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Tomioka Silk Mill 1
Tomioka Silk Mill 2
Tomioka Silk Mill 3
Tomioka Silk Mill 4
Tomioka Silk Mill 5
© Wikimedia Commons contributors / CC BY-SA
UNESCO WHCCulturalInscribed 20141449-001

Tomioka Silk Mill

Component of Tomioka Silk Mill and Related Sites

Overview

This property is a historic sericulture and silk mill complex established in the late 19th and early 20th century in the Gunma prefecture, north-west of Tokyo. It consists of four sites that correspond to the different stages in the production of raw silk: a large raw silk reeling plant whose machinery and industrial expertise were imported from France; an experimental farm for production of cocoons; a school for the dissemination of sericulture knowledge; and a cold-storage facility for silkworm eggs. The site illustrates Japan’s desire to rapidly access the best mass production techniques, and became a decisive element in the renewal of sericulture and the Japanese silk industry in the last quarter of the 19th century. Tomioka Silk Mill and its related sites became the centre of innovation for the production of raw silk and marked Japan’s entry into the modern, industrialized era, making it the world’s leading exporter of raw silk, notably to Europe and the United States.

About Tomioka Silk Mill

Tomioka Silk Mill is Japan's oldest modern model silk reeling factory, established in 1872 by the government to introduce modern machine silk reeling from France and spread its technology in Japan. The factory is designated by the government as a National Historic Site and all its buildings are preserved in very good condition. It is located in the city of Tomioka, Gunma Prefecture, Japan, about 100 km northwest of Tokyo. It is also featured as the 'ni' card in Jomo Karuta playing cards.

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Selection Criteria

(ii)(iv)

Details

Countries
Japan
ISO Codes
JP
Coordinates
36.2553, 138.8878
View on UNESCO World Heritage Centre
Tomioka Silk Mill and Related Sites← All UNESCO World Heritage Sites
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Tomioka Silk Mill

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Tomioka Silk Mill

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Tomioka Silk Mill