- About Masuya Takao -

About the Brand
Commitment to Craftsmanship
The Masuya Takao System

Reproduction of the Tokugawa Family Heirloom "Nengkin Retsu"

One of our company’s significant features is "craftsmanship from the thread."

This journey began in 1978 when our predecessor, Hiroshi Takao, received a request to reproduce the beautifully shimmering golden "Nengkin Fukusa," a treasure held by the Tokugawa Art Museum in Nagoya, which has been passed down through the Owari Tokugawa family.

"Nengkin" is one of the prized fabrics, regarded as a historic piece that was handed down from Tokugawa Ieyasu to the Owari Tokugawa family. This fabric is woven with gold thread that has a glimmering quality while also having a coarse texture with varying thicknesses, making it a truly rare textile never seen before.


Hiroshi Takao undertook the challenge of reproducing this fabric starting from the thread-making process, successfully achieving this task. Through extensive research, he named the thread he created from scratch "Nengkin Thread." The completed Fukusa was even used at the Aoi Tea Ceremony held at the Tokugawa Art Museum.

Light-changing thread.

Nenkin thread consists of hand-spun raw silk wrapped in foil, combining the shimmering brilliance of the foil with the rustic charm of the raw silk peeking through.


We dye the raw silk in various colors, expanding the range of color expression.


After successfully recreating the requested 'nenkin fukusa' from thread, we developed it into 'nenkin tsuzukin,' which became a representative work of our company.


The 'nenkin tsuzukin' features unique color expressions that vividly emerge or blend into the fabric depending on the viewing angle and light. The previous president, Takao Hiroshi, described this characteristic as 'moving colors.

Creating with Awareness of the SDGs

What are the SDGs?


The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 goals and 169 targets adopted at the United Nations Summit in 2015, aimed at achieving a sustainable world where "no one is left behind."


At Masuya Takao, we particularly focus on Goal 12, "Responsible Consumption and Production," and we are committed to valuing materials and considering renewable resources.


One of our unique features is our original gold thread, "Nengkin," which has a variable thickness. Due to its nature, there are inevitably sections that are either too thick or too thin, which we have previously discarded. However, we now collect these discarded threads and incorporate them as accents in our products, creating accessories and textiles that embody both the spirit of the SDGs and the unique character of Masuya Takao.


"Throwing away is outdated."


Guided by this principle, we aim to ensure that our creations contribute to a new cycle of sustainability, where the life of materials is cherished.


Additionally, we are actively participating in the "Kyoto SDGs Network," a new initiative promoting the SDGs across Kyoto.

Advanced Techniques and Sensibility in Inheriting Traditional Industries

Our philosophy and founding principle revolve around creating textiles that embody "timeless beauty." To achieve this, our artisans dedicate themselves to a single loom, whether it be handwoven or machine-woven, ensuring close attention throughout the finishing process. This commitment is integral to our craft and contributes to our continuous improvement in production.


Additionally, we have developed looms capable of producing fabrics up to 1.5 meters wide, enabling us to weave textiles unlike anything seen before. We remain dedicated to upholding the traditions of Nishijin while delivering a brand that brings beauty and comfort to people's hearts through exquisite colors and weaving.

Introduction to
Our Obi Collection

Factory tour

Exquisite Artisanal Work
– Discover Nishijin, Kyoto

❶ Weaving Experience Course

Duration: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours

This course offers both a factory tour and a hands-on weaving experience. Under the guidance of skilled craftsmen, you'll have the opportunity to use an active loom to create your own piece.

Sign up here

※Please note that this location is different from our headquarters.

❷ Kinkaku-ji Salon
　 Weaving Experience Course

Duration: 2 hours or more

In this exclusive experience, limited to one group per day (up to two people), you will have the Kinkaku-ji Salon all to yourself. Using a professional-grade loom from Masuya Takao, you'll work closely with a craftsman to weave your own obi (sash), creating a truly luxurious experience.
Sign up here

※Please note that this location is different from our headquarters.

工房体験ツアー

実際の工房で体験しよう

京都西陣の老舗織元工房「桝屋髙尾」の手織りと機械織の工場を見学し、
独自で開発・製造する「ねん金糸」を用いた製織やタッセル作り体験ができます。
数ある西陣の織元の中でも実働している現場を公開しているところは非常に珍しいです。

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