~Passing on Ashikaga's Textile Culture to the Next Generation~ Tochigi Toyota Ashikaga Store Begins Exhibition of Valuable Materials and Weaving Tools of "Ashikaga Meisen" that Adorned the Taisho and Showa Eras

Gachaman Lab Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture; Representative Director: Hitoshi Takahashi; hereinafter, Gachaman Lab), which manufactures textiles in Ashikaga City, and Tochigi Toyota Motor Corporation (Headquarters: Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture; Representative Director and President: Takanori Arai; hereinafter, Tochigi Toyota) have started an exhibition related to "Ashikaga Meisen" at the Tochigi Toyota Ashikaga store, with the aim of conveying the textile culture inherited in the region. The store exhibits colorful design drawings of "Ashikaga Meisen" that swept the nation from the Taisho to Showa eras, beautiful women posters from that time, and valuable weaving tools, providing a space for customers visiting the showroom to rediscover the history and charm of the region.

Both companies have previously collaborated on the preservation and succession of Ashikaga Meisen, such as adopting Ashikaga Meisen produced by Gachaman Lab as interior decoration when the Tochigi Toyota Ashikaga store was newly built in January 2025. This exhibition is part of that initiative, aiming to deepen customers' attachment to the region by allowing them to experience the history of the textile culture that their hometown Ashikaga boasts.

Bold display in a corner of the showroom

■ Main Highlights of the Exhibition and Presentation

Gachaman Lab has collected and selected items of high historical value and visual appeal.

Design drawings and beautiful women paintings used for promotion are eye-catching for their splendor and novelty.

Exhibition of silk threads, the essence of Ashikaga Meisen's material. Valuable weaving tools that convey history. The warmth of craftsmen's handiwork can be felt.

【 Design Drawings of "Ashikaga Meisen" that Adorned the Taisho and Showa Eras 】 Ashikaga Meisen captivated women of the time with its innovative colors and modern patterns. Beautiful designs, which are the source of its creativity, are exhibited.

【 "Beautiful Women Posters" that Convey the Spirit of the Time 】 Retro and glamorous beautiful women posters produced at the time for Meisen promotion. You can feel the fashion and atmosphere of the era.

【 "Valuable Weaving Tools" that Mark History 】 Tools actually used in weaving factories (hataya) in the Ashikaga and Kiryu regions are exhibited. You can closely observe the warmth of craftsmen's handiwork and the industrial history of Ashikaga, the city of textiles.

Visitors can easily view the exhibits while waiting.

■ Comments from Each Company

Hitoshi Takahashi, Representative Director, Gachaman Lab Co., Ltd.

We are delighted to be able to disseminate the charm of Ashikaga Meisen, which is our roots, in such a wonderful space where local people gather, like Tochigi Toyota Ashikaga Store. We hope that through the colorful original drawings of Meisen and beautiful women paintings by famous artists, visitors will be able to experience the rich sensibilities of our predecessors.

Takanori Arai, Representative Director and President, Tochigi Toyota Motor Corporation

With the kind assistance of Gachaman Lab Co., Ltd., a wonderful exhibition reminiscent of bygone days has been completed. We hope that by viewing this exhibition, you will spend a moment reflecting on the splendor of Ashikaga Meisen and the rich textile culture that Ashikaga Meisen brought to this region.

■ Exhibition Store Information

【 Tochigi Toyota Motor Corporation Ashikaga Store 】

Location: 759-1 Yamakawa-cho, Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture

Business Hours: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

Closed: Mondays (some Tuesdays)

■ Company Profile

【 Gachaman Lab Co., Ltd. 】

Location: 30-2 Yamakawa-cho, Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture Representative: Hitoshi Takahashi, Representative Director

Business Description: Textile manufacturing URL: https://gachamanlab.com/