ABOUT US

It was started in the early 19th century by a 12-year-old girl, Inoue Den, inspired by a piece of cotton faint thread. Since the Meiji era, it has been used habitually throughout Japan as clothing for the common people.

In 1917, more than 100 shops were lined up, and a shop was opened in Kurume wholesaler district (currently Akinai-dori), where hundreds of hawkers came and went every day. The main players are Nokichi Nishi, who runs a wholesale business of yarn and textile products, and his wife Maki. That is Nishihara Shoten, the predecessor of Nishihara Itoten.

In 1945, Kurume was also hit by a large air raid. It became a one-sided burnt field, and of course the store was completely burned down. Even so, he did not quit his business, received the surviving trees from his relatives' home, relocated the store, and resumed the wholesale business of yarn and textile products. Since then, it has steadily and steadily continued its business, and in 1951, it was registered as Nishihara Itoten Co., Ltd. However, two years later, hardships will come again. The first floor was completely flooded due to the flooding in western Japan in 1953. Even so, despite the desperate efforts of the first and second generations, the reconstruction and the waves of the times rubbed it, the third generation took over and continued to protect the signboard. In order not to forget such a past, we have handed it down from generation to generation as "a shop that has been hit by fire and water attacks and still protected."

From the 4th generation, we started the retail business to become a store that is more useful and loved by the local people. We have developed new products centered on the 5th generation Wakadanna, and many Kurume kasuri items are now lined up in stores. In 2011, a candy store was opened in a corner of the store. In 2013, a new office building with a large curtain as a symbol will be completed so that it will be a place of relaxation for customers. In 2017, we were able to celebrate the 100th anniversary of our founding.

After graduating from university, a young husband who left his hometown of Kurume and got a job at a general company. By leaving Kurume, I realized the charm of Kurume Kasuri, which is a treasure of Kurume. Returning to my hometown, along with the 4th generation, I worked hard to create new original products in addition to selecting products for young people so that younger people could know the charm of Kurume Kasuri.
In particular, when we focused on the development of men's products and announced a custom-made suit of Kurume Kasuri, we renewed the image of Kurume Kasuri, leaving the texture of Kurume Kasuri that is light and comfortable to wear, while keeping the texture of Kurume Kasuri modern and innovative. As a new form, it was gradually accepted by customers.
It was a short life of 40 years in the middle of my ambition, but for 17 years when I returned to Kurume and continued running, it became a bridge connecting Kurume Kasuri and the future of Nishihara Itoten.

"Neu Wavy", a new form of Kurume Kasuri that connects traditional crafts to the next generation and the world without losing history

May the thread of the edge be connected until the future 100 years from now.