Post by washi on Apr 30, 2015 19:51:44 GMT
When Japan was reopened for international trade in 1854, it was a country with a strong tradition of craftsmanship, but little experience in mass production. In half a century it was transformed from a medieval to a modern society. This transformation was financed largely by the export of silk.
The increased demand had initially resulted in a sharp drop in quality. Realizing the importance of the product to the emerging economy, the new Meiji government authorized the construction of a demonstration silk mill in Tomioka City, Gunma Prefecture. A team of foreign experts were hired to oversee its construction and initial operation. Factory workers from all over the country were trained in the use of the machinery of mass production, and when they returned to their hometowns, they taught others.
Edit Note, June 21, 2014:
Final approval of World Heritage status for the mill and the three related sites in the final approval was granted this afternoon.
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