Gachaman Lab

Gachaman Lab Co., Ltd. is a textile company focused on reviving the traditional craft of Ashikaga Meisen silk weaving from its base in Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture. The company's name originates from the term "gachaman," a word from the post-war era when the booming textile industry meant a simple "gachan" sound from a loom could earn ten thousand yen. Gachaman Lab's mission is to restore the local textile industry, which has declined significantly, by connecting the remaining artisans and their high-level skills with the contemporary fashion market.

The company manufactures and sells textile products, specializing in silk materials for apparel. A key technique is "Hogushi-ori," a method where the warp threads are stencil-dyed before weaving, creating characteristic blurred patterns. Gachaman Lab produces original fabrics and novelty goods, and collaborates on projects, such as creating original textiles for Toyota dealers. The company engages in a direct-to-consumer business model and has showcased its brand, "STYLE＊MEISEN," at international events like Hong Kong Fashion Week. Through its efforts, Gachaman Lab aims to ensure the survival of local artisans and factories, bringing the celebrated craftsmanship of the region back to prominence.

Keywords: Japanese textiles, silk weaving, Ashikaga Meisen, Hogushi-ori, traditional crafts, textile manufacturing, apparel fabrics, fashion, direct-to-consumer, textile design, artisan preservation, local industry revival, Tochigi Prefecture, STYLE＊MEISEN, custom fabrics, silk products, Japanese craftsmanship, sustainable fashion, textile heritage, weaving technology