What is Kusakura Sashiko
We at Kusakura are a judo uniform manufacturer. Yet behind that, we have been weaving fabric on our looms for over 100 years since our founding. Today, "KUSAKURA" is recognized worldwide as a judo uniform brand — but the fabric-weaving side of our work remains largely unknown. Nowhere else in the world will you find a manufacturer capable of fully integrated production of judo uniforms, from fabric to finished product. Fabric is at the heart of judo uniforms. It must withstand the forces of competitors weighing over 100kg pulling and throwing one another, while keeping athletes safe. We take pride in calling it "the strongest fabric that touches human skin." The fabric used in judo uniforms is Sashiko — tough yet supple, and capable of expressing a warm, inviting texture. It is precisely because of our history and expertise that we are able to share the true appeal of Sashiko fabric. And so began "THE NEXT 200TH" project. Under the concept of "the world of Japanese Sashiko's strength and beauty," we will share the traditional Japanese Sashiko fabric we have cultivated for over 100 years — as "Kusakura Sashiko / kusakura-sashiko" — with the world, through fabric and many other forms, alongside culture. Kusakura, the judo uniform maker, aims to become "a global Kusakura that transcends martial arts," and will keep running into the next 100 years.
Kusakura Sashiko: A Centennial Pillar
The techniques behind Kusakura Sashikodō embody the craftsman's skill and meticulous attention to detail—the handling of thread, the weaving techniques, the blending of dyes, and the sewing and embroidery techniques unique to Kusakura. Without carefully and persistently building up each and every one of these elements, the centennial pillar could never have been raised.
Comfort
Designed for judo, we pursued not only strength but also the No.1 comfort, as it touches the skin directly. Contributed to winning 11 medals at the Rio Olympics.
Diverse Techniques
We handle the complete production of judo uniforms using Sashiko fabric. The unique characteristics of the fabric are created through the choice of thread and weaving methods. We want to share the depth and beauty of Sashiko fabric.
Texture
Judo uniforms become more appealing the more they are used. Soft and adapting to the wearer over time. Sashiko fabric is the only fabric that allows you to enjoy how it changes with age.
Kusakura Sashiko: 100 Years of Tradition
As a long-established maker of judo uniforms for 100 years, Kusakura's fabric has supported the development of martial arts education. It has established an unshakeable position as a leading representative of Japan Quality — "safe, secure, high quality, and strong." In particular, its texture and fabric strength have laid the foundation for martial arts equipment as a whole, spreading its name around the world in service of the advancement of martial arts.
Before 100 Years 1918 - 2020
Founded in 1918, beginning fabric weaving.
From 1966, following the transformation of the head office, unique techniques in Sashiko weaving flourished further.
In 2005, the head office was relocated to its current address, while the factory remained in place.
Japan's Only Fully Integrated Manufacturing
Weaving
A judo uniform is worn directly against the body. While meeting standards for material composition, weight, and durability, we pursue a comfortable feel against the skin. We achieve a fabric philosophy of "soft on the inside, strong on the outside."
Dyeing
Our dyeing process has amazed the world with the crisp white and blue colors of our judo uniforms. We dye the fabric with care to preserve its characteristic softness.
Cutting
We offer a wide range of sizes to accommodate diverse body types, while focusing on cuts that provide a tailored fit to the body.
Sewing
We adjust seam width down to the millimeter to create soft collars, and apply careful stitching along the shoulder seams to reduce stress on the fabric — achieving a level of precision that cutting alone cannot deliver.
Inspection
An inspection room has been established to maintain high quality. Based on set standards, we conduct strict measurements of size and thorough checks to ensure each product is free of defects.
Embroidery
After inspection, name embroidery is applied according to each customer's order. With multiple embroidery machines in place, we are fully equipped to respond promptly to customer requests.
Together with Everyone Who Loves Martial Arts
Uniform fabric has long carried a rigid and rugged image — yet Sashiko fabric, woven through Kusakura's unique techniques, is both strong and supple. We are branding this uniquely crafted Sashiko as a world of its own, and sharing with the world the Japanese craftsmanship and culture that Kusakura has built over 100 years. Kusakura Sashiko takes pride in being "the strongest fabric worn against human skin." Bringing people into contact with this Sashiko fabric culture — one that has walked alongside martial arts — is what we at KUSAKURA call THE NEXT 200TH.
Leave Your Kusakura Sashiko Collaboration to Us
Contact us in advance and our specialist staff will walk you through the development process. From product development to sales, we support you with 100 years of experience and expertise dedicated to martial arts uniforms. If you have not received a reply within 3 days, we kindly ask that you follow up by phone or other means.
