(1858 - 1900)
Orihime Shrine is located on the corner of the property surrounding the Kiryu City Performing Arts Center. On the grounds of the shrine there stands a monument dedicated to the memory of Saba Kiroku, a man who contributed greatly to the development of the textile industry in Kiryu.
The land surrounding the
Performing Arts Center, including the present City Hall grounds, was once the site of a large textile company named the Nippon Textile Corporation (Nippon Orimono Kaisha.) Saba Kiroku was the president of this company.
The manufacturing plant of the Nippon Textile Corp. was capable of all stages of textile production, from plying thread to weaving fabric. Water was diverted from the Watarase River in a channel which flowed along the plant
compound. The channel served to drive the water wheels which powered the weaving looms in the factory and also generated
electricity. It was an
enormous factory, unlike any other.
TEXTILE MANUFACTURING IN KIRYU PRIOR TO THE NIPPON TEXTILE CORPORATION
The "Jomo Karuta" (a traditional memory card game) refer to Kiryu as
"a textile center of Japan." From days of old, Kiryu prospered as a textile manufacturing town. During the Edo Period (1600-1867), a Kyoto textile specialist came to Kiryu to teach the use of standing weaving looms, called "takahata" in Japanese.
As a result, textile manufacturing expanded quickly in Kiryu. Prior to this, textiles were produced on looms
called "teoribata," which are hand looms at which the weaver sits flat on the floor to operate.
Once the use of standing looms had been introduced in Kiryu, the number of weavers who could use the looms increased steadily.
Eventually, Kiryu textiles were being produced on a par with textiles from Kyoto. In keeping with these developments, a silk market was opened in the town of Kiryu.
In addition to technical expertise, textile manufacturing in Kiryu prospered thanks to the efforts of the textile merchants as well. Among these successful merchants were Saba Kichiemon, a trailblazer from Tokyo, known as
"Number One in Nippon Orimono Kaisha
Orihime Shrine
Saba Emporium
takahata loom
Joshu," (the former name for the Gunma area), and other merchants like Onozato Kizaemon and Kakiage Bunzaemon.
TEXTILE MANUFACTURING IN KIRYU DURING THE MEIJI PERIOD (1868-1911)
The use of the flying shuttle gradually spread throughout the industry. The idea of powering weaving looms by the use of
water wheels was adopted from the United States and the machinery to do so was imported from there. In addition, the use of Jacquard looms spread, mechanizing the production of fabrics in which the design was woven directly into the cloth. The majority of looms during the Meiji Era were constructed from wood. Metal
looms were relatively scarce.
THE NIPPON TEXTILE CORPORATION Examining the layout of the Nippon Textile Corporation, one cannot help but be amazed. The site of the company encompassed what is now the Kiryu City Performing Arts Center, Kiryu City Hall, Showa Kominkan (Community Center), and Kiryu General Hospital (Kiryu kosei byoin).
This factory employed machinery
manufactured in foreign countries and was geared up to produce large quantities of products.
The building had the characteristic sawtoothed roof formation with traditional Japanese tiles using for roofing. It was a very unusual construction for Japan. In addition, in order to supply the bricks
necessary for constructing the buildings, the Kiryu Brick Manufacturing Company was established.
An electrical power plant was built to produce electricity used to operate machinery and provide lighting for the
factory. It was the third oldest electrical power plant in the country.
To transport the manufactured goods, a railroad track was laid from Kiryu Station to the company compound. During the 1880's, there was no other factory which could compare with the Nippon Textile Corporation in terms of size or facilities and equipment.
CONSTRUCTION OF THE FACTORY
Saba Kiroku decided to construct the Nippon Textile Corporation to further develop the textile industry in Kiryu and to produce high quality textiles that could compete effectively with textiles produced in Europe and the US.
During the latter half of the 1870's, railroads expanded across Japan and manufacturing towns such as Kiryu and Ashikaga were able to send large volumes of products to consumer markets in Tokyo and Yokohama. Around that time, Nanking satin, imported from China, was very popular. The hand weaving techniques of Japan were losing out to foreign competitors it seemed to Kiroku.
