- Company Information -

Greedings & Thanks

When I was in my second year of high school, I lost my father, and as the eldest son, I took on the responsibility of supporting my mother and younger siblings. My life has certainly not been a smooth journey.

However, looking back now, I believe I have lived a happy life.

This is because, throughout my life, I have consistently created beauty. I have discovered that the beauty I envision does not tarnish, and I have been able to weave my thoughts of beauty into my creations.

Moreover, I have been able to shape my ideals and forge my own path thanks to the support of those around me.

I could go on endlessly about the wonderful teachers and seniors who have influenced me through their works and personalities, and it is because of them that today’s Masuya Takao exists.

Since founding Masuya Takao in 1960, I have inherited and refined the traditional techniques of Nishijin while creating works with my unique skills. I hope to continue producing “beautiful textiles that withstand the test of time.” I sincerely wish to see an increasing number of customers whose hearts are uplifted by the kimonos and obis of Masuya Takao.

Chairman / Hiromu Takao

I am Shuko Takao, the fourth-generation head of Masuya Takao. I sincerely appreciate your continued support for our company.

At Masuya Takao, our founding principle is to create textiles that embody "beauty that withstands the test of time."

The combination of the warp and weft threads in textiles is referred to as the structure, and the way this is done can transform the same color into completely different shades. I hope that the colors created in this way, and the expression of beautiful hues in our textiles, can be sublimated into what my father referred to as "beautiful textiles that withstand the test of time."

We, who are engaged in traditional industries with the desire that the beauty we create continues to bring enrichment to people's hearts, aspire to contribute to society with our long-standing history and unique craftsmanship.

Furthermore, we vow to create a future where kimonos, as Japan's traditional attire, bring enrichment to this era of Reiwa, and through new business initiatives, we will once again highlight the kimono and create a sustainable cycle for it at Masuya Takao.

President / Shuko Takao

Company Profile

Company Name
Masuya Takao Co., Ltd.
Chairman
Hiromu Takao
President
Shuko Takao
Founded:
1930 (Showa 5)
Headquarters
77 Nishihakubaicho, Kitano, Kita Ward, Kyoto City
Phone
075-464-0500 (Weekdays 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
FAX
075-464-3816
Branch Office
Shotencho Factory (Weaving Machine Division and Handwoven Division) 30 Shotencho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City
Business Activities
  • ・Textile Manufacturing and Wholesale Business　
    Nishijin Weaving Obi, Woven Fabric, Stoles, Accessories
    ・Service Business
    Kimono Consulting, Obi Rental, Factory Tours

【For Those Coming from JR Kyoto Station】

・If transferring to the city bus:
Take city buses 26, 50, or 205 and get off at Kitano Hakubaicho.

・If transferring to the JR Sagano Sanin Line:
Get off at Enmachi Station and walk north for 10 minutes.

【For Those Coming by Keihan Electric Railway】

Get off at Demachiyanagi Station.
Take city buses 203 or 102 and get off at Kitano Hakubaicho.

【For Those Coming by Hankyu Electric Railway】

Get off at Saiin Station.
Take the city bus bound for Ginkaku-ji or Ritsumeikan University that passes through Kitano Hakubaicho, and get off at Kitano Hakubaicho.

The History of Masuya Takao

Long ago, many dyeing businesses (tea dyers, indigo dyers, red dyers) in Kyoto were dotted around the east side of Horikawa Abura-no-koji. The heads of the three Sen schools, Omotesenke, Urasenke, and Mushakojisenke, all have their homes here, proving the quality of the underground water that flows around here.

As a result, occupations that use water have come to be concentrated in the area. Legend has it that the ancestors of the Takao family were originally tea dyers.

At some point, the business changed to weaving, and the third-generation president, Hiromu Takao, was born in Nishijin (Ichijo-dori Chieko-in) in 1935.
After that, the company was forced to evacuate to Tamba during the war, but returned to Kyoto around 1951, and founded the company at the current Hanazono factory site in 1960.
In 1968, the company moved to its current location in Kitano Nishihakubai-cho, where it remains to this day.

Gennosuke Takao

Kikujiro Takao

Chairman Hiromu Takao was born in 1935 in Nishijin, Kyoto. After losing his father (Gennosuke Takao) at the age of 16, he trained under his uncle (Kikujiro Takao) and diligently honed his skills and sensibility within the tradition of Nishijin textiles. In 1960, he established Masuya Takao Co., Ltd. Driven by the desire to create original and beautiful textiles unlike any before, he has devoted himself wholeheartedly to weaving up to the present day.