The wonder of how cloth is made from a field 【 Karamushi weaving

Karamushi weaving is a textile produced in Showa Village in the Okuaizu region of Fukushima Prefecture. The raw material is "Karamushi", also known as "Choma", a plant belonging to the nettle family Ramie. The fibers of ramie are called "Aoso" (blue ramie). Showa Village is the only place in Honshu where the raw material for Kamofu is produced, and is known for its high quality.

Karamushi roots are planted in mid-May when the snow melts, and in the first year, only weeds are removed, and from the second year onward, Karamushi-yaki is carried out, and harvesting begins in the third year.
The skin of the plant is peeled and only the fibers are removed, and then the fibers are strung together to make yarn.
The threads are then woven on a traditional loom into fine fabrics. Because the threads are delicate, karamushi-weaving requires advanced techniques.
In recognition of this long-established technique, it was designated as a national traditional handicraft in 2009.

The light and comfortable feel of the fabric makes it a pleasant summer garment that does not stick to the skin, and it is said that once you wear it, you will never be able to wear other fabrics again. It is used for a wide range of purposes, including summer clothing, accessories, and decorative items. At "Roadside Station Karamushi-ori no Sato Showa," visitors can purchase Karamushi products and try their hand at Karamushi weaving. You will feel like a weaving princess as you rhythmically pat the threads together.