Transplantation of the European Factory System and Adaptations in Japan: The Experience of the Tomioka Model Filature

I . T h e S ig n ifica n ce o f a G overn m en t M o d e l F a c to ry : O ur P ro b lem

In October o f 1872 the first real steam filature in Japan began to mass-produce high

quality raw silk in Tomioka Gumma Prefecture.1 The Tomioka Model Filature was a government-controlled training factory, which was substantially constructed and managed by

French experts. This large-scale steam filature was truly epoch-making in its technology and

production organization, particularly when we contrast it with the traditional raw silk pro-

duction (Z a g u ri) system prevailing in those days.