Osaka Factory tour: SHINTO TOWEL Co., Ltd.

■Tour name

A tour to learn about the manufacturing process of Senshu Towel in the birthplace of Japanese towels.

■Introduction of the company

SHINTO TOWEL Co., Ltd. has been making towels since 1907 in Izumisano, Osaka, the birthplace of towel manufacturing in Japan.

With over 115 years of history since its founding, SHINTO TOWEL Co., Ltd. has developed unique techniques, including the traditional "Atozarashi" method of towel production from the Senshu region, and combining functionality and design tailored to modern lifestyles they offer their factory brand, "SHINTO TOWEL."

As people's lifestyles have significantly changed with the flow of time, SHINTO TOWEL Co., Ltd. continually reflects on how to best support daily life through products that come in contact with the skin every day. They dedicated to pursueing the answer to our fundamental question “What really is a good towel?” by reexamining various aspects, including materials, design, and environmental considerations, and always keeps these factors in mind throughout the manufacturing process.

■Feature of Senshu Towel

Senshu Towel, along with Imabari Towel, are considered two major towel-producing regions in Japan.

The feature of Senshu Towel is that they are made using the "Atozarashi" method, where washing and refining are done at the very final stage of the towel producing process.

The cotton threads used in towels are strengthened with starch to make them easier to weave. As a result, towels in their unfinished state tend to repel water and have poor absorbency.

Senshu Towel undergo the "Atozarashi" process after weaving, where the starch is washed away, allowing the cotton to fully reveal its natural high absorbency, resulting in a towel with excellent water absorption.

This manufacturing method has been preserved since 1887, when towel production techniques were first established in Japan, and it continues to be upheld to this day.

■Inspection Detail

This plan includes a tour of the manufacturing process, an introduction to the facility, and a hands-on experience of the towel's texture.

First, during the manufacturing process tour, you will be able to observe how towels are woven from cotton yarn.

In the facility introduction, you will have the opportunity to see how towel looms have evolved over three generations, starting with the 1982 machine they own.

Finally, you will have the opportunity to compare the touch of the towel fabric before the traditional Senshu Towel "Atozarashi" process and the finished product after the treatment.

This is a popular plan that allows you to experience something not typically seen in stores: comparing the touch of "untreated towel fabric" and the "finished product after processing." You will also have the chance to see old towel looms that are still in operation, offering an experience you won't often find at other towel manufacturing factory tours.

We look forward to your participation.

■Regarding Overseas Visit

We are able to accommodate in English.

*English brochure is available.