Sustainable sock-making experience you can do in Nara

Koryo-cho in Nara has been the top manufacturer of socks for many years, with nearly 40 percent of domestic production. Superior skills and qualities have greatly contributed to its development as a local specialty.

Why Koryo-cho became a top manufacturer of socks in Japan

The Nara basin plays an important role in providing the essential material, cotton, for making socks. Farmers leveraged the abundance of the basin in summer to grow rice and cotton to conserve water. This initiative generated weaving work and enabled the people to sustain their livelihoods.

However, the influx of cheap socks imported from overseas has substantially impacted their tradition, leading to a decline in the number of craftsmen. Conversely, the city continues to brand itself based on its charm, including functionality, practicality, and fashionability in unique ways.

Initiatives to preserve a traditional way of footwear

To restore the unique textile culture, Koryo-cho has been taking initiatives in collaboration with the union, commerce and industry sectors, and universities. An authentic project is provided by SOUKI Inc., established in 1927. They are proud of their low-gauge socks, which represent thickness and coarsely-knitted textures. They also runs a lab called S.Labo to introduce the charm of craftsmanship in various ways.

In S.Labo, a unique project with a system called CHARIX enables you to make your own socks by pedaling a bike. The system was innovated by combining textile machines used in the socks factory with bicycles. I, the writer, experienced it this time.

How to make a pair of socks with CHARIX

Pedaling the bike is a significant part of making your own socks, but there are more fun activities you can engage in:

As the first step, choose three favorite colors of thread from a wide variety of selections. It is important to trust your intuition. A traditional Japanese color known as Kinari-iro must be incorporated into all socks.

The staff set up a textile machine with your curated threads, and it’s time for you to give it a try. Be sure to pedal forward, not backward, at a steady speed to prevent making holes in your socks. It takes roughly 5-6 minutes per sock.

The knitted socks drop from the machine and are finished after being retouched at the toes and pressed by the lab staff.

Create a tag for your pair of socks while waiting. Feel free to decorate it with color and write whatever you want.

Done! Enjoy wearing your original socks.

Other sustainability-centric features

The lab offers more activities that enhance your experience.

Some Stuffed animals on display are made from recycled socks or fabric offcuts. They also hold workshops related to upcycled teddies and darning, which teach you how to extend the life of items by reinforcing holes.

For sale, there is a wide variety of house-made socks made with recycled cotton and fabric scraps. You can find something new for sustainability and the goodness of upcycling there.

After many twists and turns, Koryo-cho strives to preserve the charm of traditional footwear by taking on new challenges and initiatives. Embrace sustainable living and even enhance your quality of life through hands-on experience at S. Labo.