From Nara to Your Feet: The Story of yahae Socks
If you’ve ever slipped your feet into a pair of Japanese socks and thought, wow, these are next-level comfy, you can thank the small town of Koryō in Nara Prefecture - otherwise known as the heartland of Japanese sock-making. And tucked away in that region is yahae, a brand quietly doing beautiful things with natural fibres, traditional craftsmanship and a whole lot of care.
At Jade and May, we’re always drawn to makers who share our values - natural fabrics, sustainable production and pieces designed to last. So when we discovered yahae, we knew we’d found kindred spirits (just... with better socks)
The roots: From 1921 to now
Yahae is the creation of Yamaya Co., Ltd., a family-run factory that’s been knitting socks in Nara since 1921 - yes, over a century ago. The name yahae comes from “Yahee” (弥兵衛), the founder of their original cotton business, giving a nod to their heritage while looking firmly toward the future.
In 2020, they launched the yahae brand as a way to bring together that hundred-year-old craftsmanship with a modern, mindful approach to materials and design.
The ethos: mindful materials, thoughtful making
Every pair of yahae socks tells a little story - spun from organic cotton, yak wool, alpaca, linen and other natural fibres, each chosen for comfort, breathability and sustainability. They believe in working with what the earth gives us, not against it.
Their motto says it best:
“We make what will still be worn because it cherishes the present time.”
It’s slow fashion, in sock form. Nothing rushed, nothing wasteful - just small runs, carefully made in their Nara workshop, and designed to last far beyond your average throwaway pair.
The lines: kan & sui
Yahae’s collections are split into two lines:
- kan (閑) – calm, quiet, naturally dyed. Think earthy tones and organic textures that feel like your favourite linen shirt
- sui (翠) – lively, colourful and playful, but still made from natural, high-quality fibres
Both lines share the same philosophy: respect for materials, minimal waste, and comfort that gets better with every wear
Why we love them
Just like our own Jade and May collection, yahae pieces are proof that everyday essentials can be beautiful, functional and kind to the planet. These Japanese socks aren’t just another pair to toss in the wash - they’re crafted to be cared for, worn, and re-worn (preferably with a cup of tea and your favourite loungewear).
When you choose yahae, you’re supporting a small, long-standing Japanese maker that’s still doing things the old-fashioned, sustainable way - by hand, with heart.
Shop the collection
You’ll find a handpicked selection of yahae Japanese socks in our Jade and May Lifestyle Store in Geelong and online. They pair perfectly with your weekend linen, a glass of wine, and a good book - or whatever version of “me-time” you’re into.
Sustainable, soft and beautifully made - these are socks you’ll actually want to show off
