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Nagiso Neko

What is "neko"?

Nagiso Neko

"Neko" is a traditional winter jacket made and worn by people in Nagiso town for generations.
This sleeveless jacket that keeps your back warm while still freeing up your arms was created for Nagiso town’s craftsmen and women. This is ideal for them as they can stay warm while engaging in traditional crafts, such as lathed woodcrafts and cypress weaved hats.
This “neko” is still made by hand, following each family’s own form and method passed down from generation to generation. Therefore, the shape and method of each neko are slightly different. It is so warm and comfortable; you will even forget you are wearing it!
Choose your perfect “neko” from a variety of patterns and materials.

The origin of the name “neko (also means ‘cat’ in Japanese)” is not clear. Some say it came from “nenneko hanten (Japanese jacket for mothers and babies). Others say, “it’s because people who wear it have a round back like a cat when they are working,” or “because it’s warm like a cat.”
We hope you will try Nagiso Town’s beloved “neko”!

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Tags attached to “Nagiso Neko”

We certify the nekos made by the manufacturers in Nagiso Town following the traditional Nagiso method with a “Nagiso Neko” tag attached inside the jackets. Please check the tag at the time of your purchase.
* Some do not have a tag due to the time of production.

Proof of trust, “Nagiso Neko” tag

List of “Nagiso Neko” shops:

Trademark Registration No. 5330501

Nakajima Store

Map number:1
Nakajima Store Hiroko’s Shop

Local Folk Arts and Crafts Ishikawa

Map number:2
Nagiso Station Souvenir Shop

Iso Main Store Co., Ltd.

Map number:3
Nagiso Station Clothing store

Asai

Map number:4
Nagiso Post Office Miscellaneous living goods

Gallery-Cafe Koh

Map number:5
Inside Tsumago Post Town

Iwaiya

Map number:6
Inside Tsumago Post Town

Marutaya

Map number:7
Inside Tsumago Post Town

Terashita Chojiya

Map number:8
Inside Tsumago Post Town

Shin Makino

Map number:9
Inside Tsumago Post Town

Tamaruya

Map number:10
Inside Tsumago Post Town

Tsuchiya

Map number:11
Inside Tsumago Post Town

Iseya

Map number:12
Inside Tsumago Post Town

Aburaya

Map number:13
Inside Tsumago Post Town

Koraiya

Map number:14
Inside Tsumago Post Town

Miharaya

Map number:15
Inside Tsumago Post Town

Hinokigasa no Ie

Map number:16
Direct sales store of Hinokigasa (cypress weaved hats), designated as Nagano Prefectural Traditional Crafts
* Closed: Dec - Apr

Nagiso Neko Factory

Map number:17
Available via an online store
http://www.nagiso-neko.com/

Yamaichi Ogura Lathed Woodcrafts

Map number:18
Store of lathed woodcrafts designated as National Traditional Crafts

Nobara Crafts

Map number:19
Store of lathed woodcrafts designated as National Traditional Crafts
Available via an online store
http://www.nohara.jp/

Yamadai Okura Lathed Woodcrafts

Map number:20
Store of lathed woodcrafts designated as National Traditional Crafts

Fukinomori

Map number:21
Hot Springs Accommodation

Kisoji

Map number:22
Hot Springs Accommodation

Yorozuya

Map number:23
Kitchen and Café

Iwakura Village Revitalization Association
Kakizore no Sato

Map number:24
Kakizore and Local Products Shop

Each family’s method has been passed down through the generations to this day.
It is worn by people of all ages, from children to adults.

In addition to regular products, special orders (size, materials, etc.) may be available upon request.
For more information, please contact us (information shown at the bottom line).

“Nagiso Neko” Shop Map:

Nagiso Neko Shops
Nagiso Town’s Map of “Nagiso Neko” shops (1,077kbyte)
“Neko” comes in various sizes, colors, and materials.

In addition to regular products, special orders (size, materials, etc.) may be available upon request. For more information, please contact Nagiso Town Hall or Chamber of Commerce Tourism Office (0264-57-2001).

Staffs of Nagiso Town Hall wear neko at work. Reduces heating expense and is eco-friendly.

Contact

3668-1 Yomikaki, Nagiso, Kiso-gun, Nagano
Nagiso Town Hall Industry and Tourism Department Commerce and Tourism Division
TEL: 0264-57-2001
FAX: 0264-57-2270