UTO - The Art of Japanese Cashmere

Founded by Toshikazu Uto in 1992, UTO Co., Ltd. has been dedicated to the "art of making," specializing in 100% highest-grade cashmere knitwear crafted in Japan. At our workshop in Iwate Prefecture, local master artisans meticulously knit and tailor each garment by hand. We believe a truly exceptional knit should be a "feast for the senses"—a piece that brings profound joy to the wearer. It is our mission to share this facet of Japanese culture with discerning enthusiasts across the globe.

Map of Japan with Iwate Prefecture highlighted.

Knitting Kindness, Wearing Happiness. The warmth of artisanal craftsmanship, delivered to the world.

UTO cashmere is designed to bring a refined gentleness to both the skin and the soul. Each piece is crafted with care, utilizing top-tier yarns and master techniques tailored to the unique needs of every customer. We do not subscribe to mass production or mass consumption; instead, we strive to create knitwear that you will cherish for a lifetime. With a comfort so sublime it invites a smile, our knits warm the spirit of the wearer. To ensure a future where both people and the planet thrive, we continue our tradition of hand-making cashmere today.

A Feast for the Senses: Our Cashmere

Founded in 1992 in Aoyama, Tokyo, UTO is a premier "Made in Japan" cashmere brand. In Kitakami, Iwate, our dedicated artisans infuse every bespoke garment with "the warmth of the hand," creating a piece of cashmere uniquely yours.

Nurturing Cashmere

Our cashmere doesn't shrink, even after washing. Crafted to maintain its form post-wash, this "washable cashmere" is perfect for relaxed home wear. UTO's "Nurturing Cashmere" only gets fluffier and smoother with repeated wear and wash, reaching its prime texture after 2 to 3 years.

Commitment to Materials

Cashmere quality is ranked from A to C based on fiber length and delicacy. UTO's cashmere is made exclusively from prime "Grade A" cashmere. This material is knit with soft, sleek, and exquisite "Made in Japan" cashmere yarn, produced using advanced Japanese technology.

Linking

"Linking" is an artisanal skill, and one of the most challenging steps of the production process. It involves connecting tiny, individual stitches manually, by sight. Although this intricate work requires significant effort to perform by hand, it yields a top-tier scarf that remains smooth to the touch and retains its shape even after washing.

Natural Drying

After the cashmere is washed to enhance its fluffiness, it is left to dry. While many cashmere producers use dryers for quick results, UTO opts for "natural drying" for all its products. This air-drying method, though time and space-intensive, is kindest to cashmere and produces the best possible result.

Finishing

To ensure your knit arrives in peak condition, we finish each piece by hand-ironing while verifying its dimensions. Standard industrial methods use rigid frames and intense steam to force a garment into size, which often causes it to snap back and shrink when washed. At UTO, we maintain our focus until the very last second, imagining the moment you first pull the sweater on and feel its unparalleled comfort against your skin.

1992

The Foundation
Founded as "bhf International" in Minami-Aoyama, Tokyo. Our original goal was to create "knits that serve as the foundation of high fashion," laying the groundwork for what UTO is today.

2000

Rebranding as UTO
We rebranded as "UTO" and made the strategic decision to specialize exclusively in cashmere. By setting the goal of "integrated in-house production," we defined the brand’s core direction. This period marked the most significant turning point in establishing the foundation of the UTO identity.

2005

Our Own Factory
To achieve "craftsmanship without compromise," we realized our long-held dream of opening our own factory. This established our structure as a true manufacturer, managing every step of the process—from planning and design to production and sales.

2006

Connecting with the Individual
We began direct-to-consumer (D2C) sales and published our first books. By communicating our craft directly to the wearer, we built the foundation of trust the brand enjoys today.

2011

Relocation to Iwate and Recovery Support
We moved our operations to Kitakami, Iwate. Through various donation initiatives, we defined our corporate stance of coexisting with and supporting the local community following the Great East Japan Earthquake.

2014

Contribution through "Furusato Nozei"
Our participation in the "Hometown Tax" program as a featured gift for Kitakami City received an explosive response, becoming a model case for how local factories can stimulate municipal finance and industry.

2018

National Recognition
UTO received the "Corporate Value Award" in recognition of our unique business model. With increased media coverage by NHK and other major outlets, our reputation for reliability became a national standard.

2022

Supporting the Local Community
At the ceremony commemorating the 30th anniversary of the incorporation of Kitakami City, UTO's President, Uto Toshikazu, was honored with the "Industrial Promotion Merit Award." This recognition highlighted our ongoing contribution to the development of local industry and the community.