Knitwin
Socks that change your day, made in Nara.
Knitwin is a sock manufacturer based in Katsuragi, Nara. Founded in 1950 from a single hand-cranked knitting machine, the factory now runs around 130 machines. Its official store brings together three in-house brands — NISHIGUCHI KUTSUSHITA, hakne, and memeri — along with arm covers and knit accessories. Beyond the online shop, you can also visit the stores in Tokyo (Asakusabashi) and Osaka (Minamisemba), plus a factory store in Nara.
Why We Love It
Pick pairs by material: a reliable basic for everyday wear, warmer options on cold days, and lighter textures when you want an easy feel. Wash them in a laundry net and rotate pairs to help them last longer. On busy days, arm covers can be a nice add-on. For gifting, e-gift support makes it easy to send "a pair you'll want to wear again tomorrow."
PROFILE About the Company / Workshop
Knitwin's roots go back to Nara in 1950. What began with one hand-cranked machine has grown into a sock manufacturing operation running around 130 machines today. With Norihito Nishiguchi as socks director, the workshop brings together long-time craftsmen and the next generation on the same production floor.
Their guiding phrase is "socks that change your day." The goal is simple: comfort from the first step, and a pair you want to reach for again tomorrow. The lineup goes beyond socks into arm covers and knit accessories, widening the ways you can bring knit comfort into everyday life.
The company develops three in-house brands. NISHIGUCHI KUTSUSHITA is built around the idea of "for the wearer," updating daily staples with care. hakne sketches "a slightly special everyday," through socks and small items. memeri weaves in a soft, happy mood — quietly adding warmth to your routine.
The official online shop is the Knitwin sock store. For in-person visits, there's STORE TOKYO in Asakusabashi, STORE OSAKA in Minamisemba, and a FACTORY STORE in Nara. With a factory tour reservation page, the brand makes it easy to connect your purchase to the craft behind it.
Since 1950, built from one machine
Knitwin began in 1950, started by Katsuji Nishiguchi with one hand-cranked knitting machine. Today, about 130 machines run in the factory, carrying the same commitment to sock-making across generations.
A promise: "socks that change your day"
Their message is "socks that change your day." Led by third-generation socks director Norihito Nishiguchi, the team — from seasoned makers to younger craftsmen and part-time staff — keeps refining what a daily pair can be.
Three brands, three moods
NISHIGUCHI KUTSUSHITA focuses on thoughtful essentials ("for the person who wears them"). hakne imagines "a slightly special everyday," with socks and small items. memeri aims to knit in a gentle, happy feeling for daily style.
Tokyo, Osaka, and a factory store in Nara
You can shop in person at STORE TOKYO (Asakusabashi) and STORE OSAKA (Minamisemba), and also at the FACTORY STORE in Nara. A factory tour reservation page is available, linking the products back to the place they're made.
PRODUCTS Featured Products & Services
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Supima Cotton Socks (Rakuten)
A cotton-based, everyday-friendly option — great as a first pair when you want a clear, material-forward staple.
Silk Five-Toe Half Socks (Rakuten)
A five-toe style that works well for layering. For those who want silk in a practical format.
Outlet 10-Pair Socks Lucky Bag (Rakuten)
A set for building a rotation — handy when you want enough pairs for daily wear and wash cycles.
Merino Wool Snood (Rakuten)
A knit accessory that brings the same warmth beyond socks — useful when seasons shift.