Photo: Shin Yamane

As autumn draws to a close, how have you been?

From Saturday, November 22nd to Monday, November 24th (holiday), for three days, we will be holding a pop-up event for yato, a knit brand connecting Japanese textile factories to the next generation.

yato knitwear, imbued with a deep philosophy and sincere craftsmanship that transcends the simple definition of "clothing," is coming to Osaka again this year.

We would like to take this precious opportunity to introduce everyone to the fruits of yato's pursuit of "harmony with nature that is both simple and profound" and its passion for "connecting Japanese manufacturing to the future."

 

Harmony with nature, learned from rice paddies

The brand name "yato" comes from the rice paddies located in a "yato" (valley wetland) in Hayama, Kanagawa Prefecture, where designer Wataru Shibuya used to visit every weekend while living in the city. There, rice cultivation had continued for over 25 years without fertilizers or pesticides, and it was a special place where appropriate human interaction with nature brought rich blessings.

What he learned during the rice-making cycle, which begins on the winter solstice, was a Japanese way of being that involves not being greedy, but harmonizing with and making the most of the invisible. Behind the simplicity of yato knitwear lies the spirit of "harmony" that is connected to the laws of nature and traditional Japanese aesthetics. Mr. Shibuya's very way of life, having moved to a satoyama (rural landscape) in Niigata in March 2022 to live a self-sufficient life, forms the foundation of the brand.

 

Addressing discrepancies and carrying Japanese technology into the future

Designer Wataru Shibuya has over 10 years of experience behind the scenes in the knit industry, and has worked with artisans at every stage, from Uruguayan sheep farms to domestic spinning, dyeing, and knitting factories, honing his skills.

What he felt during this time were numerous "discrepancies" in modern fashion business. These included planning done solely via phone or email, quality without wear testing, pricing based on the assumption of sales, and unfairly low profits for factories.

yato's craftsmanship begins by thoroughly clearing up these discrepancies.

Over 300 days of wear testing

We thoroughly implemented our unique test of wearing the product continuously on bare skin for over 300 days before commercialization. We challenged ourselves to achieve both lightness, softness, and warmth while addressing pilling, the biggest weakness of cashmere sweaters. As a result, we have reached a finished product with almost no pilling.

Fair profit distribution to factories

By shifting order times from busy periods to off-peak seasons, producing at regular prices, and immediate purchase, we ensure stable profits for factories. By producing standard items, we also contribute to reducing the effort and unseen costs involved in creating new products every season.

Providing products at an affordable price range

While using the highest quality raw materials, we reduce distribution costs and connect wearers directly with factories, avoiding the high prices of luxury brands and offering products at an affordable price for everyday wear.

 

Finally complete: non-deforming knit pants

Of particular note at this pop-up event are the knit pants, which have been in planning for several years and, while samples were displayed at past events, production difficulties prevented them from being sold.

We have resolved the disadvantage of traditional knit pants, which tend to lose their shape and become like pajamas after a year, by developing yarn twisting and knitting structures. They achieve astonishing durability, resisting pilling even after rigorous wear testing, and can be restored to their original shape with washing or steam ironing. While possessing the stretch, lightness, and warmth unique to knits, they are so well-tailored that they hardly look like knit pants.

The Uruguayan wool used in these pants is an extremely rare ultra-fine fiber with an average fineness of 15.5μ. Compared to "super extra fine merino," which is used in high-end suits and sweaters and measures 16.5-17.5μm, its delicacy rivals cashmere. It does not feel prickly against the bare skin and achieves a unique, soft drape. To trace the origin of this raw material, the designer spent a month working on a sheep farm in Uruguay himself.

The designer's activities at the sheep farm in Uruguay are documented on Mr. Shibuya's blog, and his past activities are summarized in previous interviews with "D&DEPARTMENT" and "Hobonichi." If you are interested, please take a look.

Click here for the Uruguay farm stay diary

Click here for the D&D interview article

Click here for the Hobonichi interview article

 

Timeless design that won't feel old in 10 years

What yato aims for is a "form that won't feel old in 10 years," with as little ornamentation as possible. Clothes designed without individuality bring out the unique personalities and charms of each wearer. This is what yato considers true minimalism and the power of profound design.

Furthermore, we pursue seamless construction within the bounds of not compromising functionality. The soft, body-hugging feel and comfort of seamless garments are a testament to the brand's confidence in recommending them for direct skin contact. Additionally, the snoods and haramaki (belly warmers) also use the same ultra-fine Uruguayan wool as the knit pants mentioned above. We thoroughly pursue comfort when worn directly against the skin so that even those who dislike prickliness can wear them with confidence.

 

Free, reservation-only talk event also held

For this pop-up, we will be holding a special talk event by designer Wataru Shibuya.

The theme is "clothing, food, and shelter," which is the very philosophy Mr. Shibuya has cultivated through his self-sufficient life in the satoyama. He will talk in depth about his passion for knitmaking, his lifestyle centered on harmony with rich nature, and his ideas about "food" and "shelter" discovered in his daily life.

This event is free, reservation-only, and limited to 15 participants. We will also have time for interaction with the designer, so we hope this will be a valuable opportunity to deepen your understanding of the brand and re-examine your own lifestyle. Please register using the dedicated reservation form below.

Click here to make a reservation

Japanese craftsmanship resonating at struct

Our store, struct, as the direct sales store for domestic sneakers "blueover" and domestic bags "WONDER BAGGAGE," deeply pursues "Japanese craftsmanship." We believe you will be able to experience the resonance between these two brands, which share this common passion, at the venue.

The designer, Mr. Shibuya, is scheduled to be at the store all day during the period, including the talk event date. His insights gained from 300 days of wear testing, his valuable experiences on a farm in Uruguay, and his strong passion for Japanese factories. Please hear directly from the designer about the stories behind the craftsmanship that are not found in catalogs.

"Truly good products" at "affordable prices for everyday wear." yato knitwear, filled with the highest quality raw materials, meticulous craftsmanship, and a philosophy that puts the wearer first, will quietly and richly transform your winter wardrobe.

Don't miss this special three-day event.

 

INFORMATION

yato POP-UP at struct

Period: Saturday, November 22nd – Monday, November 24th, 2025 (holiday)

Time: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Location: struct (Nishi-ku, Osaka)

*The designer will be present throughout the event.

 

yato Talk Event

Date and time: November 23rd (Sunday), 11:00 AM (approx. 1 hour)

Theme: "Clothing, Food, and Shelter"

Format: Free participation, reservation required (limited to 15 people)

Reservation form URL: https://forms.gle/kk24nisbUAgazxzt7