A Message from President Tomoyuki Yokota
"Reaching 30 years is neither a beginning nor an end, but merely a milestone along our journey."
It has been 30 years since the founding of NANGA, a down sleeping bag manufacturer that evolved from Yokota Sewing, a futon manufacturer established in 1931. Looking back, we have conquered numerous challenges and still managed to grow thanks to the support and patronage of our customers. For this, I express my heartfelt gratitude.
The company, which started with just 10 employees, has now grown into a large organization with over 180 members. I never imagined we would transition from making OEM products for mountain climbing shops to becoming Japan’s leading down manufacturer. I am deeply moved by the recognition our products have received, knowing that they embody the principles we hold dear.
Though it may seem like a long time, these past 30 years have passed in the blink of an eye, and the journey was far from smooth. Yet, our relentless commitment to creating superior down products has allowed us to become a trusted and beloved brand among our users.
As we celebrate our 30th anniversary in 2024, our theme for the year is inspired by the Japanese motto, “温故知新 (onko chishin)”, which translates to “studying the past to gain new insights.” This reflects our dedication to leveraging the knowledge and experience we’ve accumulated since our founding and applying them to our new creations. In April, we opened our first specialty futon store, and we also enhanced our lineup of down products by developing high-end, Japan-made models, IBUKI and MIKAMI. Furthermore, we have expanded our international production capabilities, enabling us to offer more affordable products. These milestones are significant turning points for NANGA’s future.
We have also launched a series of anniversary items in collaboration with various brands to commemorate this special year and organized events to enhance our users’ enthusiasm for NANGA.
We take pride in being a company capable of creating exciting products. To continue our growth, we must embrace new challenges with even greater enthusiasm. We will explore numerous possibilities, including merging the outdoor culture with fashion and developing lifestyle products like bedding, all while staying true to our roots in down products. In fact, our potential as a company has only expanded over these 30 years. We have utilized our in-house research institution, NML to conduct advanced product analysis and development. Our factory enables us to manufacture products in a timely manner, and our direct stores allow us to connect with our customers personally. We already possess the resources to create innovations beyond our imagination and to tackle these challenges.
While this year marks a milestone for NANGA, it is neither the beginning nor the end––merely a stepping stone along our journey. As we continue to face new challenges, NANGA strives to become a brand that is loved by all.