Updated by "Forest Circular Economy" Editorial Board on October 01, 2025, 6:07 PM JST
Editorial Board, Forest Circular Economy
Forestcircularity-editor
We aim to realize "Vision 2050: Japan Shines, Forest Circular Economy" promoted by the Platinum Forest Industry Initiative. We will disseminate ideas and initiatives to promote biomass chemistry, realize woody and lumbery communities, and encourage innovation in the forestry industry in order to fully utilize forest resources to decarbonize the economy, strengthen economic security, and create local communities.
Soki, a sock manufacturer in Nara Prefecture, has recently commercialized socks that combine "wooden threads" made from cedar and Japanese cypress produced in Yoshino, Nara Prefecture, and "upcycled cotton" made from recycled scraps from the manufacturing process. This is an attempt to create new value by combining local natural capital and previously unused resources.
Nara Prefecture is not only the largest producer of socks in Japan, but also a region with rich forest resources as represented by the Yoshino forestry industry. The raw materials used to make "wooden threads" are cedar and Japanese cypress grown in Yoshino. This is combined with "upcycled cotton," which is recycled from scraps of wood and knitting waste generated in the sock manufacturing process. By converting previously discarded resources into value, the company is able to both reduce environmental impact and recycle resources.
The product's feature of "changing from a light touch to a soft and gentle texture as the wearer wears it" is also noteworthy as an element that allows users to experience the change and usage value of the material. The casual design that blends the product into everyday life shows the company's commitment to bringing the concept of "sustainability" to as many people as possible. The products allow users to feel connected to the environment and the community through wearing them.
This initiative is not limited to connecting local industries. Part of the proceeds from the sales of the products will be used for Yoshino cherry tree planting activities. Cherry trees symbolize Yoshino's forests, and cedar and cypress trees have supported local life as building materials. By supporting activities to preserve both, profits from the business will be returned to the region's natural capital.
Different industries in the region collaborate to create a sustainable economic cycle by shedding new light on dormant resources. This initiative, which combines local industry with environmental conservation, has the potential to become a new model for regional development.
Reference Links
YOSHINO TREE - upcycled mix" - New socks created from Nara's Yoshino cedar and Japanese cypress [on sale 9/30]｜SOCKS FACTORY SOUKI
