It is also known as a sacred place for knitwear, where wool production and spinning were once thriving.
Founded in 1951, "Okuyama Meriyasu" has been closely interacting with local craftsmen such as spinning and dyeing factories to produce high-quality products for various maison brands and apparel manufacturers.
To ensure that the creations of our predecessors are not lost, the knitwear brand "BATONER" was born in 2013.
With a commitment to Japan's world-renowned technology and tradition, and a desire to pursue further quality, we continue to create items that are passed down to the next generation.
The ratio of MADE IN JAPAN knitwear circulating in Japan annually is less than 0.1%.
Moreover, the aging of craftsmen is a serious issue not only in the knitwear industry. Kohei Okuyama, the third-generation president of Okuyama Meriyasu, raises alarms about the current situation and actively employs young talent. While being in their 40s is considered young in other factories, the core of Okuyama Meriyasu is supported by those in their 30s. "To connect the wonderful craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations to the next generation." The brand name "BATONER" embodies this strong will and desire.
Terms like "high gauge" and "low gauge" are often heard, but "gauge" refers to the number of needles within an inch. At Okuyama Meriyasu, we have knitting machines ranging from the 3-gauge machine that knits heavy low-gauge knitwear to the 30-gauge machine, of which only three exist in Japan and 18 in the world. By the way, this 30-gauge machine is a cutting-edge knitting machine that is rarely used for apparel purposes. Due to its delicate nature, it requires more time and effort than usual, resulting in extremely low productivity, but it produces high-gauge knitwear with a light feel and a fine, elegant sheen.
Calculating the individual characteristics and aging changes of each item, we select the optimal yarn thickness, number of plies, and gauge. Furthermore, we create even unprecedented fabrics from scratch based on knowledge and experience backed by a long history. This uncompromising attitude is the craftsmanship that BATONER values.
There are two methods for connecting parts such as the front body, back body, sleeves, and collar. The first is a sewing method using a lockstitch machine, which is highly productive and suitable for mass production. The other is a sewing method called linking, where each piece is connected by hand. The ratio of using lockstitch machines in the manufacturing process of BATONER products is about 10% of the total, with the rest adopting linking. Although it takes a lot of time due to the detailed work, it allows for neat seams and precise pattern matching. Currently, the number of craftsmen who can perform linking is decreasing, making it one of the valuable sewing techniques that Okuyama Meriyasu has inherited.
After linking, we perform thread finishing (stitching) to cut excess threads and wet the yarn structure with water, applying heat and pressure for felting. Then, using various molds, we iron and felt to accurately produce the dimensions that change, achieving the intended design and texture through the craftsman's sensory finishing work. Finally, we check each piece by hand to ensure there are no dropped stitches, damages, or dirt. By having craftsmen carefully perform each of these processes by hand, BATONER's quality is maintained.
Please check out "BATONER" knitwear, which carries the concept of inheriting Japan's world-renowned craftsmanship and "creating a new standard," at our stores and online shop.
Check out BATONER products here＞