Although its origins can be traced back to the Asuka Era (552-646), serious production of textiles and dyeing work began in the Tokugawa Era (1615-1867). After WWII, traditional technologies experienced a revival and Fukuyama became one of three major yarn-dyed textile production centers. Currently, work is being undertaken to develop new products of high added value that meet consumer needs. In this way, the industry has grown into a comprehensive production area that can make yarn-dyed textiles for denim and fashion clothes, as well as polyester and other synthetic fabrics. Fukuyama has a 40% share of the cotton denim market in Japan. Contact Information: Hiroshima Prefectural Textile Structural Reform Industries Association 1-20 Midori-machi Fukuyama-City TEL: (084) 922-1022 Developed in the Tokugawa Era and later mass produced, Bingo Splashed Pattern Cloth (Bingo kasuri) was first shipped to Osaka in the early Meiji Era (1868-1911) and soon entered the national market and experienced dramatic growth. Now, in order to meet diversified consumer needs, work is being done to develop new products and create splashed pattern cloth for Western-style clothing. Contact Information: Bingo Splashed Pattern Cloth Association 434-2 Shinichi Shinici-cho Ashina-gun TEL: (084) 752-3017 It is said that geta (traditional Japanese wooden shoes) were first created in 1878, when Maruyama Mosuke discovered the large wood pieces in firewood used to manufacture salt among the return cargo on a salt ship and used them to make geta. Beginning production of sandals and slippers around 1955, Fukuyama has become a comprehensive footwear production center and currently has a 60% share of the domestic market for geta. Contact Information: Hiroshima Prefectural Footwear Association 3-1-59 Minami Matsunaga-cho Fukuyama-City TEL: (084) 934-3322 Fukuyama Koto have been produced since the Tokugawa Era (1615-1867), with mass production of the instruments beginning in the Meiji Era (1868-1911). Fukuyama has a 70% share of the national market, and hence is considered the preeminent koto production site. In 1985, the koto became the first instrument recognized as a National Traditional Craft. It is said that Miyagi Michio's famous piece "Spring Sea" was inspired by Tomo-no-ura. Contact Information: Fukuyama Association of Traditional Instrument Manufacturers 3-2-8 Miyoshi-cho, Fukuyama-City TEL: (084) 924-1150 Bingo tatami covers were first made in the mid-16th century from a wild variety of rush grass grown in Numakuma Town. The covers are known for their thickness, fine quality, lustrous green color tinged with silvery white, and durable, unfading shades. Country-style round mats, braided hats, flower baskets, and other products can also be made out of short rush grass. Contact Information: Hiroshima Prefectural Orchid Industries Association 3-2-10 Imazu-cho Fukuyama-City TEL: (084) 933-2004 Fukuyama Furniture is comprised of a federation of three groups: the Fukuyama Furniture Industries Association, the Fukuyama Local Wood Craft Association, and the Matsunaga Furniture Association. It holds Outlet Sample Sales twice a year in May and November in Fukuyama City that are also attended by prefectural furniture cooperatives from Okayama, Shimane, and Tottori. Wooden furniture from Fukuyama Furniture includes closets, living room sets, dining room sets, tables, cabinets, and other products. Contact Information: Fukuyama Furniture Association (Fukuyama Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Regional Promotion Section) 2-10-1 Nishi-cho, Fukuyama-City TEL: (084) 921-2359 The casting industry was born in this region around 1816, which led to the manufacture of much woodworking machinery, sawmill machinery, farming equipment, and textile machinery. After WWII, many manufacturing industries were developed based on local technologies, including machine tools, pumps, food processing equipment, printing machinery, power hoists, and electric equipment. Sales of such products have been increasing not only in Japan but overseas as well. Contact Information:Hiroshima Prefectural Eastern Machinery and Metals Industry Association 2-10-1 Nishi-machi Fukuyama-City Fukuyama Chamber of Commerce and Industry 4F TEL: (084) 922-1414 The Tomo iron and steel industry started with Tomo Forging (swordsmiths), and along with the changing times, switched from forging swords to ship and farm equipment. In the 1920s, the production of materials (square bars) for forged steel products led to the birth of iron rods. In addition, since Tomo has been an important port on the Seto Inland Sea since antiquity, the production of ship nails, shackles, anchors, and so on also began here, with shackles holding a 94% share of the domestic market. Contact Information:Tomo Iron and Steel Federation 26-91 Ushiroji Tomo-cho Fukuyama-City TEL: (084) 982-3375 Herbal liquors have been a tradition in Tomo for over a thousand years. Homeishu is a sweet liquor fermented from mochi rice with added Korean ginsing and fifteen other Chinese herbal extracts. It is known to have many health-promoting benefits, which is appropriate given that "homeishu" means "liquor that maintains life." Fukuyama Arrowhead, grown from the water of the Ashida River and organic manner from the rich local earth, is number one in Japan in terms of shipping volume. Fukuyama Arrowhead is blue arrowhead, characterized by tubers that are truly round and its vivid indigo blue color. With firm pulp and an excellent taste, it is indispensable in dishes for the New Year's festival and other celebrations. Contact Information:JA Fukuyama-City Kawaguchi Branch Office 2-12-7 Kawaguchi-cho Fukuyama-City TEL: (084) 981-2455 Together with the Eastern Hiroshima Prefecture Confectionary Commerce and Industry Society's Bingo Area Association for the Study of Confectionary Development, we work to create Fukuyama souvenirs (established name goods) that make use of local specialty items. Under the name "Fukuyama Sanpuku," "mefuku" (arrowhead plant mochi), "kafuku" (apricot mochi), and "senpuku" (Homeishu liquor steamed manjuu buns) have been sold since April 2000. Contact Information: Fukuyama Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Regional Promotion Section 2-10-1 Nichi-cho, Fukuyama-City TEL: (084) 921-2359 The Fukuyama Rose Festival is held every May, and citizens submit various goods based on the rose, Fukuyama's flower. From the exhibited goods, the Fukuyama Festival Committee selects the entry that is most suitable as a sales item and it is sold within the grounds during the Rose Festival. Rose goods are also very popular as souvenirs. Contact Information: Rose Goods Committee Head Office Fukuyama-City TEL: (084) 923-1719