Press Release_NO1_Seeknit＿Kinki Amibari_110th Aniversary in 2026_English

Press Release 2026 h+h Messe in Cologne Press Release NO1:

110th Anniversary in 2026 In 2026, our company proudly celebrates its 110th anniversary.

As we reach this important milestone, we would like to express our deepest and most sincere gratitude for the long-standing support we have received from our customers and partners over the years. Being needed by our customers is our greatest joy, and meeting their expectations is our pride.

With humility, dedication, and steady effort, we will continue to refine our craftsmanship so that we may deliver the finest bamboo knitting needles to customers around the world.

1) The History of Bamboo Knitting Needles Our company is located in Takayama, Ikoma City, Nara Prefecture, where Japan’s oldest capital once stood over 1,300 years ago. The Takayama area has flourished for more than 500 years as a center of production for chasen (bamboo tea whisks) used in the Japanese tea ceremony.

Today, over 90% of Japan’s chasen are produced in this region.

For more than five centuries, advanced bamboo-processing techniques have been passed down through generations in this area. Drawing on this rich heritage, our company has spent 110 years applying these skills—originally developed for producing round bamboo needles—to the manufacturing of bamboo knitting needles.

2) Our Founding In 1916, our founder Unokichi Oyama, the grandfather of the current generation, began developing and producing Shinshibari using Japanese bamboo. In 2026, we proudly mark 110 years since our founding.

Shinshibari are thin, round bamboo needles traditionally used in Japan to dry kimono fabrics after weaving or dyeing. While demand has declined in recent years, they are still used today in certain kimono production regions.

By refining and advancing our specialized techniques for processing Japanese bamboo into precise round needles, we expanded our expertise into the production of bamboo knitting needles.

Shinshibari 2016

Shinshibari 2026

Each needle is carefully crafted and polished by skilled artisans who possess a deep understanding of the unique characteristics of Japanese bamboo. As the company with the longest history of bamboo knitting needle production in Japan, we proudly deliver Seeknit bamboo knitting needles to customers around the world.

3) Key Milestones in Product Development •

1916: Development and production of Shinshibari bamboo needles

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1960s: Research and introduction of the Koshitsu Treatment Process 1983: Development and introduction of swivel-cord circular needles 1987: Development and introduction of interchangeable circular needles and sets 1996: Development and introduction of non-slip mechanisms for crochet hooks 2010: Development and introduction of asymmetric circular needles 2024: Development and introduction of the Seeknit CURVE seamless design for interchangeable circular needles and sets

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Since our founding, we have continuously pursued research, development, and innovation using Japanese bamboo. In particular, we take great pride in having achieved foundational developments in knitting needles that have made a significant impact on the global knitting industry and have been widely adopted and adapted into various products.

While we have faced many challenges over the past 110 years, we have overcome them through the support and understanding of our customers, along with the wisdom and dedication of all those involved. With this foundation, we will continue to develop bamboo knitting needles that are even more comfortable, user-friendly, and enjoyable to use—always from the customer’s perspective.

4) The Launch of the Seeknit Brand (2016) In 2016, to commemorate our 100th anniversary, Kinki Amibari Co., Ltd. launched the Seeknit brand to encourage exploration and enjoyment within the world of knitting.

“Seek” represents exploration, and “Knit” represents knitting—together forming the name Seeknit. Through our products and various activities, we strive to make knitting more accessible and enjoyable. We remain committed to contributing to the continued growth of knitting culture around the world.

5) Corporate Philosophy We aim to enrich people’s lives by contributing to knitting culture.

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We utilize renewable Japanese bamboo and wood, contributing to a prosperous society through our products and activities.

We provide products that minimize environmental impact.

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We use renewable and recyclable resources to deliver environmentally friendly products.

We adopt attractive designs and pay close attention to detail throughout the manufacturing process.

We preserve traditional craftsmanship and expertise while continuously incorporating new technologies to deliver high-quality products.

We value trust-based relationships with our customers and strive for shared success.

6) Features and Appeal of Seeknit Products •

Seeknit CURVE-Seamless “Seeknit C U R V E” Interchangeable Circular Needles has designed to aim Smoother and Seamless feature”

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Ease of Use – Useful “Carefully polished needle tips by skilled artisans allow stitches to be picked up effortlessly.”

Sustainability – Sustainable “Bamboo is a natural, environmentally friendly material that has been chosen and trusted for generations.”

Comfort – Comfortable “Lightweight and flexible designs that fit naturally in the hand. We are confident in the perfection of our finish.”

Lightness – Airy “Our smooth finish provides a comfortable feel, making the needles suitable for all knitting projects.”

Seeknit Products by Kinki Amibari Co., Ltd. The glossy, smooth surface finish of our bamboo knitting needles symbolizes the highest quality we proudly offer. Kinki Amibari provides a full lineup of knitting needles designed to suit a wide range of needs, including variations in type, size, length, thickness, and connection systems—helping to make every knitting experience more fulfilling.

Once again, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our customers for their continued support, which allows us to engage in the production and development of Seeknit bamboo knitting needles today.

We carefully craft each and every needle with heartfelt dedication, always imagining the faces of our customers. We aspire to be a part of fulfilling your dreams and creating moments of excitement and joy. That is our wish—and our greatest happiness—at Seeknit.

Looking ahead to the next 100 years, we will continue to craft each needle with care and dedication so that our bamboo knitting needles remain loved by customers around the world.

Kyoko Oyama President Since1916

Kinki Amibari Co., Ltd. 4368 Takayama-cho, Ikoma-city, Nara, 630-0101, Japan www.amibari.jp/english/ email: office-en@amibari.jp Phone: +81-743-78-1108