Japan’s textile industry is full of tradition and history - yet has come a long way to modernize and trendset in the current global landscape. Learn about Japan’s fabrics and textiles as well as job opportunities within this fascinating industry.
First Published: 2020-10-26
Updated: 2024-05-05
Table of Contents
- Brief Intro to the Textile Industry in Japan
- Textile Jobs in Japan
- Textile Associated Jobs: Fashion and Apparel Jobs in Japan
- Find an Apparel Job in Japan with WeXpats
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Brief Intro to the Textile Industry in Japan
Japan has a long history with textiles and fabrics. Two of the biggest textile factions within the industry were cotton and silk, with Japan being a huge exporter of both at one point. Silk was used for kimonos for the elite and as a commodity for trade with other countries, while cotton was used for everyday clothing and items.
However, due to other countries’ textile manufacturing and exports catching up to and eventually surpassing Japan’s, the textile industry in Japan began to explore synthetic fabrics as well.
As of July 2023, Japan exports about 700 billion yen worth of textile yarn and fabrics in a year.
※Ministry of Finance, “Trade Statistics of Japan” [2023/06]
Currently, there’s lots of movement within the textile industry to deal with various issues, including
- the shrinking of the domestic textile market in Japan
- the lack of manpower as many of the workers are older and retiring
- the imbalance between exports and imports, as Japan-made textiles face high competition with imports from other countries which tend to be cheaper (such as with fast-fashion)
- immense amount of waste produced through fast-fashion
These, along with the industry’s plans for the future, are outlined in The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s “The Textile Industry’s Vision for 2030 (Outline)”, which was published in May 2022.
Dealing with Environmental Issues
A good example of the industry’s attempt to deal with environmental issues related to the textile business would be contemporary programs such as Tokyo's Green Earth Institute, where they have committed to engage in recycling activities and textile waste reduction. Japan Airlines and Tokyo Green Earth Institute's partnership project to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle works to address the textile pollution problem, such as by converting the used clothing and textiles into a bioethanol fuel substitute for the airline. This is a great way to reduce fuel costs and an innovative way to positively impact the environment through waste management.
Japan is also connecting innovation with the textile industry with its state-of-the-art textile technology such as synthetic spider silk and wearable health monitors to encourage people to be more active, fit, and healthy.
Textile Towns in Japan
In the midst of the domestic market getting smaller, there are some towns that are still going strong with their textile manufacturing and products.
These include:
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Nippori (Tokyo) - In the past, this used to be a thriving fabric wholesale area. While it’s much smaller than its peak, there are still about 90 shops that people can visit, which have everything from fabric to sewing materials, decorations and attachments, etc.
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Imabari (Ehime Prefecture) - This city is famous for its soft and beautiful towels. You can even get their hand towels at Family Mart across the country.
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Kurashiki (Okayama Prefecture) - This city is known for its high-quality denim. There’s even an area called Denim Street where you can find denim products of all kinds, not just jeans!!
You can visit these towns and others to see and learn more about Japan’s textiles, as well as to buy them! You can also attend the Textile Expo held twice a year in Japan (although it’s more geared toward industry buyers).
Writer's Pick
Textile Jobs in Japan
As textiles are not just used for clothing but many other products like carpets, curtains, car and train seats, couches, cleaning and other household products, there’s a wide range of textile-related jobs in Japan. This includes weaving, sewing, dyeing, and more.
Top Textile Companies in Japan
To give an idea of the companies who lead the textile industry in Japan, here are the Top 5 companies in Japan based on sales of textile products as of September 2023.
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Toray Industries, Inc. - Established in 1926, Toray has close to a 100 years of history in textile. It started out as a company that produced rayon yarn before expanding to produce various types of materials like fibers, textile, chemicals, films, resin, and even apparel.
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Teijin Limited - Although involved in many sectors including healthcare and information technology, Teijin’s expertise and main venture is producing high performance fibers like carbon fiber and aramid fiber. Their textile products include artificial leather, polyester nanofiber, and fiber made from recycled waste.
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Toyobo Co., Ltd. - One of Japan’s top fiber and textile companies that makes textiles for industrial, home, and fashion use. For example, airbag material, fabric for train and car seats, furniture textiles, and everyday clothing fabrics.
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World Co., Ltd. - WORLD started its business in Kobe as a wholesaler of women’s knitwear before expanding its product line. The current World has 62 fashion brands and over 2,000 shops that cater to men, women, and children, as well as an online store.
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Wacoal Holdings Corp. - Wacoal’s main business is the manufacture, wholesale and distribution of women’s undergarments and lingerie. They are a well-known brand even outside Japan with many overseas branches. They have also expanded to manufacture children’s wear, menswear, sportswear, outerwear, etc.
※ Buffett Code, “繊維製品業界 売上高ランキング（企業一覧）”
Technical Intern Training Program : Textile and Clothing-related
At present, only technical interns as part of the technical intern training program can work textile jobs in Japan. The aim of Japan’s Technical Intern Training Program is to facilitate the transfer of technical knowledge and skills from Japan to interested individuals from developing countries to assist these countries in their development.
