Batoner

Batoner is a Japanese knitwear brand from Sagae City in Yamagata Prefecture, an area known for its long history of knitting. It comes from Okuyama Meriyasu, a factory that has made pieces for various maison brands and clothing makers. The label itself was founded in 2013. Everything happens locally. Batoner knits, links, stitches and processes its raw materials in the region, working only with neighbouring artisans. It pairs traditional handiwork with machinery, applying older techniques to newer standards, and keeps refining its methods. Stockists say the aim is to pass Japanese tradition on to the wider world. Swedish retailer Nitty Gritty picked it up while hunting for the perfect knit for a country that wears knitwear all year round.