yahae

Socks are innerwear that directly touches the skin, but they also show from the outside as part of style. yahae aims for both — comfort and appearance — by balancing materials, technique, and design. Beyond "good materials," the brand emphasizes the maker's intention and care for what a sock can be.

The work is rooted in Koryo, Nara — a textile town in the Yamato Basin, surrounded by gentle mountains and rich with history including Kofun-era ruins. Cotton flourished in the Edo period, sock-making started around the end of the Meiji period, and the area grew into a "Town of Socks." The industry is still supported by related local crafts and businesses.

Sock making may look industrial at a glance, but it involves many hands. yahae uses different knitting machines and experienced technicians, treating the process like cooking — adjusting technique to match the ingredients. The focus is not on operating a machine, but on making a truly good pair of socks.

Within yahae, "kan" and "sui" offer two different approaches. "kan" keeps a quiet, relaxed presence with natural materials and dyes. "sui" adds lively color by combining chemical dyeing with natural tones, while keeping the feel of quality innerwear. Moving between standard and play within the same brand is one of the pleasures here.

For visiting in person, yahae runs "Yahae Kiyosumi" near Kiyosumi Park in Tokyo (opened in 2020). In Nara, the socks specialty shop "Siki" in Naramachi (opened in 2013) lets you choose while feeling the air of the sock-making region. Stopping by to find a foot companion as if on a small journey is part of the enjoyment.

Born in 2020, named after "Yahei"

yahae is a brand born in 2020, named after "Yahei," the founder of Yamaya's original cotton business. Built on a long accumulation of history, the brand also keeps a clear view toward the future of making things that last.

Two lines: "kan" and "sui"

yahae has two lines: "kan" and "sui." "kan" is the premium line using natural materials and natural dyes. "sui" focuses on color, combining fashion expression with comfort as innerwear. It lets you switch your "foot mood" without leaving the brand.

Organic cotton at the core, with natural fibers layered in

Organic cotton is positioned as the base material. White cotton is blended from multiple production areas, while brown and green use sustainable color cottons. The brand also works with natural fibers such as yak and alpaca, using their characteristics to build warmth, touch, and a distinctive surface.

Crafted in Koryo, Nara — a long-established "Town of Socks"

Yamaya is based in Koryo, Nara. The town developed from a cotton industry in the Edo period, began sock-making around the end of the Meiji period, and is known as a leading "Town of Socks" in Japan. yahae uses a variety of knitting machines and skilled technicians to bring out the best in each material.