Though the company’s main products are used for medical applications, this is about Toko’s indigo products.

Elastic Indigo Products Toko (Tokushima Prefecture)

Tokushima awa indigo products made by a medical manufacturer.

Toko Co., Ltd. Produces elastic and stockings and clothing developed for patients with lymph and venous medical issues such as lymphedema. “Originally we were making fishing gear, but then we began to deal with synthetic nylons. We began work with stockings and socks after my father brought some back from the USA. Then I transitioned the products for medical use,” says company CEO Nobuo Sato. Toko’s elastic clothing and stockings are used to prevent patient’s blood from accumulating when they are in the hospital during and after surgery. The clothing is used in treatment at many different hospitals, and they also make made-to-order clothing to suit the patient.

Continuing this specialization in medicine, Toko has newly developed this indigo series using Tokushima awa indigo dye. Three kinds of leggings were developed, along with sports gaiters and calve support. “Because Toko uses thread that maintains a sense of pressure, almost all the fabric is synthetic and cannot be dyed. Trying to dye this undyeable thread is what led to the product’s development. In the end we started development from the thread,” says Masahiro Kato of the R&D team.

Indigo dye is a famous product of Tokushima, and there are many indigo workshops in the prefecture. Toko employees, who were born and raised in Tokushima, are very familiar with it. “I never thought that we would become indigo dyers ourselves, but indigo is a healthy substance that is also used in medicine. Up to now we only had white, black, and beige, so I’m happy that we now have a vivid blue color as well. My job has gotten even more fun,” says Kato, who approaches work with a sense of motivation. A new product is created using Tokushima's awa indigo and Toko’s technical prowess.

Toko Co., Ltd.

43 Nishiyoshinari, Yoshinari, Ojincho, Tokushima-shi, Tokushima
771-1153
Tel.088-641-1122
http://toko-inc.co.jp/english/

A sewing machine from Germany company Merz has flexible pressure controls.

A sewing machine from Germany company Merz has flexible pressure controls.

The degree of pressure is thoroughly measured across each specific area of the body.

The degree of pressure is thoroughly measured across each specific area of the body.

Each piece in the indigo series is dyed by a staff member.

Each piece in the indigo series is dyed by a staff member.

Elastic Indigo Products - Toko (Tokushima Prefecture)

PRODUCTS - 2019

PRODUCTS - 2018

PRODUCTS - 2017

PRODUCTS - 2014

PRODUCTS - 2013