From Lyon to Kyoto: Technology Transfer, Inflow of Knowledge, and Modernization of a Traditional Silk-Weaving District in Japan, 1887–1929

Kyoto had been the most advanced silk-weaving district in JapanJapan since the medieval period and had enjoyed its privileged position of producing sophisticated or complicated products for the domestic high-end market. In this chapter, we explore the production trend and its causes in Kyoto city from the late nineteenth century to the early twentieth century. Its growth was characterized by Jacquard-led, outweaver-based, and power loomPower looms-assisted phases, which were made possible by technology transferTechnology transfer from LyonTeillard et Cie (Lyon), France. Craftsmen in Kyoto who were sent to LyonTeillard et Cie (Lyon) in 1872 deviated from their mission to bring power loomsPower looms back to JapanJapan. Instead, they chose to bring back the Jacquard to produce figured fabrics as these were Kyoto’s specialties. The critical role of French teacher Leon Dury, who worked for the Kyoto Prefecture in facilitating the inflow of knowledge from France by sending prominent Japanese people to train there, is discussed. Finally, the importance of selective adaptation of new technologiesSelective adaptation of new technologies from abroad for industrial development is discussed.