Knowing the conditions in the United States and Europe, he realized that it had become an age of large scale manufacturing. Kiroku wanted to export Kiryu textiles to markets around the world. To achieve this goal, he reasoned, he would have to begin large scale manufacturing himself.
flying shuttle
Jacquard loom
electric generator for the plant (Kiryu General Hospital grounds)
CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE
October, 1887 Saba proposes to build Nippon Textile Corp.
November, 1887 Permission received from the government
to proceed.
December, 1887 Saba Kiroku is named the Corp. president.
March, 1888 Construction of the water channel begins.
Kiroku travels to the U.S. and Europe to purchase machinery.
August, 1888 Railroad is extended from Kiryu Station to
the factory compound.
December, 1888 Kiroku employs technicians to use the machinery he has purchased.
June, 1889 Construction of the channel is completed.
Factory for throwing yarn is completed.
May, 1890 Construction begins on the dyeing, weaving and finishing plants.
August, 1890 Kiryu experiences major flooding and construction work is significantly delayed.
October, 1890 All four divisions are completed and manufacturing begins.
November, 1891 Electrical lighting is supplied in the
factories and manufacturing begins
both day and night.
CONSTRUCTION OF THE WATER RACE
The construction of the company began first with the digging of the water race. It was Kiroku's plan to use water power to drive the machinery. For this purpose, he engaged the services of Jiro Yamaoka, a civil engineer employed by the national government.
The site of the mouth of the channel was chosen near the rock face along the Watarase River, beneath Akaiwa Bridge. The reason for this was that it was felt that such a location would best
withstand flooding. So, they cut through the rock face to create a sufficiently strong entrance.
The water flowing in the race would turn the water wheels which would in turn drive the machinery and generate electrical power. In the meantime, Kiroku established the Kiryu Electrical Light Company, supplying others with electricity as well. Those who had been
dependent on oil or gas lamps for light were delighted. Vestiges of the water race can be seen near the cedar trees lining the road just past Kiryu General Hospital.
INSTALLATION OF MACHINERY FROM OVERSEAS
Kiroku wanted to manufacture goods using new machinery.
However, there were few large machines constructed of iron in Japan at that time. For that reason, Kiroku traveled to the U.S. and Europe to purchase the machinery firsthand.
He bought a great many machines, including weaving looms and thread plying machinery. Since he did not know how to install the machines, he employed engineers from the U.S. In addition, he engaged engineers to teach his employees how to use the machines.
Many difficulties were encountered during the construction of the factories. For instance, since the builders did not know the size and shape of the machines Kiroku was importing, it was difficult to design the factory buildings. It was, in fact, necessary to alter the blueprints for the buildings in order to accommodate the machinery.
That was one of the reasons it took four years to complete construction.
Nippon Textile Corp. in operation
PRODUCTION OF ORIHIME SATIN
Once the construction of the facilities was completed, manufacturing began and the production of satin increased dramatically.
Within 2 to 3 years from the start of operations, the production of satin had increased four to five fold. Year by year, production grew steadily.
Kiroku also researched dyeing techniques.
For this purpose, he established the Dyeing Research Laboratory. As a result, the colors of Orihime satin soared in popularity. Until that time, most of the satin had been imported, but the company eventually
surpassed the production of Nanking Satin from China. In so doing, Kiroku had achieved one of his goals.
The following are statistics relating to the production of Orihime satin from 1893 to the first half of 1896:
1893 : 7,600 bolts produced 1894 : 32,680 bolts produced 1895 : 47,773 bolts produced 1896 (first 6 months) : 30,440 bolts
One of the special characteristics of the company was its ability to manufacture a product from start to finish. From plying the thread to dyeing it and weaving the fabric to finishing it - the entire process took place on the factory compound. Never before nor after has there ever been a company in Kiryu like the Nippon Textile Corporation.
The techniques of weaving during that period had not yet advanced much in Kiryu, nevertheless, the construction of a factory on such a scale gives credit to Kiroku's foresight and vision. He was a man of great courage and energy.
