DEEPTOKYO
magazine
EN
DEEPTOKYO
magazine
EN
2026.04.23
Experience Japanese Craftsmanship Through Premium Natural-Fiber Socks
Located in Asakusabashi, "NISHIGUCHI KUTSUSHITA STORE TOKYO" is the company-operated store of a sock maker founded in Nara Prefecture in 1950. This long-established manufacturer uses premium natural materials to create socks designed not as disposable items, but as pieces you will want to keep wearing for years. Inside the comfortable store, visitors will find a wide selection, from classic unisex staples to items from brands specializing in women's fashion.
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The company behind "NISHIGUCHI KUTSUSHITA STORE TOKYO" is a sock manufacturer founded in Nara Prefecture in 1950. For three generations, it has carried on a sincere commitment to craftsmanship. Drawing on the skills and experience it developed through contract manufacturing for a wide range of brands and manufacturers, the company launched its factory brand "NISHIGUCHI KUTSUSHITA" in 2017. It aims to make premium socks that people will want to wear for years, not as disposable items but as products that enrich everyday life. The name NISHIGUCHI comes from the founding family's surname, and KUTSUSHITA means socks in Japanese.
In 2023, the Tokyo store here, along with the Osaka store and the Nara store located on the headquarters' premises, will be established to present the brand's world view to consumers. Isato Nishiguchi, representative of the management company Knitwin, expects the Kuramae and Asakusabashi areas to further mature as the center of Tokyo's craft culture.
“The store is within walking distance of both Kuramae Station and Asakusabashi Station, with easy access to popular tourist areas such as Asakusa and Ueno, and it has the old-fashioned, down-to-earth atmosphere of Tokyo’s traditional neighborhoods. There are many shops nearby that share our sensibility, and another attraction is the way long-established manufacturing companies and small factories coexist here. The spirit of creating new value while making use of old buildings has truly taken root in this neighborhood, and I believe the many companies and shops drawn to that spirit are far more than a passing trend.”
The appeal of the core brand "NISHIGUCHI KUTSUSHITA" lies in its use of premium natural materials and the knitting techniques that bring out their best. Using natural fibers such as cotton, linen, silk, and merino wool, the company handles everything in-house, from twisting the yarn to making the finished products. With material choices made possible by being a factory brand, knitting adjustments tailored to each fiber’s properties, and the technical skill to make full use of both valuable old machines and new ones, it offers classic staple designs made to be worn for years.
Thick cotton socks made by loosely twisting extra-long-staple cotton yarn to the absolute limit for a soft finish. Their lustrous texture is unique to Egyptian cotton. Egyptian Cotton Ribbed Socks ¥1,870
A blend of recycled wool and recycled virgin cotton made from short cotton fibers produced during spinning. Thick and durable, they are also recommended for outdoor activities such as trekking and camping. Wool Cotton Boot Socks ¥2,640
Wool Jacquard Socks made with shrink-resistant wool. ¥2,090
Cashmere Ribbed Socks made using only the finest ultra-fine cashmere from Inner Mongolia, China. ¥6,050
The shop interior is a bright space filled with natural light from two sides. Curved fixtures crafted by woodworkers lend a soft presence, while the calm blue carpet and the white curtains with generous draping make it feel more like a room than a shop. Near the entrance hangs a gently swaying mobile inspired by a sock illustration. Behind the register is a custom rattan shop sign shaped like a sock. Even the traffic cone placed outside the store features a sock illustration. These charming touches convey the brand’s love of socks and gently draw visitors in.
As a specialty sock shop, it offers a wide range of products for a broad customer base, including the women’s brands "hakne" and "memeri". In harmony with this neighborhood, where old downtown character and a creative spirit coexist, this long-established company continues to create new value.
The carpet and curtains create the feel of a room. The softly curved shelves and fixtures were made by Japanese woodworkers.
On shelves recessed into the wall, the store sells recommended goods selected by staff acting as buyers.
Beside the register are printed guides with information on recommended shops in the area.
The women’s brands "hakne" and "memeri", which are made to complement women’s fashion and everyday life, also offer warming items such as arm warmers, tights, and haramaki (a Japanese belly warmer).
The information contained this article was correct as of 04/23/2026 (the time of publication)
