A total of 120 types of aprons are on display, ranging from those from 100 years ago to those currently used overseas.

The "Japanese Aprons Exhibition" was held at Itochu Corporation's "Itochu Aoyama Art Square" in Aoyama, Tokyo.

Founded in Omi in 1858 by the first president, Chubei Itoh, the corporate message of Itochu Corporation is "One Merchant, Infinite Missions."
The apron, a symbol of Japanese merchants, was deemed a perfect fit, and a panel explaining the history of "Itochu Corporation and aprons" was also included.



~Part of the panel~
The "Clothing Standards" laid out in the "Collection of Supplementary Provisions to the Itochu General Partnership Store Law" of 1915 (Taisho 4) state that all employees of "minor rank" or above at Itochu were required to wear an apron. This apron was limited to "blue stripes," plain cotton woven with indigo-dyed thread. It is clear that it was used for very practical purposes.
It is believed that the aprons have been used since the company was founded, but it is unclear how long they were used, and they were probably worn until around 1918 (Taisho 7). (According to research by Itochu Corporation)

As you can see, aprons were actually used to protect the bodies, waists, and kimonos of workers during the Meiji period, and as formal work attire.


The actual aprons on display are owned by Masao Oota, Japan's number one apron collector, and a total of 120 will be displayed in various sections, including aprons from sauce manufacturers around the country, aprons from Japanese sake breweries, and aprons made by Anything for overseas restaurants.

The talk show held during the event was fully booked with 50 attendees, and included a demonstration of stencil carving by Toyohashi apron craftsman Hidesuke Sugie, allowing many people to learn about the appeal of aprons as a traditional Japanese culture.












"Japanese Aprons Exhibition"
●Organizers: Japan Apron Exhibition Executive Committee (Anything Ltd., Toyohashi Sail Apron Promotion Association)
●Co-hosted by Itochu Corporation ●Supported by Kanto Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry, Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture, Toyohashi Chamber of Commerce and Industry ●Supported by Oota Masao ●Dates: Thursday, September 10, 2015 to Sunday, September 27, 2015
Venue: ITOCHU Aoyama Art Square (CI Plaza B1F, 2-3-1 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo)



(Article by Nishimura)
http://www.anything.ne.jp/maekake/aoyama1.jpg