Sumida Region

Circular knitting flexibly responding to changes

The focus of local industry in Sumida Ward, Tokyo Prefecture, is the production of circular knitted fabrics. The Tokyo Knit Fashion Association (TKF) was founded by knitters in 1949 and includes around 380 member companies based in the area. Although the proximity to the huge consumption opportunities of Tokyo saw the region develop successfully, the steady trends that saw knit production increasingly shift overseas and an increase in imports saw the industry struggle.

In response, TKF decided to enhance product development and brand recognition by acquiring a certification system optimising the ‘TOKYO KNIT brand’, while also introducing industry activities on video performed by characters known as ‘KNIT RANGERS’. March 2021 saw Tokyo host an exhibition: ‘SUSTAINABLE ACTION by TOKYO KNIT’, in which certified companies showcased originally developed products alongside joint ventures with young designers, all under the sustainability umbrella. The region responds flexibly to the challenges posted by the constantly changing market, including sales via one of the largest wholesale platforms worldwide: ‘JOOR’.