History of Okada
In 1606, in the early Edo period, the three villages of Oku, Naka, and Sato in Hinaga District were merged to form Okada Village.
The population at that time was 700 and the number of households was 146.
It is said that women used to weave cotton in between farming activities.
From the Edo period to the mid-Showa period, Okada prospered as the center of Chita cotton production, and at its peak, 70% of Chita cotton was handled in Okada, hence the name “Okada, home of Chita cotton.”
In 1929, a prefectural road was opened, cotton mills and stores lined the streets, and an entertainment hall called Kirakuza was built, creating a bustling atmosphere.
At its peak, about 3,000 women workers were employed.
During the Spring Festival in April, three floats are pulled out and offerings are made of karakuri puppets and wooden dolls.
The old streets and valuable traditional culture have been handed down to this day.
