A Townscape Built on 10 Years into the Future

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

(Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture)

【Shinjo（信条）】 refers to a someone’s belief or credo that guides the actions of a person. People act based on one’s credo to achieve an ideal state, however, it is not something attainable in the short term but requires a long-term vision for the future.

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is a district where historical buildings and streets have been carefully preserved. The white-walled houses with traditional black tiled roofs transport visitors back in time. This picturesque scenery is not merely preserved. About 120 years ago, there was a man claimed he could foresee 10 years into the future with his eyes. The believes of this man and those around him intertwined and shaped its townscape and culture which have been preserved and carried forward by its residents.

During the Industrial Revolution, as the world underwent rapid transformation, Japan was also modernizing swiftly, striving to catch up with Western technology. Magosaburo Ohara was born in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, as the second son of a wealthy family. His father founded what is now Kurabo Industries Ltd., a textile manufacturing company.

At the age of 16, in 1897, Magosaburo moved to Tokyo to study at what is now Waseda University. However, instead of focusing on his studies, he indulged in a reckless and extravagant lifestyle with friends. Over four years, he accumulated a debt of 15,000 yen―equivalent to approximately 100 million yen in today’s value.

Following his father’s orders, Magosaburo returned to Kurashiki to reflect on his actions. During this time, Magosaburo had a life-changing encounter that shaped his core belief. He met Juji Ishii, the founder of Japan’s first orphanage, who aimed to provide a better environment for as many children as possible. The orphanage cared for 1,200 children who had lost their parents to natural disasters or war. This encounter deeply moved Magosaburo, making him realize that his wealth was not only for his own benefit but should serve the greater good.

Five years later, Magosaburo succeeded his father as the head of the company, Kurabo. Beyond managing the business, he made significant contributions to improving the lives of his employees. Shocked to learn that many workers had no access to basic education, he established schools for them, one of which is now Kurashiki Commercial High School. He also founded a hospital, now Kurashiki Central Hospital, to ensure better healthcare for his employees and their families. While his executives opposed these initiatives, Magosaburo stood firm in his belief that “all wealth gained from society should be returned to society,” saying, “I can foresee 10 years into the future with my eyes.”

Magosaburo also established scholarships to support young talents, including Torajiro Kojima. He funded Torajiro’s art education, allowing him to study in France. Torajiro developed his own artistic style and gained recognition from European art authorities, becoming the first Japanese member of the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts (SNBA). Magosaburo also provided funds for Torajiro to purchase Western paintings―not for personal collection but for public benefit and educational purposes. Torajiro acquired works directly from renowned European artists such as Claude Monet. Magosaburo established the Ohara Museum of Art with this collection, which has since become a cultural landmark in Kurashiki City.

Magosaburo’s son, Soichiro Ohara also had his own belief to preserve the townscape of Kurashiki, inspired by Rothenburg, Germany, where medieval architecture was well-preserved. He repurposed old houses and facilities within the district, creating cultural landmarks such as the Folk Crafts Museum, the Kurashiki Community Hall with its Music Library, and Ivy Square. These efforts not only protected the historical district’s scenery but also added new cultural and architectural elements. Soichiro believed that a town should not only preserve its heritage but also evolve by nurturing new traditions. The present-day townscape of Kurashiki, with its unique blend of Japanese historical architecture and Western influences, reflects this forward-thinking approach. It is said that he also influenced the local ordinances aimed at protecting the city’s historical charm.

Inheriting the DNA from Magosaburo and Soichiro, Kurabo. introduced a new cultural dimension to Kurashiki. In 1970, they developed Japan’s first denim fabric (KD-8) to fulfill their dream of creating jeans made entirely in Japan with Japanese jeans maker Big John.

This achievement marked the beginning of Kojima District in Kurashiki City as the birthplace of Japanese Jeans. Over time, it became a hub for high-quality Japanese jeans production, making a lasting impact on the global fashion industry. Today, this new aspect of Kurashiki’s legacy is celebrated in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, famously known as the Denim Street.

For the Jeans Street in Kojima District, Kurashiki, please refer to this article