Cultivation of Hakushū cotton, Yumihama-gasuri

The cotton produced in the area (known as Hakushu cotton) has distinct characteristics including thick, highly-elastic fibers that have superior heat retention. The quality of the cotton is excellent and it is primarily used for thread production in kasuri (ikat) woven textiles, as well as futon batting. The cultivation of Hakushu cotton decreased during the Showa period (1926-1989), but since 2008 there has been a concerted effort by Sakaiminato city to revive its production by utilizing abandoned fields.