A 136-year-old loom replica found in Woven City.
In the heart of Woven City, a futuristic urban development envisioned by Toyota, stand wooden looms that symbolise more than just a tool for fabric production. These replicas of a 136-year-old invention embody a living connection to history, culture, and the craftsmanship that underpins the future fabric of life in this innovative city.
These looms represent a fusion of tradition and innovation, linking centuries-old techniques with modern aspirations to create a new kind of community and lifestyle. While the exact city where these specific replica looms originate is not explicitly stated, their significance is rooted in the indigenous and cultural heritage communities worldwide.
For instance, the looms of the Chil people are described as the "living embodiment of a people's spirit," showcasing how looms carry cultural identity. Similarly, Bedouin women of the Arabian Peninsula used ground looms centuries ago to weave stories and cultural identity, making their looms powerful cultural symbols. By extrapolation, Woven City's replicas emphasise cultural continuity and the integration of heritage craft into a futuristic urban setting.
The looms in Woven City are a reproduction of the Toyoda wooden hand loom invented by Sakichi Toyoda in 1890. Sakichi's primary purpose in inventing the loom was to reduce the physical effort involved in weaving. The loom was designed with mechanisms like one-handed operation and adjustable seating, making it easier for the weaver.
Masamitsu Kenmochi, who spent 51 years at Toyota and led the wooden mold workshop, recreated the Toyoda wooden hand loom after turning 60 years old. Kenmochi, along with Yuji Nishiyama and Tsuyoshi Nanba, established a course using the loom to explore Toyota's roots. The course includes classroom lectures about Sakichi Toyoda's life and the Toyoda Principles, followed by hands-on weaving sessions.
The loom reproduction was transported to Woven City on March 27, 20XX, and was unveiled at a ceremony four days later. Another identical loom is located at the entrance of Woven by Toyota offices in Nihonbashi. Kenmitsu Kenmochi believes that building the loom with one's own hands provides an appreciation for Sakichi Toyoda's feelings.
Kenmochi comments that the transformation of Toyota from a loom business to a mobility company is underpinned by the hard work of its employees. He also believes that the philosophy valued by Toyota is not just idealistic talk, but can be experienced through the course and the rebuilt loom.
The course, intended for Toyota employees, has been running four times at Woven by Toyota since April 2023. Kenmochi found the process of rebuilding the loom insightful, appreciating Sakichi's incredible achievement. Nanba also gained insights through the rebuilding process.
The loom's design includes a karakuri mechanism to pass through the horizontal thread without the need for hand-feeding, a testament to Sakichi's ingenious mind. The looms in Woven City serve as a reminder of Toyota's humble beginnings and the importance of traditional craftsmanship in shaping the future.
The wooden looms in Woven City, replicas of Sakichi Toyoda's 1890 invention, bridge the gap between the past and the future, merging tradition and innovation in the heart of this innovative city. In the global context, these looms symbolize the preservation of cultural heritage and the incorporation of age-old craftsmanship within a modern, technological industry and financial business landscape.
