Photo/Illutration Masahiro Shiriya, left, president of Shikibo Ltd., hands over the fabric for the kanduras that UAE athletes will wear at the Paris Olympics to Marwan Ahmed Alnaqbi, deputy head of mission of the UAE Embassy in Japan, in Tokyo on July 18. (Chie Kohara)

At the Opening Ceremony of the Paris Olympics on July 26, the United Arab Emirates team will wear traditional “kanduras” made from fabric produced in Japan.

Shikibo Konan Ltd. in Konan, Aichi Prefecture, a manufacturing subsidiary of the Osaka-based textile manufacturer Shikibo Ltd., produced the fabric for the kanduras, long garments that cover the entire body.

The UAE National Olympic Committee chose Shikibo’s fabric, which is made of polyester and other synthetic fibers.

The fabric was shipped to Dubai in June, where it was tailored to fit each athlete’s body. Known for its comfort, the fabric is highly valued in the Middle East.

Shikibo Konan has been producing fabric for traditional attire in the Middle East since the 1980s.

At a presentation ceremony held at the UAE Embassy in Japan on July 18, the parent company Shikibo President Masahiro Shiriya said, “We received acclaim for our high-quality, highly functional fabric.”

“We are now recognized as a top brand for traditional clothing,” he said.

The kanduras for the Olympics will be unveiled at the Opening Ceremony. Shikibo staff said, “We are excited (to see them).”

Marwan Ahmed Alnaqbi, deputy head of mission of the UAE Embassy in Japan, said that the kandura is beloved by the people of the UAE, and is a source of tradition and pride.

He was pleased with the use of Shikibo’s fabric for the traditional clothing.

The textile industry in Japan has been facing international cost competition, leading to a long decline in the value of shipments.

But why is this Japanese fabric so highly valued in the Middle East, which is 8,000 kilometers away?

According to Shikibo, the Middle East is facing a serious water shortage, forcing the region to rely on imports for clothing and fabrics, as water is essential in textile manufacturing processes.

On the other hand, the western portion of Aichi Prefecture benefits from the soft water of the Kisogawa river, fostering a thriving textile industry.

PROUD TO JOIN OLYMPICS

The advanced technology developed by Shikibo is also highly regarded in the Middle East.

For example, Shikibo uses a continuous dyeing process that creates a soft, high-quality fabric that maintains its shape. Even white fabric can be given subtle shades and hues to match various trends.

Shikibo’s fabric for traditional attire in the Middle East costs around 6,000 yen ($39) per garment, two to three times the average market price.

But the company said the higher price is acceptable because of its reputation as a top brand.

Shiriya said, “We are proud to be able to participate in the Olympics with UAE athletes and the people of the country through our fabric.”

Fourteen UAE athletes will compete in five sports: equestrian, judo, swimming, cycling and athletics.

At the Opening Ceremony along the Seine River, about 20 people, including 10 male athletes, will wear kanduras.

Related News