I heard that Hachioji used to be called "Kuwato" (the City of Mulberry Trees). Do you know why it was called that?

The origin of Hachioji’s name “Soto” (City of Mulberries) lies in a waka poem said to have been composed by Saigyo during the Heian period:
“Crossing the Azuma River (Asakawa), / The snow on Mount Fuji gleams white, / And a blue mist rises over the City of Mulberries.”

The *Kuwato Nikki* (Diary of the Mulberry Capital), written in the late Edo period, describes the bustling atmosphere of Hachioji-juku—which flourished as a “town of textiles” against the backdrop of the development of sericulture and the silk weaving industry—and refers to Hachioji as the “Mulberry Capital.”

From the Edo period through the Meiji and Taisho eras, Hachioji developed into a major hub and production center for cocoons, raw silk, and textiles, serving as the backbone of the local economy. After World War II, the city adapted to changing times and expanded into a diverse range of textile industries; the skills and techniques cultivated during that era have been passed down by artisans to the present day.

In recent years, “Kuwato” has moved beyond being merely a historical term to become a familiar part of everyday life for the city’s residents.

With the opening of “Kuwato no Mori” in October 2026 and the launch of the digital local currency “Kuwato Pay,” “Kuwato” is once again taking root in the daily lives of citizens as a keyword that bridges Hachioji’s history and future.

~References~
・About Kuwato no Mori
https://sotonomori.jp/
・About Kuwato Pay
https://hachioji.yomsubi.com/