NANGA: Japanese Heritage Meets Outdoor Innovation

Founded in 1941 as Yokota Sewing in Shiga Prefecture, Japan, Nanga Co., Ltd. has grown from its humble beginnings in the futon industry to become a respected name in the outdoor equipment sector. The company’s journey from producing traditional Japanese futons to crafting high-performance down products is a testament to its commitment to quality and innovation.

Originally part of the thriving Omi cotton industry, Yokota Sewing expanded in 1950 to undertake sewing for major futon manufacturers. The pivotal moment came in 1988 when Nanga began making sleeping bags at the request of a major domestic outdoor brand. This venture laid the foundation for the company's future. The name "Nanga," adopted in 1995, is inspired by Nanga Parbat, one of the Himalayas' most challenging peaks, reflecting the company's aspirations for excellence and endurance.

Tomoyuki Yokota, the current president, joined the company in 2001 and played a significant role in diversifying Nanga's product line. Under his leadership, Nanga introduced its first down jackets in 2002, launching the iconic Aurora Down Jacket by 2003. "Insolation and heat retention are our focus, and we have very strong confidence in our performance," Mr. Yokota remarks, highlighting the company's dedication to quality.

Sleeping bags offered by Nanga

Nanga's first retail store, "NANGA SHOP TOKYO," opened in 2015, marking the beginning of a successful retail expansion across Japan. By 2018, the company had entered the Asian market, and in 2021, Nanga established the Nanga Mountain Laboratory (NML), reinforcing its commitment to research and innovation. The NML conducts advanced research to improve down products' thermal performance and comfort, re-examining material composition and product structures to ensure top-quality output. "Our company's concept is to provide the world’s best and warmest down products," says Mr. Yokota, emphasizing the rigorous testing and development processes that underpin Nanga's reputation.

Nanga's integrated approach, managing everything from planning to production and sales in-house, ensures consistent quality across its product range. This includes its renowned down jackets, sleeping bags, and the "GOOD SLEEPING" comforter line, which revisits the company’s origins in bedding. The brand’s sleeping bags are particularly celebrated for their ability to withstand extreme conditions, earning accolades both domestically and internationally. The company has gained recognition not only in the outdoor scene,  but more recently in the wider fashion scene as well.

Nanga’s journey from a small sewing company to a global outdoor brand underscores its enduring commitment to quality, innovation, and tradition.

To hear more from President Tomoyuki Yokota of Nanga, check out this interview with him.