At the beginning of the Meiji era (1868 to 1912) Japan was rapidly trying to modernize its industry and catch up with the more modern west. As part of this process the government wanted to introduce modern machinery for things such as the mass production of silk. Tomioka was chosen as the site for the first such mill.
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| Keystone of the East Cocoon Warehouse |
This postcard was sent by Ai
Tomioka Silk Mill in Gunma Prefecture, not far from Tokyo, was Japan's first mass-production silk mill, using techniques and experts brought over from France.
Tomioka Silk Mill is not just one building, but a collection that made a little, miniature town when it was in use. There were sleeping quarters for workers, French engineers, medical facilities as well as many other structures.
The East Cocoon Warehouse is the main attraction, made from various local materials but built with French know how. The first floor was used for the ladies to work, while the second was used to store the dry silk cocoons. Nowadays, the building is used as a museum to show off the site's deep history. English translations of all the exhibits are available at the entrance. - in: http://www.japanvisitor.com/japan-city-guides/tomioka-silk-mill
The sites (in red what I have):
- Tomioka Silk Mill
- Tajima Yahei Sericulture Farm
- Takayama-sha Sericulture School
- Arafune Cold Storage
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