Our History
The history of Hirano Sarashi, founded in Kita-ku, Nagoya, and preserving the traditional wa-zarashi method for over 96 years. A small but sincere story, hand-woven by generations of craftsmen.
Hirano Sarashi Founded
Founded as a cotton-bleaching business in Fukutoku-cho, Kita-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture. Preserving the large-kettle method passed down from the Edo period, we began supporting the region's textile industry. At the time, many weaving mills surrounded Nagoya and demand for wa-zarashi was strong.
Large Drying Yard Completed
A large sun-drying yard with 8-meter-high pillars was completed. This established a finishing system relying entirely on natural drying, with no machine dryers. Our unique tension-free hanging method became the foundation for a finish that sets us apart from other manufacturers.
90th Anniversary — 3rd-Generation Shigemi Hirano Takes Office
Marking 90 years since founding, 3rd-generation Shigemi Hirano became Representative Director. Under the banner "Traditional Wa-Zarashi to the World," he strengthened outreach both in Japan and abroad. As the number of wa-zarashi processors continues to decline year after year, he began actively pursuing both the preservation of traditional techniques and the development of new markets.
"I want to pass wa-zarashi on to future generations. I want people to rediscover what makes it so good."
— Shigemi Hirano, 3rd-Generation Representative Director
Featured in Trade Paper "Senken Shimbun"
The current state of wa-zarashi and our efforts were featured in the Senken Shimbun trade newspaper (August 15, 2021). This became an opportunity to spread awareness of wa-zarashi's value and significance, and led to inquiries from new business partners.
Preserving Tradition, Reaching the World
From a small factory of four employees, we continue delivering genuine wa-zarashi to business partners in Japan and abroad. We are working on training successors and developing new markets while carrying on the wa-zarashi culture that has continued since the Edo period.