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.

Yuki-tsumugi manufactured in and around Yuki City, Ibaragi Pref. is the oldest and　most expensive tsumugi (the high-class silk fabrics) in Japan. It was designated as the important intangible cultural heritage in 1956. Its history dates back to the Nara period (710−794). In the Kamakura period it was called Hitachi-tsumugi but it changed the name when the craft received the patronage of the local lord of Yuki. The name of Yuki tsumugi became very popular all through the country when the warriors in the Edo period favored its fine-striped tsumugi. The craft was developed in the modern era and the highest quality of tsumugi was possible due to the progress in **. Yuki tsumugi is light and warm. As you wear it longer, it will more rightly fit in your body. The making of it is divided into many procedures but from its simple appearance we can’t imagine that ingenious master skills are hidden behind it.