Arts, Crafts and Specialities

Arts and Crafts Sakai Senko

Sakai Senko (incense)

In the late 16th century when the manufacturing process of incense was introduced from China, Sakai was the center of commerce and numerous trading took place at this location. As a result, incense from abroad was easily obtainable. Additionally, a number of Buddhist temples located in the vicinity enhanced the production of incense. This nicely smelling product is referred to as an artistic scent, and the research and development of essence compounding is still continued to this day.

Sakai Hamono

Sakai Hamono (cutlery)

In the 16th century, tobacco was introduced by the Portuguese. As domestic plantation of tobacco started, mass production of cutlery for cutting tobacco leaves was launched in Sakai. Since the quality of Sakai cutlery was so highly appreciated by the Yedo government, it marked Sakai-kiwame as monopoly good to put on the market all over Japan. Since then, the cutlery has prospered as a local major industry. The products in Sakai continue to be favored by a lot of cooks and craftsmen.

Wazarashi

Wazarashi (Japanese cotton textile)/ Yukata (an informal kimono for summer wear)

The Sakai wazarashi industry has been flourishing since the Yedo period (1603 - 1867). On the other hand, due to war damage after the second World War, the dyeing industry in Osaka was transferred to Sakai. Combining dying in Osaka with the wazarashi industry, Sakai became known as a yukata dyeing producer. Its vivid colors, which don't fade easily, and refined designs are the characteristics of a Sakai Yukata.

Sakai Dantsu (a kind of rug)

Sakai Dantsu, which was favored by Fujimoto Soemon, a haberdashery merchant in Yedo, had an established reputation for its beautiful finish and toughness. In the Meiji period (1868 - 1912), the reputation spread to abroad reaching some Western countries. However, the current production is very limited as it is completely by manual work. Instead, other floor spreads such as mass produced carpets are in the mainstream nowadays.

Bicycles

The bicycle is one established industry in Sakai. It has been developed by the gunsmiths who had excellent knowledge and skill for machine metals. It is even said that the Japanese bicycle industry could not continue without the products from Sakai.

Specialities Konbu

Konbu (a kind of seaweed) process

In the early 18th century, konbu, taken from Hokkaido, used to follow a route along the Japan Sea coast to land in Sakai in a enormous volume. The konbu process industry was at a peak in the early 20th century. It is said that at one point, there were about 150 traders opening their shops.


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