Kyoto Traditional Industry Museum Supports Employment in Tango, Japan’s Largest Silk Textile Region! Applications Open June 18 for the 'Tango Textile Internship & Matching Program'

The Kyoto Traditional Industry Museum (operated by Kyoto Industrial Promotion Center Co., Ltd.) has been entrusted by the Silk Textile Global Promotion Consortium—comprising Kyoto Prefecture and others—to implement the internship and job-matching initiative 'TANGO TEXTILE JOURNEY' this year for individuals interested in employment within the Tango textile industry.

In the Tango textile region, which expands its possibilities from traditional Japanese clothing to interior design and fashion, the program aims to secure the next generation of talent and facilitate matching with local enterprises.

Applications for participation will open on June 18. For details and application methods, please refer to this press release and the official website (https://kmtc.jp/ttj/).

1 Program Overview

(1) Name: Tango Textile Internship & Matching Program "TANGO TEXTILE JOURNEY"

(2) Content: Implementation of an internship program for individuals wishing to work in the textile industry in the Tango region, followed by job matching support.

(3) Purpose: Due to its location in northern Kyoto Prefecture, the Tango textile region faces significant challenges in talent acquisition. This program aims to recruit and attract students and young professionals nationwide who are passionate about craftsmanship and handmade work, offering them employment experiences to connect them with local businesses and secure future industry leaders.

(4) Organizer: Silk Textile Global Promotion Consortium (Secretariat: Dyeing, Weaving, and Crafts Division, Kyoto Prefectural Department of Commerce, Industry, Labor, and Tourism)

(5) Collaboration: Kyoto Business Human Resources Center

(6) Operational Management: Kyoto Industrial Promotion Center Co., Ltd. (Kyoto Traditional Industry Museum)

[Reference] Silk Textile Global Promotion Consortium

Established in April of Reiwa 3 by Kyoto Prefecture and the three major textile regions within the prefecture—Nishijin-ori, Kyo-Yuzen, and Tango textiles—with the goal of positioning Kyoto as a global hub for silk textiles. The consortium supports local enterprises in expanding into new markets beyond traditional Japanese clothing—such as interior design and fashion—and in rebuilding sustainable production systems.

2 Program Structure

The initiative consists of three stages: a pre-internship seminar (STEP 1), an on-site internship (STEP 2), and employment matching.

① STEP 1 〜LOCAL CREATIVE TALKS〜

Speaker: Shinya Miyaura, Representative Director, Itoami Co., Ltd.

｜Overview: Prior to the internship, this talk session will share insights with participants on the current state of the Tango textile industry and the potential of the textile market. Participants will also learn about the companies hosting the internships.

｜Date and Time: Wednesday, July 15, Reiwa 8 (2026), 18:30–20:30

｜Venue: Kyoto Traditional Industry Museum (9-1 Okazaki-Shojijicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, 1F Miyako Messe Kyoto)

｜Eligibility: Students and professionals nationwide (generally aged 35 and under)

｜Content:

・Seminar on the potential of the textile market (Speaker: Shinya Miyaura, Representative Director, Itoami Co., Ltd.)

・Presentations by the five internship-hosting companies

｜Application: Please complete the form below with the required information.

・Participation Method: In-person or online

・Application Period: Thursday, June 18, Reiwa 8 (2026) to Wednesday, July 15, 18:00

・Capacity: 20 in-person participants, 50 online participants. ※First-come, first-served basis. Applications may be rejected if capacity is exceeded.

STEP 1 Application Form

｜Participation Fee: Free

② STEP 2 〜WEAVE TO MEET〜

｜Overview: A 2-night, 3-day internship program designed to deepen participants’ understanding of the Tango textile industry and enhance their motivation to work in the field.

｜Date: Monday, September 14 to Wednesday, September 16, Reiwa 8 (2026)

｜Location: Textile-related facilities and internship host company sites in the Tango region (Kyotango City and Yosano Town)

｜Content: Work experience at internship host companies

・Textile-related training

・Networking events with residents and the local community, etc.

｜Application: Please complete the form below with the required information.

・Application Period: Wednesday, July 1 to Monday, August 10, Reiwa 8 (2026)

・Capacity: 8 participants (※If applications exceed capacity, selection will be conducted through interviews, etc.)

STEP 2 Application Form

｜Participation Fee: Free

※Accommodation during the internship will be arranged and covered by the organizers.

※Participants are expected to cover a portion of meal expenses. For details, please visit the official website.

｜Website: https://kmtc.jp/ttj/

③ Employment Matching with Companies

After completing STEP 2, participants may opt for employment matching with the internship host companies.

※Employment matching will be conducted in collaboration with the Kyoto Business Human Resources Center.

Additionally, if relocation is required after matching, various support services related to relocation will be provided.

[Reference: Last Year’s Results]

Host Companies: 5

Participants: STEP 1: Approximately 50 (including online) / STEP 2: 8

Matches: 1 (many participants were third-year university students, so employment was considered for future career paths)