Company Overview – Kishimoto Kichiji Shoten
Founded in 1900 (Meiji 33), our company has been consistently producing komonawa—the straw ropes used as key components in komodaru, the traditional decorative sake barrels. Since our establishment, we have proudly served sake breweries throughout Japan, supplying them with high-quality komodaru.
Kishimoto Kichiji Shoten began by purchasing komonawa made by local farmers. Our main business involved imprinting sake brand labels onto the straw coverings and delivering the finished barrels to the breweries. Located in Amagasaki—an area surrounded by some of Japan’s most prominent sake-producing regions—the making of komonawa developed as a vital local winter industry for farming communities.
Today, there are only three remaining komodaru manufacturers in Japan. Just 25 years ago, there were around 10 such companies in the Amagasaki and Kobe areas, but after the Great Hanshin Earthquake, only three remained. Kishimoto Kichiji Shoten is now responsible for producing most of the decorative barrels seen as offerings at Shinto shrines across the country. As one of the few remaining manufacturers, we recognize our responsibility to preserve and pass down this cultural tradition.
At the same time, we believe that preserving tradition does not mean being bound by old ways. We actively embrace new ideas and challenges to keep our craft relevant in modern times. Recently, we have developed products that make komodaru more accessible in everyday life, introduced designs that appeal to younger generations, and expanded our presence through social media. In recent years, we have also seen a significant increase in orders from overseas customers.
Exhibitor Information
Kishimoto Kichiji Syouten
Booth No. :
AC098
Exhibition Details
Since our founding in 1900, we have been manufacturing komo barrels (sake barrels) in Amagasaki, Hyogo Prefecture. We will be exhibiting decorative komo barrels for display, which can be used for a wide range of purposes, including indoor and outdoor decoration and event production. Large komo barrels use a polystyrene foam core, making them significantly lighter and easier to handle.
Exhibition Area and Categories
Exhibition Area
Decorative and impressive ambiance when lined up or hung on the wall.
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Craftsmen called "Nishi" wrap straw around the barrels and make them one by one by hand. -
There are many ways to display them. Stacking them in a pyramid shape or lining them up will create a powerful effect.
Corporate Information
| Section | Kishimoto kichiji Shouten |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-8-25, Tsukaguchi Honmachi, Amagasaki-city, Hyogo, Japan 661-0001 |
| Phone | 06-6421-4454 |
| webmaster@komodaru.co.jp | |
| URL | https://en.komodaru.co.jp/ |