In 1606 during the beginning of the Edo Period, Okada Village was created from the three districts of Oku,
Naka, and Sato in Hinagago.
At the time, Okada’s population was 700 people living in 146 houses. It produced 689 Koku
(approx.100,000kg) of rice. As a secondary job, many farmers did weaving.
During 1716-35, Nakashima Shichiemon and Takeuchi Gensuke received a license to sell momen wholesale
in order to extend the market of Chita Momen across the country.

Around 1893, the imported weaving machine started the age of factory productivity.
In 1899, Takeuchi Toraou received a patent for his weaving machine, improving productivity.

In 1928, paved roads changed the town dramatically, and many new cotton factories and stores thrived.

Until 1955 Okada accounted for 70% of cotton productivity in the Chita Peninsula. As the center of the
Chita Momen industry, 3000 female employees worked at the factories in the town. The playhouse Kiraku-za
was built during this golden age.
In 1902, the first post office was built in the town for the female employees from outside of town to send
monies or letters to their families in their home towns. It is the oldest post office in Aichi Prefecture
remaining as it originally existed. (It was licensed as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property in 2012.)

During the spring festival every April, three groups--Oku, Naka, and Sato-show off three festival floats with
deku (wooden doll) and karakuri ningyo (mechanical doll).

Historical places established in 1350 which still exist in the town today include Jiun-ji Temple, Okada Shinmeisya Shrine,
Chita Okada Post Office, Momen warehouse Chita, and Japanese restaurant and ryokan (inn) Masuiso.

• Jyoko-san
  (Female workers working at the factory)

• Kirakuza(Playhouse)

• House of Takeuchi Torao

（Agency for Cultural Affairs）