niponica

2025 NO.37

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Souvenirs of JapanSouvenirs of Japan

8

Traditionally spun, soft and fluffy
Senshu Towels

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Soft, highly absorbent Senshu towels (Photo: Osaka Towel Industrial Association)

Towel made of layers of gauze is lightweight, soft, and gentle on baby’s skin. (Photo: Shinto Towel Co., Ltd.)

Sukashi-ori open weave technique to express light colors (Photo: Kosugizen Co., Ltd.)

Pile weave sandwiched between two layers of gauze create towels that are thick, yet light and soft. (Photo: Shinto Towel Co., Ltd.)

Japanese towel production began in 1887 in the Senshu district of southern Osaka. The towels made in this area have come to be known as “Senshu towels.” Accounting today for about 40% of the towel market in Japan, these high-quality, handy, everyday towels are very popular.

The traditional post-weave technique of atozarashi is what gives Senshu towels their high quality. The process of washing and bleaching removes starch and oils from the cotton fibers, and Senshu towels undergo this process after they are woven. Clean Izumi Mountain water is used to carefully remove impurities to produce soft, fluffy towels with the excellent absorbency that cotton offers.

Senshu towels have evolved in recent years, offering new and unique designs, materials, and functions. One example is the sukashi-ori open weave technique, which gives the pattern of colored fibers tucked between white fibers a slightly muted look. Another is layered gauze fabric, which produces a lightweight, quick-drying towel. Daily life is just brighter and more colorful when you have a variety of beautiful, useful towels around.

Ideal for everyday use and as gifts, be sure to pick up a Senshu towel and experience for yourself just how great they feel.