Japan’s apparel industry is turning to state-of-the-art technology in a bid to cut laser costs and secure its future. With a higher demand for ready-to-wear garments, the fashion industry is looking towards digitally programmed automated machines that can produce a sample at the press of a button.
Shima Seiki’s manufacturing factory in western Japan patented the ‘WholeGarment’ system, moving fashion manufacture towards a digital revolution. The system allows for one worker to operate up to 10 machines using limited raw material to create seam-free garments that generate no waste. A truly remarkable feat for the fashion industry, with a number of knitwear companies jumping on board.
The initiative capitalizes on the countries technical know-how, able to create garments that cannot be replicated elsewhere. Young knitwear designers like Motohiro Tanji, find working with Japanese manufactures the only reasonable option, in order to recreate their complicated designs. The designs require “a high level of technical skill which I can find here [Japan],” said Tanji.
The process could transform the fashion industry, moving the manufacturing of garments well and truly into a technological revolution. The waste and textile usage is reduced, as well as reducing the amount of energy consumed with an ink jet printer, over conventional dying methods.
The Japanese industry has won admirers from around the world, combining bold ideas and an extraordinary range of high quality designs.The manufacturing may now compete with the demands consumer market, holding a promising future for the Japanese apparel manufacture. New-age technology is the future, and it is so exciting to see the fashion industry utilising its potential.