"Jun-ichi Arai" Profile

In 1932, Jun-ichi Arai was born in Kiryu, Gunma Prefecture, Japan, a city which has an important, one thousand year history as the center for textile manufacturing.

After graduating Kiryu high school, he succeeded his family’s business.  However, Arai could not give up his attraction to literature and theatre and after attending a school for acting, he organized a theatrical puppet group and became further involved in theatrical activities.

Because of his outstanding gift as textile creator, it took no time to distinguish himself in that field.  In 1961, he received the Minister of International Trade and Industry Award at the 1st Chemical Textile Grand Fair.  By 1966, Arai acquired 36 industrial property rights, focusing mainly on manufacturing skills.

In 1968, he visited Central America, Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia as technical instructor in fabric manufacturing.  These trips provided Arai with much learning experience.  Being able to actually touch these superb fabrics created by unknown artists, he expressed his feelings as follows, “Among all cultural heritages, there is nothing more abundant than [textile] fabric.  Nothing can exceed its warmth.  Textile is gentle, and does not "speak too much."  He added, "Are the present textile artists creating fabric which embraces contemporary ideology?"

He also reflected upon himself with his own relentless question, and continued to challenge and study.  His works in the 1970’s were indeed the fruition of his pursuit.  His innovative fabric caught the eyes of fashion designers.  Collaborations with Rei Kawakubo, Issey Miyake, Kansai Yamamoto, etc. are still fresh in our memory.  A fashion series by Comme des Garçons, which at first sight looked like a collection of rags, appeared in the Paris Collection.  This would not have been possible without Arai’s textile. 

From the end of the 70’s through the 80’s, Arai’s activities rapidly expanded into much more diversified areas.  He was the first to pioneer Jacquard machines and computers, blending tie-dye manual skills and new technology.  In 1983, he received the 1st Mainichi Grand Special Prize. In 1984, he opened a textile shop "NUNO" (cloth) in Roppongi, Tokyo, and also held exhibitions in various cities. 

His energetic activities and achievements were highly valued and in 1987, he was named Honorable Royal Designer for Industry by the British Royal Academy of Arts. Furthermore in 1992, he received the Textile Design Medal by the Textile Institute (International Textile Academy).

Having acquired the highest honors and awards, he is also dedicated in training the younger generation.  Entering the 21st century, his creative urge has not declined.  Like his special fabric using incombustible thread, he continues to challenge new techniques.

Arai chooses not to move his house nor his workshop from his home town, Kiryu, where he was raised and nurtured.  In his hometown where people are equipped with much wisdom and creative hands, he has received much inspiration to his imagination, resulting in the creation of his marvelous fabric which is imbued with his message to the world.  In addition, many have visited Kiryu from around the world attracted to Arai’s work and his personality.  Quietly, yet fervently, gently and keenly, Arai will certainly continue walking his own path, never changing his style.