One of the primary occupations and industries involved is “Textile and clothing-related” which includes spinning, weaving, dyeing, sewing, gentleman’s suit tailoring, canvas making, bedclothes making, and manufacturing of carpets, bedclothes, and knit goods.
Read more about how to become a technical intern here.
What is it like as a technical intern (textile related) in Japan?
Aye Aye Aung and Yin Mar Win from Myanmar came to Japan as technical interns to work in the textile and clothing-related industry. Read about their experience and the charms of Oita Prefecture here.
(※ In April 2023, an expert panel of the Japanese government submitted a preliminary proposal to replace the Technical Intern Training Program with a new system that allows medium to long-term stay for technical interns to secure human resource for the country. A final report is expected to be submitted in autumn of 2023. We will update about the status of the technical intern training program if necessary.) - Source: Japan Times, NHK
What about a Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa?
The Japan Textile Federation has made several calls to the government to add textile to the list of eligible industries for specified skills due to the worsening labor shortage that the industry is facing. However, as reported in June 2023, the textile industry still remains excluded. It remains to be seen what the future response of the Federation and the government will be.
※ Senken Shimbun, “外国人技能実習制度 「特定技能2号」の業種拡大を閣議決定 SC業界には「前進」 繊維は対象外” [2023/06/12]
Textile Associated Jobs to Consider : Fashion and Apparel Jobs in Japan
Building upon the foundation of the vibrant textile industry in Japan, which offers a multitude of opportunities for those passionate about fabrics and manufacturing, we now shift our focus to the dynamic world of fashion and apparel. Japan's rich textile heritage has naturally given rise to a thriving fashion sector, providing numerous exciting career paths for individuals with a penchant for style, design, and retail.
Study Fashion Design in Japan
Japan has made its name in the fashion world. One of the unique aspects of Japanese fashion is its reflection of both traditional and modern design. Whether it's the elegance of kimono design, the wackiness and freedom of avant-garde fashion of the likes of Harajuku fashion, or a whole unique sense of fashion innovation, Japan provides a dynamic and inspiring environment for nurturing your creative talents.
There are many fashion design schools and universities in Japan if you are considering studying fashion design. We introduced the top educational institutions in our article about studying fashion design in Japan here.
Fashion and Apparel Jobs in Japan
What fashion and apparel jobs are there in Japan, you may wonder. There are many, for example:
- Designers (fashion designer, accessories designer, textile designer)
- Fashion Stylist, Consultant
- Fashion Buyer, Merchandiser, Analyst
- Fashion Photography, Journalism
- Fashion Marketing and PR
- Pattern Maker
- Retail Management and Sales
- Modelling
Among these, retail and sales is the easiest job to find requiring minimal work experience. Depending on your duties, a background in fashion may not be strictly necessary as well, some positions may instead require a business management background.
Part-time fashion retail jobs are plentiful in Japan. Apparel stores and boutiques are always in need of sales assistants. Responsibilities may include assisting customers, inventory management, folding & displaying clothing, styling mannequins, fitting room assistance, product recommendations, etc. it really depends on the workplace.
An additional benefit of part-time fashion retail jobs is that you can practice conversing in Japanese. For international students, a part-time fashion retail job comes with a flexible work schedule, opportunities to make Japanese friends, and Japanese language practice. In addition, some stores offer employee discounts, so try finding a job in your favorite boutique!
Find an Apparel Job in Japan with WeXpats
WeXpats operates a service for foreign nationals who want to work in Japan. There are jobs in a variety of industries including fashion and apparel jobs. There are 2 services available on WeXpats - WeXpats Agent for full time jobs and WeXpats Jobs for part time jobs.
Looking for a Full Time Position? Leave it to WeXpats Agent!
WeXpats Agent is a career support service that specialises in employment for foreign nationals living in Japan.
Recruitment agencies in Japan are a service where dedicated career advisors will assist you with your job hunt for free. In addition to introducing open positions, we also provide support to help you create your Japanese resume and practice for interviews. Worried about job hunting in Japanese? We are here for you.
Features of WeXpats Agent
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We have many job openings that are a good fit for foreign nationals to work in, such as translation, interpretation, inbound, etc. jobs that make use of your language skills, as well as engineering etc. jobs that do not require Japanese skills.
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Our career advisors support and help you prepare your resume and practice job interviews with you. Clearly communicate your strengths to the hiring company.
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We will handle communication with companies on your behalf, such as arranging interview dates and negotiating conditions. And thereby reducing your stress and time spent.
Finding a Part Time Job? Browse on WeXpats Jobs!
WeXpats Jobs is a part time job site for foreign nationals living in Japan. You can search for jobs in 11 languages (English, Vietnamese, Korean, Indonesian, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Burmese, Thai, Spanish, Portuguese), including Japanese. Find jobs that suit you by specifying your Japanese language level, occupation, location, and etc.
※ You can register from outside Japan, but only those living in Japan can apply for jobs.
