WASI WASI
Can you tell us about WASI WASI and its mission?
"Washi Tabi socks—so comfortable they feel better than being barefoot, capturing your heart from the very first wear."
Washi (Japanese paper) is exceptionally compatible with human skin, and our focus is dedicated entirely to creating products that maximize its natural characteristics. Utilizing all the knowledge and technical expertise of Furukawa Co., Ltd., our goal is to share and establish worldwide our original structures and designs, as well as the exquisite pleasure of Washi touching bare skin.
How did WASI WASI get started?
At the end of 2019, amidst the mask shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we crafted knit masks using high-grade cotton. However, we received customer feedback stating that repeated washings caused pilling, leading to itchiness, which set us on a search for an alternative material. That search led us to Washi (Japanese paper) yarn.
Even after the pandemic subsided, we remained completely captivated by the qualities of Washi, which ultimately inspired us to develop Washi socks designed for close skin contact.
What inspires your craft, and what is the company’s philosophy?
Driven by a commitment to embracing new challenges in response to changing times, we draw on insights gained from years of OEM expertise to craft truly unique products that cannot be replicated. We are also actively dedicated to product development aligned with SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals).
Can you walk us through your sock-making process? What techniques do you use, and what makes WASI WASI stand out?
These Washi socks feature three key highlights:
Material
The natural functions inherently present in Washi yarn ensure exceptional comfort for your feet.
Structure
Crafted with WHOLEGARMENT® seamless 3D knitting. Non-stretch Washi yarn is extremely difficult to knit; however, through custom yarn adjustments and repeated data programming by skilled technicians, we perfected a precise fit that actively supports walking. They are available in five different sizes.
Design
Using dye inkjet printing, we create a wide variety of expressions—from traditional Japanese motifs to pop-art patterns—without color limitations. Combining 3D knitting with Washi yarn and printing is an unparalleled technique that cannot be replicated anywhere else.
WASI WASI socks are primarily made of washi paper—why is this important, and how does it impact the quality? Have there been any challenges due to this decision?
In short, human skin and Washi yarn are a natural match. Washi is a traditional Japanese natural material with exceptional antibacterial and odor-resistant properties, as well as moisture-regulating qualities that keep feet warm and dry even after sweating.
While it possesses many outstanding benefits that other natural fibers lack, its lack of flexibility makes it brittle and hard to handle. This creates production challenges and makes it unsuitable for mass production, which is why large corporations find it difficult to manufacture. Due to the extreme difficulty in making adjustments, we considered giving up numerous times. However, through persistent reprogramming and countless hours spent fine-tuning the yarn and machinery, we finally brought this product to life after a tremendous investment of time and effort.
What do you want your customers to experience when using your products?
We want you to experience the unique and exquisite comfort of our Washi Tabi socks.
In hot weather, they stay dry, smooth, and refreshing even when you sweat. In the winter, the tiny air pockets within the fibers gently insulate your feet, keeping them warm and cozy. It is truly a material designed for year-round comfort.
Thanks to the ergonomic 3D construction, they also serve as supportive socks that gently accommodate individuals with foot conditions such as bunions (hallux valgus). Furthermore, they are perfect for outdoor activities and sports, providing long-lasting comfort.
Above all, we hope you enjoy styling your outfits with our wide range of designs.
How does the company incorporate sustainable practices into its production?
The Washi yarn we use is crafted from Manila hemp and conifers—plants that grow vigorously without the need for fertilizers—making it an eco-friendly material that is said to decompose back into the soil three times faster than cotton.
Additionally, the paper cones that hold our yarn are donated to local children's events, where kids have fun repurposing the offcuts for play and creative activities. We are also developing a project to upcycle remaining leftover yarn into handcrafted small goods.
What is a typical day like for the WASI WASI team?
Our company is divided into two sections—knitting and printing—and WASI WASI products are manufactured 100% in-house through these processes:
Winding
We apply wax to the yarn using a winder machine to ensure smooth knitting.
Sock Knitting
Daily machine adjustments are made according to temperature and humidity changes.
Yarn Finishing
Loose threads are neatly trimmed and organized, then sewn with a sewing machine to prevent fraying.
Pre-printing Treatment
A special coating is applied to enhance color vibrancy.
Printing
We use skin-friendly dye printing.
Steaming
Socks are steamed at 100°C for approximately 15 minutes to set the color.
Washing
High-temperature washing yields an outstanding colorfastness rating of Class 4–5.
Finishing
Each sock is individually placed onto a boarding mold by hand and press-finished.
Packaging:
Wrapped in a custom band made of Washi paper, your WASI WASI socks are complete!
Where do you see WASI WASI in 10 years, and how do you hope to grow?
Our goal is to establish a flagship location—a space where anyone would love to stop by, even if modest in scale.
Being a small company allows us to listen closely to our customers' feedback, driving daily continuous improvements to craft even better products. Proudly made in Tokyo, we hope these sustainable Washi socks bring smiles to people's faces, both in Japan and around the world.
Click the link below to browse our collection of Wasi Wasi socks:
