Ojiya chijimi

Nationally-designated Important Intangible Cultural Property
Designated as UESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

Ojiya chijimi is a traditional textile which is characterized by its creases called “shibo”.
By the Edo period, it developed into the major industry that represents the snowy lands of Ojiya.
In 1955, it was designated as the first Nationally-designated Important Intangible Cultural Property in the Dyeing Department.
In 2009, Ojiya chijimi was designated as UESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, which was the first designation for Japanese dyeing skills.
There are 5 processes in the production that became crucial for the designation of Important Intangible Cultural Property, and all of the processes have been done by hand for centuries.
In order to pass on the local pride and precious skills to the future generations, the Association of Skills Conservation is striving to realize the skills transfer and human resource development as well as to maintain its quality.