Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, and the surrounding area has been home to woodworking crafts since the beginning of the 1st century, and Tajima domestic willow boxes have been preserved among the treasures of the Shosoin Repository in Nara. Kiryu craftsmanship began weaving baskets from willow trees that grow in the wasteland of the Maruyama River, and when Toyooka became a castle town, this industry flourished. During the Edo period, the feudal lord protected and encouraged Kiryu craftsmanship, establishing a monopoly system, which led to Toyooka products becoming known to the world.