Reeling silk and sharing skills at Tomioka

Responding to demand and quality problems

Raw silk became an important export after the ports opened, but poor-quality thread also circulated as output expanded. The government wanted Tomioka to spread methods for consistent quality, not merely produce more. Planned in 1870 and operating from 1872, it employed women who were also expected to learn and transmit skills.

The surrounding sericulture, water supply and transport to Yokohama informed the choice of Tomioka. Japanese tile makers also helped produce bricks for construction. Imported machinery required local raw materials, water and builders; the mill joined foreign techniques with regional production and domestic crafts.

Reeling silk and learning skills

Workers recruited from different regions learned through reeling. Handling cocoons and equipment required skill; machinery did not independently guarantee quality. Production doubled as training, preparing workers to take techniques elsewhere.

Operations continued with Japanese staff after foreign instructors left in 1876. Sustained use required people to practise and pass on knowledge. The model mill’s role lay in developing operators and instructors, not only installing imported equipment.

Sericulture, factories and markets

Before reeling came silkworm raising and cocoon supply. Related heritage sites preserve egg storage and sericultural teaching. Expanding output depended on reliable material as well as machinery, placing the mill within a wider production system.

Private ownership from 1893 was followed by changing management and equipment until operation ended in 1987. State training, commercial production and later preservation were different phases. The mill’s long history cannot be represented solely by its founding moment.

Before and after

1. 1872

   The state-built mill begins operation.

2. 1893

   The mill transfers to private ownership.

3. 1987

   Operation ends.

Key terms

Raw silk

Silk reeled from cocoons, an important export.

State-operated

Government operation, distinct from importing foreign expertise.

Silkworm eggs

Eggs used to rear silkworms.

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