The Tomioka Silk Mill was the first modern factory ever built in Japan. Completed in 1872, it marked a major step for the country in its transformation from a traditional society to a high-tech industrialized nation. The mill was built by Japanese under the guidance of a young French engineer called Paul Brunat. He chose the location in Tomioka, at the foot of Mt. Myogi, because there was a long tradition of skilled artisan silk production and he found the local people took great care of their silkworms. The architecture of the mill combines both Japanese and western elements. It was equipped with technology that was state-of-the-art at that time, but also incorporated local knowhow that Brunat learned from the local farmers. Because the mill has been preserved so well, almost in the same condition as when it was built, it (together with related sites) was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in June this year.
On this episode of Journeys in Japan, the Tomioka Silk Mill is introduced by Damien Robuchon who works for the Tomioka City Government. Like Paul Brunat, Damien comes from France. He was hired last year to help promote the mill's cultural significance, and to study documents relating to the time when Brunat was in Japan. Damien visits various sites and meets with people related to the local silk industry. He also explores the role that Paul Brunat played in building the mill and contributing to Japan's modernization.
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