Imabari Towels that Fascinate the World The Japanese Quality

Imabari has led the towel industry for 120 years as the mecca of towel production.

The area has established its position as a representative of Japanese quality with its “safe, secure, and high quality” products. The towels’ softness and good water absorbency have especially gained popularity in exhibits abroad, and its name is recognized around the world.

Imabari, Ehime is a mecca of towels that has continued production for over 120 years. There are almost 200 factories that twist yarn, dye yarn, fabricate towels, etc. at this great production site. In addition, the area next to the Seto Inland Sea is rich in nature.

The climate is warm with abundant water. Imabari’s great environment has helped to nurture one of Japan’s best towel production areas. Moreover, the underground water of Sojagawa River is soft water with very few impurities. This water is gentle to the yarn and material of the towel and allows delicate and bright colors while bringing out the natural softness of the cotton used.

Various artisanal skills can be seen in the details of each towel production step including yarn handling, weaving, dye composition, and the unique Sakizarashi Sakizome (dyeing strings first) technique. Without artfully completing each step with care and dedication, a towel that fascinates the world cannot be born.

Five-Second Rule. A Standard for Ensuring Quality.
Imabari towel has its own quality inspection method. For example, there is the “five-second rule.” This checks whether a towel sinks after it is placed on water within five seconds. This is a unique inspection used in the area to guarantee “water absorbance” that is characteristic of imabari towel. Only towels that pass such standards can be branded as an imabari towel.