About the Kanto Chūsen Industrial Cooperative

The Kanto Chūsen Industrial Cooperative was established in 1951 (Showa 26), with members comprising businesses involved in Chūsen (pour dyeing), wasarashi (Japanese raw cotton bleaching), and finishing processes within the Kanto region. In 2022 (Reiwa 4), a supporting member system was introduced, allowing wholesalers and retailers who deal in Chūsen products to join as supporting members. The cooperative is committed to inheriting the techniques and skills developed by our predecessors and engages in the creation of various works using Chūsen. Furthermore, we conduct activities to introduce the techniques and charm of Tokyo Honzome Chūsen so that it may become more familiar in the daily lives of even more people.

Member
Asahi Someko Co., Ltd. 〒121-0061
2-14-6 Hanabatake, Adachi City, Tokyo		 WEB instagram
Iseyasu Senkosho Limited Company 〒132-0031
2-19-11 Matsushima, Edogawa City, Tokyo		 WEB
Kagizen Co., Ltd. 〒124-0011
1-25-15 Yotsugi, Katsushika City, Tokyo		 WEB
Shimizu someko Co., Ltd. 〒121-0815
3-20-17 Shimane, Adachi City, Tokyo
Tokyo Waszarashi Co., Ltd. 〒124-0012
4-14-9 Tateishi, Katsushika City, Tokyo		 WEB instagram
Nakagawa Somekojo Co., Ltd. 〒321-0967
562 Nishiki 1-chome, Utsunomiya City, Tochigi		 WEB instagram
Nakamura Somekojo Limited Company 〒370-0816
40 Tokiwacho, Takasaki City, Gunma		 WEB instagram
Muraisenkojo Limited Company 〒132-0024
6-17-27 Ichinoe, Edogawa City, Tokyo		 WEB instagram
Ritt’s&Go Co., Ltd. 〒120-0035
30-4 Senju Nakai-cho, Adachi City, Tokyo

History

Early Showa Period
(approx. 1926-1941)
The Tokyo Tenugui Chugata Cooperative existed until around 1941 but was dissolved due to the war.
Around 1936
Approximately 170 factories were operating within Tokyo and the surrounding Kanto area.
May 2, 1951
The Kanto Chūsen Industrial Cooperative was established.
November 1954
The Tokyo Yukata Industrial Cooperative branched off and was established separately from the Kanto Chūsen Industrial Cooperative.
Around 1958
Approximately 100 factories were operating within Tokyo and the surrounding Kanto area.
December 1983
“Tokyo Honzome Yukata” was designated a Tokyo Metropolitan Traditional Craft Product (by the Tokyo Yukata Industrial Cooperative).
Around 1988
Approximately 39 factories were operating within Tokyo and the surrounding Kanto area.
March 2001
The Tokyo Yukata Industrial Cooperative was dissolved, and the Kanto Chūsen Industrial Cooperative took over its operations.
September 2004
The office moved from Nihonbashi Kobuna-cho to Tokyo Wazarashi. The cooperative building was sold.
February 2018
The name of the Tokyo Metropolitan Traditional Craft Product was changed to “Tokyo Honzome Yukata and Tenugui.”
April 2022
A council was formed, welcoming wholesalers and others as supporting members, with the aim of achieving designation as a National Traditional Craft Product.
October 2023
“Tokyo Honzome Chūsen ” was designated as a National Traditional Craft Product.
As of 2025
Approximately 7 factories are operating within Tokyo and the surrounding Kanto area. Nationally, the number of Chūsen factories has decreased to fewer than 20 companies.