Iyo-kasuri is one of the three major Kasuris, a Japanese ikat fabric with a blocky pattern, the other two being Kurume-kasuri and Bingo-kasuri.  It is a specialty of Ehime prefecture and many people love it because it is comfortable, has a simple texture, and feels smooth to the touch. About 200 years ago, in the latter part of the Edo period, two people invented Iyo-kasuri. One was Shinsuke Kikuya, born in Shobu, and the other was a young woman called Kana Kagiya, born in Imadzu, Nishi-habu town in Matsuyama city.

In the beginning, Shinsuke Kikuya sold cotton at his store in Matsuyama, but he found the quality of cotton in Matsuyama were not very high so he ordered new machines from Kyoto. He altered and improved the machine over time and succeeded in creating a cotton weaving machine. Upon hearing of the good reputation of this weaving machine, Kana Kagiya began using his machine to weave her original designs; this was the beginning of 'Iyo-kasuri'. The designs came from the mottle of tied bamboos that she observed as farmers replaced thatch on their straw roofs. The quality and beauty of the pattern earned a high reputation and in the Meiji period  Iyo-kasuri was known as the top producer in Japan.  Now, the well loved design is applied to many fabrics including Kimonos, cloth, hats, ties etc.