ROTOTO Japan

Think About Your Feet

Enriching the Everyday

Rototo believe in searching for small joys in our life, and that simple things, such as a beautifully-made pair of socks (and now scarves and beanies too!) can really make a difference to how you feel.

ROTOTO’s socks are made in Japan’s largest sock producing region, Nara Prefecture. Most are made in Koryocho, but they are also crafted in other sock-producing areas such as Yamatotakada, Kashiba, and Gose City.

The area has been known for its quality textiles, including Yamato Cotton and Yamato-kasuri, since around the 17th century.

Sock Weaving

Industrial sock production was first introduced to the area in 1910, when a man from ex-Umami village (now Koryocho) brought a sock weaving machine to his hometown from the U.S. after his study tour in the country. As textile weaving declined and people’s life style changed with time, sock production was gradually developed in the area as a new industry. With such a background, the local people in the region still call sock knitting as ‘sock weaving.’

Crafted with Care

The sock production in the northwestern part of Nara Prefecture has its roots in the area’s centuries-long tradition of the weaving industry. And that is why Rototo value manufacturing that requires a lot of discussion with factory craftsmen who preserve the tradition and history.

This care and attention to every detail is what makes Rototo's socks, scarves and beanies so special

Working With Craftsmen

Rototo's Process

Rototo start their sock, scarf and beanie making by selecting the right yarns for a design from a huge number of options, and then develop a new material that is made of a blend of selected yarns with help of the craftsmen.

Then Rototo choose a knitting machine to use according to the type of material and the usage of the product. Their options include rare machines for specialty use, old-style non-computerized knitters and latest hi-tech machines.

To make an ideal pair of socks, exchanging opinions with skilled craftsmen is as important as using the right machine depending on a product.

Step by Step

Rototo’s socks, scarves and beanies can be made only with a combination of the right material, the right machine and craftsmanship.

Rototo's aim is to preserve the tradition inherited from their ancestors, while painting the future as a sock production area with a fresh point of view. They will keep trying to produce beautiful things that can be created only in this region.

Products that are created with care to bring you a little joy in your everyday life, as they are such a pleasure to use. Planting the seeds of happiness day by day, step by step.

Using Waste Fabric

The fabric band wrapping a pair of Rototo socks is designed from fabric waste generated during the toe-knitting process. With the band, you can easily detect the size of a product because each size comes with a different colour band. It serves also as a replacement of a plastic sock hanger for display.

Nara Prefecture promotes projects to remake the bands into bath rugs, small containers and cushions used on benches at the local train stations.

The bands can be used in thousands of ways. It would be great if you could find your own way to use them in your daily life.

Rototo | FAQs

Rototo socks are made with natural fibers and the company focuses on reducing waste and environmental impact in their production process, making them a more eco-friendly option.

Rototo is a Japanese sock brand that was founded in 1914. Originally, the company produced socks for school uniforms and workwear. However, in recent years, they have expanded their line to include fashion-forward designs while still maintaining the durability and quality of their original products.

Japan's largest sock-producing region, Nara Prefecture, RoToTo blend the area's rich manufacturing tradition and craft with a modern sensibility, aiming to bring joy to your life one pair of socks at a time.

Ankle socks cover your entire foot and end at your ankle. Most people wear crew socks for exercising, hiking, daily use, or sometimes working. Ankle socks sit right above or right below the shoe opening, which allows them to be less visible when wearing shorts, capris, etc. Ankle socks are perfect for those who don’t like wearing tall socks.

Crew socks are taller than ankle socks and are often worn around the mid-calf. These type of socks can be worn pulled all the way up or cuffed at the top. Crew socks come in various colors and have specific “ribs” or textures that work to help your socks stay up on your leg better.

No! They also produce Scarves and Beanie Hats.