The first release from our once-a-year “Nen-Ichi” GOMASHIO TSURIAMI loopback series is now ready: the classic crewneck sweatshirt. It will go on sale Wednesday, June 11 in Sendagaya, Thursday the 12th in Osaka, and Friday the 13th in Fukuoka.
For those unfamiliar with GOMASHIO TSURIAMI loopback, the name may sound unusual at first—it’s inspired by the appearance of *goma-shio*, or sesame-salt rice seasoning. In fact, vintage sweatshirts using a similar knit (likely TSURIAMI) have existed in the secondhand market, and they now fetch very high prices. This fabric was inspired by that reference point and reimagined using the latest TSURIAMI knitting techniques at Kanekichi Industries.
Pictured here is the Kurogoma (Black Sesame) colorway. What makes it special is that two yarns—charcoal top-dyed and undyed natural cotton—are fed side-by-side into a single yarn feeder, creating a marled, sesame-like appearance in the surface texture. This kind of knitting is extremely rare, and there’s only one TSURIAMI machine at Kanekichi Industries capable of producing it.
The ribbing on the collar, cuffs, hem, and side gussets is also knit using a special method, giving the piece its distinct and slightly vintage-feeling character. 
The other option is Aogoma (Blue Sesame), created with navy top-dyed yarn and undyed cotton—again knit in parallel through a single feeder. Thinking back, it feels like the challenge of developing this GOMASHIO TSURIAMI fabric marked a turning point in Kanekichi’s technical evolution. Most TSURIAMI machines are 80 to 100 years old, but by working face-to-face with these vintage machines, and through countless rounds of trial and error, today's craftspeople continue pushing the boundaries—leading to new materials like the ones featured at our current Pre-Order Event.
GOMASHIO has a distinct feel and softness unlike LW Basic or LW Light. If you haven’t tried it before, we’d love for you to stop by and feel it for yourself.
Available in two colors: Kurogoma and Aogoma Sizes: S to XL Retail price: ¥26,400 (tax included)
We look forward to seeing you.
by Satoshi Suzuki