Maito Design Works

Founded in 2010 by textile artist Shoko Komuro, Maito Design Works operates from a factory-style atelier in Kuramae, one of Tokyo’s most creative neighborhoods. The brand’s name, meaning genuine thread in Japanese, reflects its commitment to authenticity in materials and process. Maito’s entire product line is dyed using botanical techniques derived from centuries-old Japanese traditions, with colorants sourced from plants, vegetables, minerals, and natural waste materials. Instead of chemical dyes that pollute waterways, the studio uses ingredients such as sakura bark, persimmon tannin, indigo leaves, and various regional plants. Most products are made from organic cotton grown without pesticides, supporting both soil health and farmer wellbeing. Maito’s signature seamless WHOLEGARMENT knitwear is constructed using advanced three-dimensional programming that follows the human silhouette, eliminating fabric waste during production. The resulting garments are jointless, exceptionally comfortable, and extraordinarily durable, designed to be cherished for years rather than discarded seasonally. Monthly natural dyeing workshops at the Kuramae studio give community members hands-on experience with traditional techniques, fostering wider appreciation for slow, mindful production. Maito also operates a second location in the 2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan complex near Ueno, where the full range of products is available. The brand represents a rare fusion of Japanese craft heritage, ecological responsibility, and contemporary wearable design.