Takeno Senko Co.,Ltd 2024
- sakai kitchen
- STORY
- Takeno Senko Co.,Ltd 2024

Dyeing Cotton Towels with the Unique Roll Printing Technique in Japan
Along the Izumi River in Kena-cho, Sakai—once renowned for its production of traditional white fabric—factories, and weavers continue to expose fabric to sunlight. This has made the area a hub for companies that produce traditional cotton towels known as tenugui, including Takeno Senko.
There are generally three methods for dyeing these towels: chusen (pouring technique), printing, and nassen (roll printing). Takeno Senko specializes in the roll printing technique. In this method, a dye mixed with starch is applied to the desired area using a mold, and this technique is known as “nassen.” It excels at expressing intricate patterns and vibrant colors. With roll printing, a specialized machine uses a roll-type mold to print dye onto the fabric. The entire process—from dyeing to drying—is completed with a single machine, enabling the dyeing of about 3,000 meters of fabric in just one hour.
The Art of Delicate Dyeing Through Vintage Machinery and Craftsmanship
As you step into the factory, a massive, rugged machine in the center immediately captures your attention. With a loud clatter, numerous gears turn, while steam billows from the exposed boiler above, mingling with the flames. It’s a breathtaking scene that feels straight out of a cyberpunk novel.


“There are only five machines in the entire country dedicated to roll printing, and our company owns two of them. These machines have been in operation for over 70 years, and since they are no longer manufactured, if one were to break down, we wouldn’t be able to pass on the technology. We’re doing everything we can to preserve this craft by carefully maintaining and repairing the machines ourselves,” explains Ms.Misato Oda, the brand manager.
Roller printing, which originated about a century ago, was designed for mass production. However, as demand has declined and there are no successors in sight, many companies in the industry have been forced to close their doors.

It is said that there are very few artisans, with fewer than ten practicing across the country.
“The key to roll printing lies in the ‘blade’ used to remove excess dye during the printing process. This blade is handmade by artisans who meticulously sharpen stainless steel pieces using files and whetstones. A sharper blade is essential for creating clear patterns on these cotton towels; however, if it’s too thin, it loses strength, and if it’s not perfectly sharpened, the pattern can become blurred. Only experienced artisans can master this delicate sharpening process.”

In addition, color blending is another skill of these artisans. They create a new, original color each time by mixing over 50 base colors. Even a difference of 0.1 grams in the mixture can result in different shades, allowing for limitless expression. Some dyes change color when dried or heated, and the influence of colors on the reverse side must also be taken into account, requiring careful blending while envisioning the final result. Viscosity is also crucial; if the dye is too watery or too thick, it becomes difficult to achieve the desired result. Although roll printing may appear to be machine-driven, the artisans’ skills are truly indispensable.
Achieving the Impossible: Double-Sided Dyeing in Roll Printing
To sustain roll printing, Takeno Senko has pivoted toward high-value manufacturing. They have successfully developed “double-sided dyeing in roll printing,” where the front and back are dyed in different colors—an achievement once considered impossible. After extensive trial and error with skilled artisans, this development took nearly two years.
“Our double-sided dyeing technique is a unique skill possessed only by our craftsmen,” Ms.Oda proudly asserts.
Leveraging this innovative technique, they launched their own brands, “hirali” and “Oo,” in 2017.
“Hirali draws inspiration from the ancient Japanese color culture known as ‘Kasane no Irome‘ (the layering of colors), which emphasizes double-sided dyeing techniques in roll printing. The colors, inspired by Japanese seasonal words, are dyed differently on each side, allowing for unique color combinations that were previously unavailable in traditional towels.”

At Oo, we’ve developed a neck garment crafted from traditional white fabric, which is typically used for towels and baby cloth diapers. The fabric is sewn into a loop shape and dyed, utilizing reversible dyeing techniques that blend functionality with style.
When I saw the product, I was surprised by its refreshing quality—it hardly seemed possible that it was made in such a bustling factory! The colors were vibrant and beautifully arranged, showcasing an excellent sense of design.

“I believe that Sakai, home to a concentration of weaving, bleaching, and dyeing factories for traditional towels, is one of the premier production areas for these textiles in the country. However, I feel that it’s not widely recognized, even within Osaka. My goal is to create designs that easily fit into modern life and offer high-quality items that people across Japan and around the world will appreciate. Ultimately, I hope to hear them say, ‘When it comes to cotton towels, think of Sakai.'”
edit/text Tomoyo Tsuchiya
photographer Yutaka Sato