UTO Artisan Manami Tachishita Honored with Iwate Prefecture's Award for Craftsmanship Excellence

At UTO, we are proud to share that our head technician and master artisan, Manami Tachishita, has been officially recognized as a "Distinguished Skilled Worker" by Iwate Prefecture — the same region where our cashmere factory is based.

This prestigious award is part of Japan's national recognition system for craftsmen with exceptional technical ability. It is closely associated with the esteemed title of “Contemporary Master Craftsman,” granted by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan.

The Rare Craft of Custom-Knitted Cashmere

Unlike woven garments, knitwear stretches and contracts, making it extremely challenging to produce in precise, repeatable sizes — especially for custom orders.

At UTO, we offer made-to-measure cashmere knitwear, a service that is not only rare in Japan but even globally. While most apparel factories focus on mass production of identical pieces, UTO takes a different approach:
We create each garment one by one, adjusting sleeve and body lengths according to each customer’s preferences.

Over a Decade of Innovation and Dedication

Since our factory’s founding over ten years ago, Tachishita has been at the forefront of UTO’s innovation. She has trained in all essential stages of cashmere knitwear production: from knitting and linking, to fulling, drying, and finishing.

Among these, linking — the delicate technique of joining knit panels seamlessly — is particularly demanding, often taking years to master.
Thanks to her accumulated experience, Tachishita has led the creation of a production team and system that makes possible one of the most unique offerings in the world:
custom cashmere knitwear that feels soft against the skin, fits perfectly, and retains its shape and size even after washing at home.

A Recognition of Individual Excellence and Team Craftsmanship

This award not only honors Tachishita’s personal skill and dedication but also recognizes the collective achievement of our factory team — a group committed to craftsmanship, sustainability, and the pursuit of perfection in every garment.

At UTO, we will continue to uphold this spirit of integrity and innovation.
We thank you for your continued support as we share the beauty of Made in Japan craftsmanship with the world.