2024 marked our 13th anniversary, a milestone we’re incredibly proud of. From humble beginnings, we’ve flourished into a team of over 50 passionate members. This past year alone, we welcomed eight talented new members, making 2024 a year of remarkable growth and transformation.

As we embrace the opportunities of the new year, we want to take a moment to reflect on our achievements in 2024 and extend our deepest gratitude to each of you. Your unwavering support fuels everything we do. Here’s to more incredible adventures together in the year ahead!

Since the onset of COVID-19, we’ve adapted our store operations in various ways, including temporary closures, one-on-one online consultations, and a reservation system. However, in our commitment to making our stores more accessible to everyone, we officially discontinued the reservation system　for Yamatomichi Kamakura & Kyoto in February 2024.

Released in March, the Active Pullover is designed to excel across a wide range of temperatures and conditions. Striking the perfect balance between breathability and insulation, it functions seamlessly as an active insulation layer and can also be worn as a comfortable base layer for high-energy pursuits.

Visit the product page to learn more.

We applied the “eliminate waste, produce no trash” philosophy we learned through ultralight hiking to our craftsmanship by repurposing leftover fabrics from past production to create new products.

With graphic designer Hideyuki Yamano from TAKAIYAMA Inc., we upcycled unused fabric into limited-edition blankets and scarves. Additionally, we produced 16 items, including 5-Pocket Pants and Taslan Coach Jackets, using sample and remnant fabrics, available both at our flagship stores and online.

This initiative reflects our unique approach to sustainability, made possible by our close connection to the production process.

Yamatomichi HLC, which has operated in six regions across Japan and Taiwan, launched its eighth location, HLC Hokuriku, in 2024.

The HLC Hokuriku ambassador is Riku Yamamoto, store manager of THE GATE MOUNTAIN in Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture. A kickoff event was held on April 6, bringing together hikers from within and outside the Hokuriku region. The event featured a talk session and meet-up hosted by Yamamoto, HLC Project Director Toyoshima, and staff member Kimura, marking the birth of a new hiking community in Hokuriku.

(Below article currently only available in Japanese)

We hosted a pop-up shop and talk show even at Morimori, a select shop in Hong Kong specializing in ultralight gear. Thanks to the incredible support of our Taiwan team and close collaboration with our Japan staff, the event was a resounding success. This achievement led to a significant milestone—Morimori becoming our first official dealer in Hong Kong.

The event fostered meaningful connections with local hikers, creating a vibrant space for communities with diverse perspectives on ultralight hiking to come together and exchange ideas.

With our new partnership with Morimori, Yamatomichi is excited to expand activities in Hong Kong and further promote the culture of ultralight hiking across the region.

We released the Stretch Mesh Hat, building on the features of the popular Stretch Mesh Cap, such as breathable stretch fabric, a shape-memory brim for easy adjustments, and a quick-adjust strap for one-handed use. The new design features a wider brim, providing greater sun protection for the ears and neck.

Go to the product page for more information.

At Yamatomichi, our pursuit of the highest-quality products comes with the challenge of balancing increased production demands and addressing the difficulties faced by domestic sewing factories in Japan—a complex issue with no easy solutions. Nevertheless, we remain dedicated to tackling these challenges head-on and developing thoughtful, sustainable solutions.

In July 2024, we began shifting the production of select products to Vietnam and Bangladesh. Simultaneously, we launched an ambitious project to establish a new factory in Kamakura, aiming to support and revitalize Japan’s sewing industry.

To learn more about our initiatives, please visit Revisiting Our Production System.

Alongside the shift of some product manufacturing overseas, we launched a project to establish a new factory in Kamakura.

As the first step, we partnered with the innovative bag manufacturer Takaki in Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, to create the training-focused Toyooka Factory.

This initiative aims to foster a space for learning efficient and cutting-edge production techniques while sharing the joy of craftsmanship. Our staff members Nakagawa and Kitajima are working tirelessly on the ground in Toyooka to bring this vision to life.

(Below article currently only available in Japanese)

To maintain consistency with the naming convention of “Yamatomichi Kyoto,” we have renamed “Yamatomichi Zaimokuza” to “>Yamatomichi Kamakura.”

*The location remains the same.

Published on November 19, Following up on “Why Ultralight Hiking?“, a guide that captures Yamatomichi’s take on ultralight hiking, we’ve broken down the basics of choosing the right gear and cutting down pack weight in a straightforward, easy-to-read format.

On November 16–17, 2024, we held the Yamatomichi HLC Hiking Festival 2024 – Lake Biwa, Ōmi-Maiko.

The event took place at Ōmi-Maiko, at the foot of the Hira Mountains—HLC Kansai’s home range—where over 500 hikers from across Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and other regions gathered to celebrate.

In addition to signature events like the Tent Sauna Party and the Imagine Bon Odori, we collaborated with the local Minamikomatsu community and Omatukan to create a lively festival by hikers, for hikers. It was a spirited celebration of ultralight hiking, filled with connection, energy, and joy.

The Yamatomichi YouTube Channel experienced remarkable growth throughout the year.

Our channel features more than just product introduction videos—it presents stories about Yamatomichi and UL hiking from multiple perspectives, shared through the voices of our unique and diverse team members.

Over 5,000 new subscribers joined the channel this year, and in November, we surpassed the milestone of 10,000 subscribers. We’re deeply grateful for this growing community and look forward to sharing even more stories that inspire the UL hiking journey.

Through extensive discussions, we crafted a new website that goes beyond showcasing our products, prioritizing the values that define us as a company. We’ve placed Journal and Community at the forefront, ahead of product information, reflecting our belief that experiences and values come first, with products naturally following.

We launched the AW Alpha Mittens, featuring a high-breathability Pertex Shield Air outer layer and Polartec Alpha Direct lining for a perfect balance of insulation and breathability, preventing moisture buildup while retaining warmth.

The design also allows you to slide your fingers in and out through an opening in the palm, enabling fine-tuned tasks without removing the mittens—an ideal solution for cold-weather adventures.

Go to the product page for more information.

How did you find Yamatomichi’s journey through 2024?

We sincerely thank you for your warm support and encouragement throughout the year. We look forward to continuing this journey with you in 2025. Thank you, and see you on the trails!