We produced aprons for Tanaka Noodle Factory, a noodle factory in Kodaira, Tokyo, which was in business until the 1950s!


"I would like to cheer up the grandfather who used to run a noodle factory. I would like to give him an apron so that he can remember his time at work."
Then, one day in September, Mr. A came to visit Anything.
What was brought to us was the label that was attached to the wooden box that the noodles were originally packed in. Using that label as a reference, we immediately began work on drawing the design.

In the middle is a cute picture of a maneki-neko (beckoning cat), and on the right is written "Tanaka Noodle Factory, Kodaira Village, Kitatama District."

Incidentally, the area has been in present-day Kodaira, Tokyo since 1962, so this label was probably created sometime between the 1940s and mid-1950s.



I used the label as a reference to create this apron!

A relative made this for his grandfather, who ran a noodle factory, with the hope that it would help him remember those days and bring him some cheer.

We at Anything feel great joy in being able to help even in some small way, transcending history like this.


A few weeks later, we gave the apron to the grandfather and he brought us a photo of him wearing it.

"The old man was very happy," and "I'm glad they made an apron out of a single label."
We at Anything staff were deeply moved when we saw the grandfather standing there with his apron tied around his neck.

I was also impressed by what Mr. A, who received the gift, said: "If it's just the label on the wooden box, it might disappear in a few years, but if I keep it as an apron, it will last at least another few decades!"

Thank you very much!

■Original Apron Data■

1. Title: Tokyo Kodaira "Tanaka Noodle Factory" "Origin" Apron 2. Date of manufacture: September 2011 3. Material: "Apron No. 1 Canvas" 100% cotton
4. Size: 47cm wide x 67cm long 5. History of origin: Reprinted from the wooden box label of a noodle factory that produced noodle until around the 1950s 6. General sale: Not for sale (made by the whole family)

(Person in charge: Nishimura)

http://www.anything.ne.jp/images/maekake/1109tanakaseimen3.jpg