Kiroku, while on a business trip to China met with an untimely death in an accident. He was only 42 years old at the time. Without a president, the leadership of the company was soon passed to another. It can be said without hesitation that Saba Kiroku devoted his entire life to the growth and development of textile
manufacturing in Kiryu. Surely, the dreams of Saba Kiroku are included in the ongoing development of Kiryu as a
"high-tech / fashion city," a center for textile manufacturing.
A CHRONOLOGY OF THE LIFE OF SABA KIROKU
1858 Born in Hajika Village, Tochigi Pref., 6th son of Aoki Gihei.
1872 Employed by Saba Emporium.
1876 Marries the daughter of Saba Kichiemon and becomes the adopted son-in-law.
1883 Establishes the Dyeing Training Center.
1886 Travels to the U.S. and purchases Jacquard looms and other machinery.
1887 Establishes the Nippon Textile Corp.
1888 Travels to the U.S. and Europe to purchase machinery.
1891 Begins the sale of Orihime satin.
1893 Establishes the Kiryu Electric Light Company.
1900 Dies in an accident in China.
Monument to Saba Kiroku on the grounds of Orihime Shrine
Saba Kiroku
label of Orihime Satin
Translated from the Japanese text, Watashitachi no Kiryu,
published by the Kiryu City Board of Education, 1997.
さ ば き ろ く
佐羽喜六（１８５８〜１９００）
市民文化会館の敷地の一角に、織姫神社があります。
その境内に。桐生織物の発展につくした佐羽喜六の石碑が建っています。
この文化会館から市役所にいたる一帯は、かつて日本織物会社という大きな 工場がありました。佐羽喜六はこの工場の経営者として活躍していました。
この工場は、糸を撚ることから織物を織ることまで、一つの工場で一貫して できる工場でした。また、渡良瀬川から工場まで水路を引き、水力を利用して 機械を動かしたり、電機を起こしたりしました。
今までになり大工場でした。
それまでの桐生織物
「桐生は日本の機どころ」と、上毛カルタにうたわれています。
桐生は昔から主に以下のような理由で織物のさかんなところでした。
○江戸時代、桐生の織物は京都から「高機」という機械を使った織り方が伝わ ってから急速に発展した。
○「高機」が伝わるまでは、座ったまで織る「手織機」を使っていた。
○「高機」が伝わると織物を専門にする人が増えてきた。
○桐生の織物は京都と肩を並べるほどになった。
○織物の市も開かれるようになった。
桐生織物が盛んになるためには、その織物を売りさばく商人の力も大きかっ たのです。
佐羽吉右衛門は、東京方面を開拓し、上州一の富豪と言われました。
他にも小野里喜左衛門や書上文左衛門らの商人もいました。
明治時代初めの桐生織物
○高機から、バッタン機と呼ばれる機械を使う人もでてきた。
○アメリカから水力を使用して動く機械を買い入れた人もいた。
○ジャカードと呼ばれる模様を織る機械を使う人がふえてきた。
○当時の機械は木製が多く、まだ鉄製の機械は少なかった。
日本織物会社
日本織物会社の絵図を見ていたゆうこさんは、びっくりして言いました。
「この工場の敷地の中に、市民文化会館、市役所、昭和公民館、それに厚生病 院まで入ってしまいます」「寄宿舎や病院まであります」
