from a cocoon, so small it would fly away if you blew on it. This thin, delicate raw silk raised a small country in the corner of Asia into a world power rivaling the rich and powerful countries of the West.
The Jobu Silk Road…
A road leading to modernization and internationalization. As people built, gathered around, and traveled the road, their gaze was turned to a new Japan.
Tomioka Silk Mill is a symbolic presence on the Jobu Silk Road. It was born from interaction with the world outside Japan and drove further interaction. That history is now showcased as a legacy that has spread far beyond the region and transcended the ages.
The Jobu Silk Road began in Fukaya. People with an intriguing connection joined hands to lay the foundation. Through this story, one can see their dream and grit in building a new country.
What is the appeal of human beings, the power of people who accomplish things? Diverse characters wove the world of the Jobu Silk Road. We delve into their thoughts and highlight the power of people.
“Factory girls” from all over Japan gathered at Tomioka Silk Mill and dedicated themselves to mastering their craft. Taking pride in their jobs and acquiring the necessary skills made them pioneers for women in the workforce.
Continuous technological innovation and the cross-industry efforts that supported it. Sericulture and silk milling were at the forefront of Japan’s journey to modernization. The industry transcends history, and is the progenitor of today’s cutting-edge industry.
Taking industrial strength as a key axis, changes propagated out from the Jobu Silk Road across Japan and to the world. The transformation had a broad scope of influence, affecting technology, management, ways of life, and more.
Through constant collaboration and cooperation, the Jobu Silk Road drove Japan to modernize and internationalize. Discoveries come into view as one follows the road. The Silk Road is not a thing of the past, but a road continuing on to the next generation.