About us
We began our business as a sock manufacturing factory. Even now, we still maintain the knitting machines that could be called industrial relics from that time, and they are still in operation. However, that does not fully represent our current business. The textile industry benefited from the industrial revolution earlier than any other field, and was exposed to the waves of globalization earlier than any other field. As a result, we have become the current form that combines a fabless model, a trading company, and a manufacturer. We travel not only within Japan but all over the world, connecting people, corporations, and businesses while seeking better quality. That is Yamatsune.
▪️Company Profile▪️
Company Name: Yamatsune Co., Ltd.
Representative Director: Seiko Ito
Founded: February 1963; Incorporated: February 1983
Capital: 10 million yen
Location:
＜Head Office＞
1-54 Kamiishikawa-cho, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya City, 453-0835 Japan TEL: 052-411-5285 FAX: 052-412-8337
◎Arawai Product Center
2-94 Arawai-cho, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya City, 453-0848 Japan TEL: 052-419-3120 FAX: 052-419-3121
◎YAMATSUNE PEAKS
198-2 Sanbongiyakata, Oharu-cho, Ama-gun, 490-1142 Japan TEL: 052-433-3871 FAX: 052-433-3873
▪️Related Companies▪️
YAMAtune, Inc.
YUITO Co.,Ltd
YAMATSUNE SINGAPORE PTE.LTD
YAMATSUNE UK LTD
GRAND ASIA Co.,LTD
The Beginning
Sixty years ago, Japan was experiencing a period of rapid economic growth. It was an era known as the “Gachaman Boom,” when the textile industry was one of the nation’s leading manufacturing sectors. The saying went that every time a knitting machine clattered into motion, it generated significant value. Following the outbreak of the Korean War in the 1950s, Japan entered a new era of economic expansion, and new businesses emerged across the country. Yamatsune was one of those companies. Originally established as Ito Tsune Shoten in Gotanjo-cho, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya, we began by manufacturing and wholesaling wool gloves, ski socks, and mountaineering socks. In those early days, we operated several knitting machines to produce a wide range of knitted products, starting with gloves, and delivered them to customers throughout Japan.
This machine remains in operation today, as it possesses unique capabilities and craftsmanship that cannot be replicated by modern equipment. It continues to receive production orders because of the distinctive texture and quality only it can achieve. However, replacement parts are no longer available, meaning that if the machine were to break down, it could no longer be repaired or operated. Even today, products for the Nordic market are still manufactured using this machine.
This manufacturing process uses separate knitting machines for the cuff and the sole. The cuff is first hand-linked into a tubular shape, after which the sole is carefully hand-linked and joined to complete the sock. This hand-linking process requires exceptional craftsmanship and can only be performed by highly skilled artisans.
Only very small quantities can be produced, which also makes the cost higher. In Northern Europe, this machine is used by customers to produce traditional socks for Nordic skiing. From the choice of materials to the final finish, the product has a distinctive texture and character that cannot be found elsewhere.
Progress
At the time, five-toe socks were beginning to gain popularity as socks for insect bites and related uses, mainly because people liked the way each toe was separated. Around this time, the person who would later become the second-generation president joined the company. Having once aspired to become a professional golfer, he believed that five-toe socks were well suited for people who actively use their bodies.
Five-Toe Socks
The technology required to manufacture five-toe socks is similar to that used in glove production. Since our original equipment was not capable of producing them, we invested in new knitting machines. At the same time, part of the production was outsourced to other manufacturers. However, as wages in Japan continued to rise, labor costs in the textile industry increased significantly, placing growing pressure on profitability.
Increase in orders
As Japan’s economy continued to grow, so did the number of orders we received. At the same time, we increasingly relied on outsourcing to meet rising demand. Supporting large-scale production required continuous investment in manufacturing equipment, which naturally led to increased capital investment. Fortunately, the Nagoya area was home to many knitwear manufacturers, making it possible to build a reliable network of production partners.
Shift to overseas markets
With the arrival of a new successor, who is now our current president, our sales capabilities began to strengthen. It was a period in which we took on every opportunity available, from OEM projects to our own products, and even items such as hats and apparel. As the conditions for domestic production became increasingly challenging, we began to seek new possibilities in overseas manufacturing.
Consideration of production locations
Eventually, it became clear that we needed to expand our manufacturing beyond Japan and look toward global production. China was our first destination, and we began traveling there regularly. It was there that we met the company that remains one of our trusted partners today. Along the way, however, we also experienced many challenges and setbacks as we built our manufacturing network in China.
Asia
We traveled extensively throughout Vietnam and Indonesia in search of factories capable of delivering both high-quality production and reliable quality control. We visited factories without appointments, relied on introductions from trusted contacts, and explored every opportunity to find the right partners. Along the way, we experienced countless setbacks and failures. However, those experiences ultimately led us to build lasting relationships with outstanding manufacturing partners—partnerships that continue to support Yamatsune’s success today.
Challenge
Today, we remain focused on our core business—applying the expertise we have cultivated over decades to develop even higher-quality socks. At the same time, we are dedicated to supporting businesses in Japan by sharing the experience and know-how we gained through building long-term partnerships with manufacturers overseas. Leveraging our international network, overseas offices, logistics expertise, and supply chain management capabilities, we provide trading and sourcing solutions for companies seeking reliable global manufacturing partners.
apan remains a market that demands high-quality products. At the same time, the reality today is that most companies no longer manufacture domestically; instead, products are planned in Japan and manufactured overseas. The business flow we have developed with our local partners has been optimized for each country, allowing us to coordinate smoothly with clients in Japan. We are confident that our services are well suited for customers who seek consistently optimal solutions.
Today, with Singapore as the base of our regional presence, we are focusing on expanding our own brands across Asia and Europe. Over the past decade, we have developed and introduced brands in various fields, including golf-related products, running and outdoor products, lifestyle products made with natural materials, and products designed for workers. In each market, we place strong emphasis on sales strategies and branding that are rooted in the local culture.
Japan is home to many outstanding brands. However, companies looking to expand internationally often face challenges due to a lack of expertise in import and export operations. At Yamatsune, we not only possess extensive knowledge of international trade, but also have hands-on experience in developing and growing brands in overseas markets. No matter the challenge, we are committed to delivering the right solutions to meet your business needs.
