Usui Raw Silk Manufacturing Agricultural Cooperative Association

A silk manufacturing plant that has continued to protect the traditions of raw silk making

The base of Japan’s silk industry where approximately 70% of the nation’s silk manufacturing is done. Even now, the same machines that have been used at the Tomioka Silk Mill are mainly used.

At present, only 2 to 3 manufacturing plants which actively produce silk remain in Japan. The Usui Raw Silk Manufacturing Agricultural Cooperative Association is a silk manufacturing plant that boasts the largest production of raw silk in the country with approximately 70% of the cocoons of Japan being processed by the association into raw silk. The association from Annaka City has taken on the form of a union so that local residents can participate to help develop the silk farming industry that has continued to the current day. At the factory, the same machines that were used at the Tomioka Silk Mill are still in operation as the last bastion of silk manufacturing in Japan whose precious process can be observed (reserved tours are possible for groups of 5 visitors and over)