Hemp has long provided Japan's staple fiber transformed into cordage products ranging from strong sewing twine to nautical ropes.
Smaller twines and yarns for finer weaving were twisted by hand from narrow strips of bast joined together from base to tip.
Larger ropes especially for maritime use were laid from hackled and spun fiber as with shared European traditions.
Hemp twine is used in Japan for a variety of purposes
as it is in other hemp producing regions.
Hunter's satchel from northern Honshu island with hemp cloth sack
and knotted hemp cordage netting cover.
Forming and binding skeins of hemp tatami mat twine
into commercial packages.
"Hemp has been used as a material in the making of clothes since ancient times. Cultivation of hemp in Kinasa began in the 16th century. Other than clothing, hemp was also sold and used in the production of tatami, which supported the region’s economy.
"However, demand declined in the mid-20th century, and the level of hemp production also decreased.
"Since the cultivation of hemp was outlawed within Japan following the end of the Second World War, the industry is now obsolete."
Smooth durable hemp twine is used to stitch traditional tatami floor mats.
Hemp fiber for making high-quality cordage was carefully combed by
pulling it through a "hackle" with iron teeth to comb out
bits of wood and other impurities.
A hank of traditional strong and soft hemp rope shines with a natural luster.
Hemp rope and bamboo suspension bridges spanned many remote chasms.
Japanese merchants relied on durable and recyclable
hemp ropes and sacks for centuries.
Strong smooth hemp kite strings were used to fly large rokkaku dako (六角凧) fighting kites often painted with images of fierce samurai warriors.
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