この工場は、外国の機械を使って、大量生産を目指しました。建物はのこぎ り屋根をもつ瓦つくりで、全国でも珍しいものでした。また、建物に使うレン ガを作るために、桐生レンガ製造会社まで作られました。
この工場の機械を動かしたり、電灯を灯したりするために、発電所が作られ ました。
この発電所は国内で３番目に古いものでした。また、出来た織物を運ぶため に開通したばかりの桐生駅から工場までの間に、鉄道を敷きました。
明治２０年代の工場としては、広さや設備において、他に例のない大工場で した。
大工場の建設
佐羽喜六が日本織物会社をおこしたのは、ヨーロッパやアメリカの製品に負 けない、優れた織物を作り、桐生市の産業を発展させようと考えたからです。
明治１０年代後半は、鉄道建設が盛んに進められ、桐生市や足利市などの産 地から東京都や横浜市などの消費地へ、沢山遅れるようになりました。
そのころ、中国から南京繻子が盛んに輸入されていました。日本の手織りの 技術では、外国に負けてしまうと喜六は考えました。
また、アメリカやヨーロッパの事情をよく知っていた喜六は、これからは機 械を使った大量生産の時代だ、とも考えていました。そして、桐生の織物を広 く海外にまで輸出しようと考えていました。そこで、大量生産のできる工場を 作りことを思いついたのです。
明治２０年１０月 日本織物会社をつくる計画が立てられる １１月 国から許可が出る
１２月 佐羽喜六、日本織物会社の役員になる
２１年 ３月 水路の工事を取り掛かる。喜六、機械を買うためアメリカ、
ヨーロッパへ行く
８月 工場までの鉄道を敷く
１２月 喜六、機械をあつらえる技師を雇う
２２年 ６月 水路が完成する。糸を撚る各工場が完成する ２３年 ５月 染める、織る、仕上げる、工場の工事開始 ８月 大洪水に遭う。工事が大幅に遅れる
１０月 ４つの部が完成し、一貫生産を始める ２４年１１月 電灯がつき、昼も夜も作業する 水路を作る
工場を作る工事は、水路をつくることから始まりました。水路の水を利用し て、機械を動かそうと考えたからです。
そのため、国の技師であった山岡次郎という人を雇いました。
取り入れ口は、赤岩橋の下流の岩場の所にしました。洪水に遭っても大丈夫 なように、岩を切り裂いて、頑丈な取り入れ口にしました。
この水路の水を利用して水車を回し、機械を動かしたり電気を起こしたりし ました。後に喜六は桐生電灯会社を興し、人々に電気を分け与えました。大変 びっくりしました。
この水路の面影は、厚生病院横の杉並木として残されています。
外国の機械を据えつける
喜六は新しい機械による生産を考えていました。
しかし、日本にはまだ鉄製の大型機械はあまりありませんでした。そのため アメリカやヨーロッパから直接買うことにしました。
喜六たちは機械を大量に買いました。また、その機械のすえつけ方が分から ないので、アメリカ人の技師を雇いました。
工場の建物を作るときに、機械の大きさや形がわからないので設計ができな かったようです。また機械に合わせて設計変えをするようなこともあったよう です。そのため、完成までに４年もかかってしまったようです。
織姫繻子の生産
工場が完成し本格的に操業を始めるようになると、繻子の生産は大変増えまし た。工場ができて２〜３年経つと、前の年より４〜５倍も増えました。喜六は 染め方についても研究を進めていました。そして染色講習所を開きました。そ のため、織姫繻子は色合いがよいと評判になり、今まで輸入が大きかった繻子 でしたが、南京繻子を上回る生産ができるようになりました。喜六の願いは果 たされたのです。
明治２５年 ７６００反 ２６年 ３２６８０反
２７年 ４７７７３反 ２８年上半期 ３０４４０反
この工場の特徴は製品の一貫生産にありました。糸を撚る−糸を染める−織 る−仕上げる、までを一つの工場で全部やってしまうのは、後にも先にも桐生 市ではこの工場だけでした。
織物の技術がまだ発達していなかった当時において、このような大きな工場 を作ることができたのは、喜六の先を見通す力の素晴らしさと、人一倍の苦心 や努力があったからです。
喜六は中国への出張中に思いがけない事故で亡くなってしまいました。まだ ４２歳の若さでした。経営の中心を失った工場は、まもなく人の手に渡ってし まいました。
佐羽喜六の生涯は桐生織物の発展にすべて捧げられたと言えましょう。
「織物の町、桐生。ハイテクとファッションの町、桐生」のことばの中に、
喜六の願いが生き続けているようです。
佐羽喜六の年表
安政５年 青木儀平の６男として栃木県葉鹿村に生まれる 明治５年 佐羽商店に奉公に出る
９年 佐羽吉右衛門の娘むこになる １６年 染色講習所を作る
１９年 アメリカに行き、ジャカード等の機械を買う ２０年 日本織物会社を興す
２１年 アメリカ、ヨーロッパに渡り、機械を買う ２４年 織姫繻子を売り始める
２６年 桐生電灯会社を興す ３３年 事故で亡くなる
【わたしたちの桐生−４年−】（桐生市教育委員会発行）より