At the beginning of the 20th century, 40% of Japanese export was

 

SILK.

 

Raising silkworms and making silk fabrics were the national project at that time.

 

Some people made a lot of money in this business and one of them was Mr. Katakura.

 

The world heritage site Tomioka Silk Mill was originally set up and operated by the government, which was then sold to Mitsui syndicate, and finally sold to Mr. Katakura.

 

Notorious working conditions for the workers became a topic for famous novels where young girls were sold to work for the silk mill.

 

Mills around Lake Suwa was one of such places with sad stories （ああ野麦峠）.

 

Mr. Katakura wanted to change the working condition and built a huge natural hot spring bathtub decorated like a palace.

 

Perhaps Akimoto got the idea of building a nice Ryokan-style bathtub inside our company from Mr. Katakura.

 

The silk industry disappeared after plastic fabrics were invented, and a lot of vast silk mills have now become a large shopping mall.

 

Some silkworm farmers changed their business to making wines.

 

It is interesting to know that many vineyards in France used to be silkworm farmers.

 

World changes as time goes by, but people will adapt to changes and survive.