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始めて長野に来た時に、信州の歴史と伝統で感心しました。最初は上田市に住んでいましたので上田城、上田獅子、昔からのそば屋さん（「刀屋」は３００年の歴史がある・・・自分の国より歴史が長い！）、国分寺の八日堂祭り、等々。
その１つは上田紬。個人的に上田紬の模様が大好きで触り感覚も好きです。物凄く憧れています。
今は亀清旅館のある部屋を改造している最中です。「紬」と言うコンセプトで。その勉強を込めて、上田市上塩尻にある小岩井紬工房に行って見ました。味のある歴史的の建物の工房を見学させて頂きまして、織り方をご親切に説明していただきました。販売コーナーも見させて頂きました。昔からの模様は意外にモダンに感じて、吃驚しました。
そして、小岩井工房で自分の手で上田紬を織る体験も出来ると分かって、早速今月末の予約を入れておきました。楽しみにしています。

When I first came to Nagano, I was impressed by the prefecture's long history and rich tradition. I first lived in Ueda City, and got to see and know such historical things as Ueda Castle, Ueda Shi-Shi, soba shops that have been run by the same families for generations ("Katana-Ya" has been in existence for over 300 years -- that's longer than my own country!), Kokubun-Ji Temple's Yokado Festival, and so much more.
One such area of Ueda that impressed me was "Ueda Tsumugi", the traditional silk weaving traditionally used for kimonos. Ueda's style dates back over 300 years and is regarded as one of the top 3 weaving styles in Japan. It was reknown in Kyoto for its sturdiness and beauty.
Ueda Tsumugi owes its existence to the area's silk industry (Nagano Prefecture has traditionally been Japan's largest producer of silk). It's influence can be felt in Shinshu University's School of Fiber which continues to research and develop better varieties of silk. I personally love Ueda Tsumugi's patterns and coloration, as well as its texture.
In Ueda City's Shiojiri neighborhood, there is a studio that continues to make Ueda Tsumugi. It is called Koiwai Tsumugi Kobo, and we went there yesterday for a tour. The building is impressive with its historical construction, and it was amazing to see how Tsumugi is woven. We found out they offer mini lessons and I signed up for one for the end of July. I'm looking forward to making my own bit of Ueda Tsumugi.