The Japanese Fiber Industry Seeks Its Future

Abstract

The worldwide fiber and textile industries are approaching a high level of maturity, but the growth rate is gradually leveling off. This is particularly so in the developed countries, and Japan is no exception. Japanese fiber producers are not large and therefore do not receive the benefits of mass- scale production, particularly since their domestic market is limited. In addition, their raw material costs are comparatively very high. To overcome this, the Japanese producers are making serious efforts to maximize production efficiency for their medium-size operation and develop a series of sophisticated specialty products. The efforts are based upon the industry's capable foremen/super visors and its well-disciplined and loyal labor force with highly-honed technical skills and talents. The second half of this paper describes the trend of technical development of Japanese specialty yarns.