伝統文化を知る

京の技術、地域商社が守る　伝統工芸、建材やインテリアに

楽焼の陶板を使ったタイルのサンプル（時事通信社提供）

茶わんなどに使われる「楽焼」や西陣織といった京都の伝統工芸について、建築資材やインテリア製品に活用する取り組みを、京都中央信用金庫（京都市）傘下の地域商社が進めている。資金面にとどまらないサポートで新たな需要を創出し、技術の伝承や地域活性化を後押ししたい考えだ。

京都の工芸品はインバウンド（訪日客）らに人気だが、ライフスタイルの変化で日常使いの需要は減り、後継者不足も深刻化。同信金の白波瀬誠（しらはせ・まこと）会長は「これまで考えられなかったやり方で伝統産業を現代のビジネスに生かすチャレンジだ」と強調する。

「京都アンプリチュード」は２０２２年７月、同信金の１００％子会社として設立。伝統工芸と現代的なデザインを組み合わせた高級感のある和素材「ＷＡＺＡＩ（ワザイ）」を展開し、ブランドアドバイザーには仏エルメス副社長を務めた斎藤峰明氏を起用。京都市中京区の本社兼ショールームには、西陣織を使った椅子や楽焼の陶板タイルなど約５００種類の見本が並ぶ。

同信金の取引先に加え、個別では接点を持ちにくかった大手企業との商談も仲介。今年３月末までの納入実績は、デザイン会社やハウスメーカー、宿泊施設や飲食店など全国２２４件に上る。融資や資産運用の提案も行っており、グループ全体で事業者を支える構えだ。

着物用の白生地メーカー「伊と幸（いとこう）」（京都市）は、絹織物をガラスで挟み、建材やインテリアなどに使える「絹ガラス」を提供する。着物の需要が大きく拡大するとは見込めない中、北川幸（きたがわ・さち）社長は「他の建材と組み合わせ、トータルで提案してもらえるので施主の納得も得やすい」とし、京都アンプリチュードとの協業に期待を寄せている。

（２０２５年６月２７日　時事通信配信）

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【English version】

Kyoto's technology, protected by local trading companies: traditional crafts, building materials, and interior design

Sample tiles made from raku-yaki ceramic plates (provided by Jiji Press)

Kyoto Chuo Shinkin Bank (Kyoto City) and its regional trading companies are promoting initiatives to utilise traditional Kyoto crafts such as raku ware and Nishijin textiles, which are used in tea bowls and other items, in building materials and interior products. The aim is to create new demand through support that goes beyond financial assistance, thereby promoting the transmission of techniques and regional revitalisation.

Kyoto's crafts are popular among inbound tourists, but changes in lifestyle have reduced demand for everyday use, and the shortage of successors has become severe. Shirahase Makoto, chairman of the credit union, emphasises, ‘This is a challenge to utilise traditional industries in modern business in ways that were previously unimaginable.’

Kyoto Amplitude was established in July 2022 as a wholly owned subsidiary of the credit union. It offers WAZAI, a high-quality Japanese material that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern design, and has appointed Mr. Mineaki Saito, former vice president of Hermes, as its brand advisor. The headquarters and showroom in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City, features approximately 500 samples, including chairs made with Nishijin-ori fabric and Raku-yaki ceramic tiles.

In addition to the credit union's existing clients, it also facilitates negotiations with major companies that were previously difficult to engage with individually. As of the end of March this year, the credit union has delivered products to 224 locations nationwide, including design companies, housing manufacturers, accommodation facilities, and restaurants. It also offers financing and asset management proposals, with the entire group supporting businesses.

Ito Kou (Kyoto City), a manufacturer of white fabric for kimonos, provides ‘silk glass,’ which is silk fabric sandwiched between glass and can be used for building materials and interior design. Despite the lack of significant growth in kimono demand, President Kitagawa Sachi stated, ‘By combining it with other building materials and offering a comprehensive proposal, it is easier to gain the client's approval,’ expressing optimism about the collaboration with Kyoto Amplitude.

(27 June 2025, Jiji Press)