Silk Mills Transition and the Sites Utilization in Gunma Prefecture

Gunma Prefecture, known as Japan's 'Silk Country,' experienced a dramatic transition in its silk mill industry after World War II. Initially thriving with over 30 mills recovering post-war due to domestic demand, the sector declined sharply following economic recessions and cheaper imports, leaving only one operational mill today. Research reveals that former mill sites are now repurposed into five categories: public facilities, commercial complexes, housing districts, factories, and open spaces. While some retain traces of their silk mill heritage, most lack clear historical markers due to redevelopment pressures. The study identifies this shift as a consequence of economic forces and urbanization, highlighting the challenges of preserving industrial heritage in modern landscapes.

YAMAGUCHI, T., & KURODA, N. (2020). Silk Mills Transition and the Sites Utilization in Gunma Prefecture. Journal of the Japanese Institute of Landscape Architecture, 83(5), 691–696. https://doi.org/10.5632/jila.83.691