High quality obis and kinrans from Nishijin are manufactured on hnd looms. The number of hand loom operators has decreased rapidly, and those who continue to operate hand looms are getting older. Although hand looms are inferior to power looms with regard to productivity, they possess many superior features, including the ability to weave high quality fabrics. Researchers applied mechatronics to specific operations (weft insertion, beating, and takeup) on hand looms to improve productivity. They also used an embroidery robot to insert colored filling yarns to achieve specific designs in the woven fabrics. High quality obis and kinrans can be woven on hand looms using mechatronics. 5 refs.