has become an iconic presence within traditional Japanese aesthetics Take a look at the history of this famous textile and how it carries on into the modern day Very few cultural artifacts are as emblematic of a culture as garments and textiles and lifestyle all contribute to the textiles and fabrics produced in a given region the story of their roots is on full display.  The traditional textile of “Hakata-Ori” is no different and originates in Fukuoka Prefecture Hakata-Ori is a textile many are most-likely familiar with There is little doubt that in many depictions of people wearing traditional Japanese clothing have that there is some instance of Hakata-Ori present likely in the form of the thick and sturdy “obi” belt that the subject is wearing.  Hakata-Ori has been woven in Fukuoka for nearly 800 years its presence has become a staple of Japanese culture a merchant named Mitsuda Yazaemon traveled with the venerable Buddhist monk Shoichi Kokushi to China Their return home would result in the genesis of some of Japan’s most recgonized dishes and crafts At the time the craft was in its early stages but over the years the tried-and-true production process would develop into a distinct art all its own.  Obi belts made out of silk Hakata-Ori fabric The construction of this textile is largely characterized by a four-step-process: While this is the general process for creating Hakata-Ori more nuance in the process that provides the fabric with its distinct making it great for use in traditional Japanese-style knotted garments and belts Hakata-Ori is woven on a traditional Jacquard-style loom.  There are two primary variations of Hakata-Ori: Kenjo-Gara and Mon-Ori Kenjo-gara is the design most associated with Hakata-Ori largely consisting of stripes going across the long piece of fabric and an interlacing diamond design going parallel Mon-ori refers to Hakata-Ori that incorporate different colors.  Processed silk for weaving Hakata-Ori The art of Hakata-Ori is a long standing one the manufacturers who create the textiles into the modern day have histories that reach far back as well Nishimura Hakata-Ori is one of these heritage producers with the workshop originally being founded in 1587 it is the oldest textile company in the region dedicating themselves to traditional techniques well into the modern age.  Nishimura allows for visitors to take a look at the process of making their renowned Hakata-Ori firsthand The machines used for manufacture are out in the open and can be observed together with the yarns and dyes A room dedicated to the traditional Hakata-Ori loom is also available for viewing Also on site are the silkworm cocoons used for sourcing the raw silk used for the products There are also a number of goods for sale at Nishimura While their claim-to-fame are their obi belts for traditional Japanese clothing small goods such as bags and coasters are also available Dyeing process for Hakata-Ori at Nishimura Processed and dyed silk for Hakata-Ori Products made of Hakata-Ori at Nishimura Coaster made by Nishimura Hakata-Ori Machines for production at Nishimura Hakata-Ori Traditional loom for creating Hakata-Ori Nishimura has gone on to develop fabrics for interior design with some of their offerings on display at the elegant Fukuoka Ritz-Carlton; a testament to their pedigree and craftsmanship More information about Nishimura and their Hakata-Ori products can be found on their official website here. To book this activity, you can do so here.  Fukuoka Sumo Tournament (November) Fukuoka Fukuoka Discovery, full day Fukuoka Fukuoka Discovery, half day Fukuoka Hakata Magemono: an artisanal craft for everyday use Magemono has a centuries-long history within the Hakata area of Fukuoka Hakata Ningyo: The collectible crafts of Fukuoka the Hakata Ningyo dolls have evolved into an artisan craft like no other Hakata Station Hakata Station is a major station in the Japanese railway network national lines with the Shinkansen and the Fukuoka subway Nightlife in Japan: Going out, seeing and drinking Temples and shrines in Japan Markets in Japan Onsen, Hot Springs and Public Baths Family Travel Parks and Gardens Outdoor Activities Museums and Galleries View more Sign up and be the first to hear our news and special offers Fukuoka has a high level of seismic activity Based on data from the past 55 years and our earthquake archive back to 1900 there are about 363 quakes on average per year in or near Fukuoka Fukuoka has had at least 8 quakes above magnitude 7 since 1900 which suggests that larger earthquakes of this size occur infrequently probably on average approximately every 15 to 20 years Fukuoka has about 22.3 quakes of magnitude 3 or higher per year The quake had a very shallow depth of 12.1 km (8 mi) and was too small to be felt by people Fukuoka has had 1 quake of magnitude 3.1 and 9 quakes between 2.0 and 3.0 There were also 37 quakes below magnitude 2.0 which people don't normally feel The quake had a very shallow depth of 10.9 km (7 mi) and was not felt (or at least not reported so) Shimonoseki has a high level of seismic activity there are about 566 quakes on average per year in or near Shimonoseki Shimonoseki has had at least 8 quakes above magnitude 6 since 1900 The quake had a very shallow depth of 25 km (16 mi) and was too small to be felt by people Shimonoseki has had 17 small quakes up to magnitude 1.4 The quake had a very shallow depth of 26 km (16 mi) and was too small to be felt by people Sasebo has a high level of seismic activity there are about 760 quakes on average per year in or near Sasebo Sasebo has had at least 5 quakes above magnitude 6 since 1900 probably on average approximately every 23 to 27 years The last earthquake in Sasebo occurred 5 hours ago and had a magnitude of 1.7: Mag. 1.7 earthquake East China Sea - Fukuoka, Japan - writeAge(1746476520)A light magnitude 1.7 earthquake occurred in the East China Sea near Hario Jima island The quake had a very shallow depth of 10.8 km (7 mi) and was too small to be felt by people Sasebo has had 10 small quakes up to magnitude 1.7 The strongest earthquake in Sasebo in the past 24 hours had a magnitude of 1.7 and occurred 5 hours ago: Mag. 1.7 earthquake East China Sea - Fukuoka, Japan - writeAge(1746476520)A light magnitude 1.7 earthquake occurred in the East China Sea near Hario Jima island The quake had a very shallow depth of 10.8 km (7 mi) and was too small to be felt by people.