Tamaki Niime established her business in 2006 in Nishiwaki, the heart of Japan. Her work is made using both vintage and modern machinery, creating her signature multi-colored knits from locally grown cotton, silk, or wool, inspired by nature and architecture.

She focuses on an ancient technique called Banshu-ori, dating back to the 1800s, where the threads are dyed before weaving. Because each style is made from uniquely woven fabric, and the direction, width, and thread of the stripes are always different, it produces one-of-a-kind pieces.

Tamaki employs approximately 100 community members, most of whom do not have a fashion background. She aims to provide work to her community in a beautiful way, surrounded by her animals including sheep, alpacas, and dogs, as well as a community lunchroom. Everyone takes turns caring for the animals and helping with lunch. This is a truly unique vertical business.  Tamaki’s embraces the philosophy “Make the things, experiences and people in your life feel good” and “The earth, animals and plants are all living things, let’s live together.”