Passed down for three generations

Overcoming the challenges of product development by looking outside of sock production

After World War II what started as a farmer’s common side-business grew into Nara prefecture’s sock industry. “Knitwin” was established by first-generation Nishiguchi Katsuji after his return from military service. He began by purchasing socks directly from manufacturers and then sold them to wholesalers. Around 1950 he bought hand-knitting machines and started his own manufacturing of socks. This is the beggining of “Nishiguchi Kutsushita”.
Japan’s high economic growth fueled businesses including markets for the sock industry. “Nishiguchi Kutsushita” expanded at a steady pace; however, by the 1980s the bustle had died down and their company’s revenue declined. This was when Katsuji shifted his focus from manufacturing socks to producing knee and arm sleeves (supports). People around him questioned his unexpected business plan only to learn later that it was thanks to Katsuji’s innovation that the company managed to stay afloat. Katsuji’s love for creating new products did not stop at sock manufacturing; he simply allowed his ideas to develop into products.

Each generation supporting the company through various roles
In the 1990s, pattern knitting machines dominated the sock industry; however, Katsuji had his eye on the flat knitting machine which was used to make gloves and five-digit socks. He contacted the machine manufacturer and requested the machines to be modified for improvement. They accepted his idea and the knitting machines were upgraded to make tabi* and with it he developed his product “Onsen tabi” (Hot springs tabi). At this time his son, Nishiguchi Katsuhiro (second-generation) joined the family business. Katsuhiro flew to all the hot springs throughout Japan to sell this product and the “Onsen tabi” gradually became a prominent product found in major ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) and hotels. “Nishiguchi Kutsushita” became well-known for its innovative products. A major synthetic fiber manufacturer took interest and reached out with a proposal for joint developments of two products. Shortly afterwards they became fast-selling products.
Katsuji developed the products and Katsuhiro, with his business experience, managed sales. It was a father and son collaboration, both utilizing each other’s strengths to support “Nishiguchi Kutsushita’s” growth to the success it has become today.
*(traditional Japanese socks with a separation between the big toe and other toes)
Continuously evolving, riding the waves of time
An era of TV shopping and catalogue ordering swept in and the sales of socks and accessories rose. “Nishiguchi Kutsushita” developed into an incorporated company and formally became “Knitwin Co., Ltd.” At this time, second-generation Katsuhiro assumed the position of president.
In the 2000s the spread of cheaper imported goods left the domestic sock industry dry. At this time, “Knitwin” shifted its focus on manufacturing specialized products that have always been in demand, such as the silk five-digit socks and ultra-warm socks made from layers of organic cotton. In 2012, third-generation Nishiguchi Isato joined the family business and “Knitwin” set sail on yet another new journey.
A brand created with history and technology
As sales of the ultra-warm socks skyrocketed, Isato was already anticipating a new concept of creating casual socks made with quality materials. He started off by purchasing used knitting machines that can knit with patterns. With both new and current machines together, he was able to develop new knitting designs. These designs evoked interest from more apparel companies and as the list of clienteles expanded, “Knitwin’s” roots in the sock industry were firmly rooted for further success.
As Isato continued to design socks that catered to the fashion industry, he felt the urge to take his acquired marketing skills from his former job and utilize the resources at his manufacturing company to create his own brands. In 2013 he launched “natural sunny”, a brand focused on socks made from organic materials that are gentle on the feet, and, in 2017, “NISHIGUCHI KUTSUSHITA” with the concept “hakuhitoomoi” where he put emphasis on the selection of materials, design, weaves and cost.
*hakuhitoomoi – to think about the person who will be wearing our products.

Delivering socks that will make a difference in your day
“Knitwin” evolved through three generations, each one contributing through their areas of expertise to create innovative products and connect with new clientele fit for the trends of each era.
You get up in the morning and put on your socks. Whether you go to work or stay home, when you can feel the quality of the material of the socks; it makes every step you take a positive one and you feel the difference it makes the instant you remove them. We believe that through our products we can make a difference in your day connecting to a better tomorrow.
“Knitwin” is a company that will continue to evolve with the needs of customers to change your tomorrow.