Small and mid-sized Kyoto companies that deal with Japanese culture
2023.12.11
Some of Kyoto’s wonderful small- and mid-sized companies
・Kyoto Denim: The art of kimono, reborn for a new generation!
Kyoto Denim started when a historic kimono manufacturer in Kyoto decided to convey the wonder of kimono, traditional Japanese craftsmanship, and its sense of tradition to as many people as possible. Kyoto Denim is characterized by its use of the Kyoyuzen dyeing technique, a craft traditional to Kyoto, in denim products. In addition to its denim bags with their delicate and beautiful Yuzen patterns, the company is also actively engaged in sustainable initiatives such as its production of “Deniguma,” made from unneeded cloth, and “Gamaguchi,” made from cloth leftover in the production of other products.
Toyoaki Co., Ltd., “Kyoto Denim”
・UCHU wagashi: Bringing people joy by creating Japanese sweets!
There’s a type of Japanese sweet, popular since the old days, called “rakugan.” One sweet, dried cake, known as “higashi,” is made by steaming grains such as rice, barley, and beans, and then sweetening it with sugar or syrup, adding color, and then compressing it into a variety of shaped shapes to dry it. Higashi is served as a sweet in traditional Japanese ceremony, and it’s also used as an offering (food offered to one’s ancestors) during the Obon holidays. UCHU wagashi sells this sort of traditional Japanese sweets, long used in ritual, but now made in cute shapes, colors, and packaging to give them a contemporary image. The company carefully manufactures and sells wagashi with the belief that making wagashi today will create a new culture of its own 100 years from now.
UCHU Co., Ltd.
・Hachise: Making Kyoto Life More Rich!
Hachise Co., Ltd., which renovates and sells old and vacant houses as well as kyo-machiya, a kind of old home traditional to Kyoto, was founded in 1956. The company offers an attractive service because of its close ties to the community, something its been able to achieve through its intimate knowledge of the Kyoto area. Hachise provides safe, secure, and comfortable homes by renovating traditional architectural structures to revitalize old kyo-machiya without compromising their value. Hachise also offers comprehensive real estate-related support, not only for leases and sales, but also for tax and investment management.
Hachise Co. Ltd.
・Digisite Graphics: Delighting people with animation and games!
Digisite Graphics produces 3D CG animation and games, some of the Japanese pop culture’s most well-known products. The company works everyday to make its CG products, in the hope that users’ spirits will be lifted with a smile when they play its games. Digisite Graphics portfolio includes such well-known works as Paper Mario (in part) and Dragon Quest X scenes. In recent years, Digisite Graphics has been planning and developing a new presentation system that uses VR, too.
Digisite Graphics Co., Ltd., Kyoto Studio
http://digisite-g.com/index.html
・KYOTO’s 3D STUDIO Co., Ltd.: Cultural properties for future generations!
KYOTO’s 3D STUDIO uses laser technology to measure cultural properties and other works of traditional art, which are then used for digital content services. This technology allows users to enjoy architectural structures and Buddhist statues that are normally only visible from the front in three dimensions from any angle, as well as to zoom in or out on areas of interest for a more complete view. KYOTO’s 3D STUDIO aims to create an environment where people can connect with one another, by increasing the number of people who feel connected to the culture, history, climate, and stories cherished by people across Japan. With this, they hope to bring hope for the future of Japanese society.
KYOTO’s 3D STUDIO Co., Ltd.
・Kyoto Ryokan Watazen: A long-standing inn established 190 years ago
Watazen is a traditional ryokan inn located in the center of Kyoto, and known as “the navel of Kyoto.” The inn has a history of over 190 years since its founding. Like any proper ryokan, Watazen has tatami rooms, traditional Japanese food, and a large public bath. It’s a place where one can touch on many Japanese traditions at once. Watazen Ryokan wants to preserve these important traditions as it passes on the storied inn to the next generation with a spirit of hospitality and the embrace of free ideas.
Watazen Co., Ltd.
And the list of Kyoto companies goes on!
As you can see, there are many unique companies in Kyoto that are involved in Japanese culture! International students tend to apply only to large companies whose names are well known, but there are also small and medium-sized companies that are actively doing business overseas, as well as companies that are newly trying to begin expanding their business abroad. There are also many companies that are actively interested in recruiting international students who can speak Japanese and other languages, so be sure to take part in company briefings and internships at small and medium-sized companies, too!
Job information for these companies may not appear on the typical job hunting platforms, so if you find a company or industry that you are interested in, try regularly checking out the company’s official website.
・Study Kyoto’s Page for Job Hunting
・Work-related Articles on Study Kyoto
・Portal Site for Job Searching Events, Beyond Study Kyoto
・International Student Support and Exchange Community, KyoTomorrow Academy
