What other travelers are saying about Kagawa Gloves Museum
A small yet informative museum about Higashikagawa’s overlooked history of glove manufacturing. It’s free and self-guided. There’s QR codes that will lead you to explanations in English, Chinese and Korean. The staff at the glove shop are very knowledgeable about the history and the different manufacturers in the area. There’s some good deals on gloves and staff can help you find your size.
I really enjoyed it!
The Kagawa Glove Museum introduces the history of the glove industry and displays gloves worn by famous athletes, gloves made from various materials, old sewing machines, etc. The glove outlet store sells gloves and bags from local companies at bargain prices.
It is a place where a museum and a sales office are combined.
When I went there, I happened to be there and was able to hear a lot of stories from the museum staff.
Most domestically produced products are produced here, but they are also made by craftsmen.
The craftsmen are getting older and there is a problem of finding successors.
As I listened to the story, the future seems quite bleak.
It is a seasonal product, so it is affected by the warm winter, but above all, the advent of smartphones has led to an increase in people not wearing gloves.
It is true that there are touch-enabled gloves, but in terms of operability, it is better to take them off sooner.
Furthermore, in cities with underground facilities,
it is less likely to walk under the north wind.
Since UV-cut gloves came out as a sunburn prevention measure, products that sell outside of winter have been created, but when it is this hot, parasols are more important than gloves.
Indeed, this is next to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and there are various facilities such as the city hall nearby.
I came here during my lunch break, so when I arrived at the parking lot, I saw people of all ages and genders using parasols.
Just like the gloves of professional athletes on display, they also make gloves for professionals, but even though they say "Made in Japan," the name of Tokagawa doesn't appear. The name of the manufacturer who ordered the gloves is known, but Tokagawa's name is not. Tokagawa is like the unsung hero behind the scenes. That's why they don't have a chance to be known. After hearing this story, I wanted everyone to know about them. I was thinking about how I would promote them if I were in their shoes. Of course, I'm a complete amateur, so I'm sure I'm being tested on my ideas, but I thought it would be a good thought experiment. It was midsummer, but I bought gloves and leg warmers at the store on my way home. I don't know if the winter lineup will expand in winter, but I'll take a look again. Personally, I'd like a mitten type with removable fingertips. I'll look when I pass through Kagawa in winter.
When I come to Higashikagawa City, I sometimes stop by to see if I can find any bargains. There are some great things there, like buying gloves to send to a friend who loves motorcycles...
There is an exhibition room and a shop, and the staff take turns tending the store and assisting customers.
Lately, there haven't been many good deals, and while there used to be some good deals in the summer when it's not the season, these have been a bit stale over the past year or two, and the staff's customer service has become very bureaucratic and not very pleasant.
There's a lack of proper initial greetings and etiquette, and it has a very bureaucratic feel, so it's a shame that I often end up leaving the shop early.
But it is a valuable base for learning about the history and culture of Kagawa Prefecture's glove-producing region, so I hope they do their best to promote the town.
Gloves worn by Olympic athletes and other famous athletes are on display.
You can also purchase gloves.
Entry to the gallery is free, making it an accessible attraction for all visitors. The museum operates as a cultural and educational facility to showcase the region's glove manufacturing heritage without charging admission fees. However, visitors should budget for potential purchases at the outlet store, which sells locally-made gloves and leather goods.
The museum offers a comprehensive look at Japan's glove manufacturing history. Visitors can observe the glove manufacturing process in a renovated glove factory that was in use until around 1998, featuring retro old tools and sewing machines. The exhibits include gloves worn by famous sports players, examples made from various materials, and historical manufacturing equipment. Guests can also personalize gloves on-site with decorative flowers and other materials to create unique souvenirs.
Higashikagawa City holds over 90% of Japan's domestic glove production market share, making it the undisputed center of Japanese glove manufacturing. Almost all batting gloves, golf gloves, and similar products used by professional athletes are manufactured by companies in this city. The industry represents over 120-130 years of local craftsmanship, with skills and traditions passed down through generations.
The gallery building is a renovated glove factory that was actually in operation until around 1998. This authentic setting provides visitors with a genuine glimpse into the working conditions and environment where gloves were traditionally manufactured. The preserved vintage equipment, old sewing machines, and factory layout offer an immersive experience that connects visitors directly to the industrial heritage of the region.
Yes, the museum features an outlet store where visitors can purchase original brand gloves made by local manufacturers. The gift shop offers gloves as souvenirs, and visitors can even personalize them on the spot with decorative materials. This provides an opportunity to take home authentic, locally-made products that represent the craftsmanship and quality that has made Higashikagawa famous throughout Japan.
