Kumagaya Dyes
Kumagaya has long been the center for politics, economy, and culture of northern Saitama. The flat land, mild climate, and good water have supported paper making, flour milling, wood work, brewery, and fabric dye industries. Kumagaya Dyes date back to the Nara period when fabric made of hemp and cocoons became popular. And the trend of dyeing these materials was adopted from the Asian continent. Fabric dye craftsmen were found mainly along the abundant source of Hoshi-kawa River. During this era, men were frequently seen dyeing material on the river. Although the scene on the river is long gone, the traditional method has been passed on.
