Born in 1979. After 10 years of experience as a salesman, he joined the family business in 2010 as an intern. In December 2014, he became the CEO of "Souki Inc.". In 2015, he launched his own factory brand "Re Loop" and subsequently released the brands "SOUKI SOCKS" and "aiamu." He expanded his products to department stores and general stores, starting with Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten. In 2016, he started the "Charicks" service, which allows customers to experience sock-making by pedaling a bicycle. This unique workshop experience using vintage knitting machines has been featured by domestic and international media. In 2021, he opened "S.Labo-エスラボ-," a socks enjoyment lab that includes an in-house brand shop (deau), a workshop space related to socks (manabu), and a Charicks experience area (asobu) within the premises of their factory. They welcome visitors from all over Japan. He is committed to the sock industry and the revitalization of Koryo Town on a daily basis.
Durable and Breathable Low-Gauge Socks
Tell us about your company's history.
Our company was founded by my great-grandfather in 1927. We are soon approaching our 100th anniversary. However, we only incorporated in 2014, so that part is fairly recent. I became the president at the time of incorporation, and since then, our business has been steadily on track.This area is known for its cotton production, and until the Edo period (1603-1868), industries like Yamato Momen and Yamato Kasuri were flourishing.
However, entering the Meiji era (1868-1912), cheaper imports started coming in from abroad, leading to the decline of those industries. In turn, the sock industry took root here.
My great-grandfather learned how to make socks somewhere while also working as a farmer. He started making socks in the barn as a side job. At that time, it was rare in Japan to use machines to make socks, but my great-grandfather was already using machines back then.
Nara is also famous as a sock-producing region. How many sock manufacturing companies are there in Koryo Town?
At its peak in the 1990s, Koryo Town, with a population of about 33,000, had around 200-300 sock factories. Now, that number has dwindled to about one-tenth, roughly 30 factories.It is often called "the top sock town in Japan," but most of the socks distributed in Japan are made in China. Domestic production accounts for about 10%, and about 60% of that is manufactured in Nara Prefecture.
So most socks are made abroad. Are there differences in the socks produced by different companies?
Originally, sock manufacturing followed a division of labor system, producing items categorized into casual, ladies', men's, and business, each using different machines and materials.However, circumstances have changed, and companies that initially produced tights have started making socks, and companies that specialized in sports socks are now handling casual ones as well. Although each company has areas they excel in, the distinctions are becoming increasingly blurred.
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