Kobe Fashion Museum
This is the first Japanese museum entirely dedicated to fashion. The Western clothing industry came into being with the arrival of the first foreign ships when Kobe’s harbor was opened in 1868. This met with the demands of European and American traders, but also with the Japanese themselves, who were looking towards modernity. In constant growth during the twentieth century, Kobe was nominated the Japanese Fashion City in 1973. The purpose of the museum is to record the development of this local industry. The museum’s Research Center offers help to designers and operators through courses, access to sophisticated computers, and a library. The center systematically collects examples of the local textile production. The museum’s main Collections include European clothes and accessories from the 18th century to the present day, ceremonial costumes made using traditional manufacturing techniques, sailing clothes, jacquard and fabrics, and American and European prints. There’s a large audiovisual department and a Collection of original fashion photos. Officially opened in 1997, this very modern museum hosts permanent and temporary exhibitions.