Every time you move the needle, your mind gets in tune. SHOKAY Mindful Knitting Program Officially Announcing the Mindful Knitting Program Full-scale collaboration with knitting schools and instructors nationwide

DGBH (operated by Doubletree Co., Ltd.; headquartered in Sapporo, Hokkaido; Tamiko Hayashi, President), which proposes mindful style and "Happy Closet," officially announces the "Mindful Knitting Program," which has been ongoing since 2016 with the regenerative material brand "SHOKAY" focusing on "yak" material. The "Mindful Knitting Program" has been ongoing since 2016 with SHOKAY, a regenerative material brand focusing on "yak" material. In this time of unprecedented knitting boom, we will expand the mindful knitting experience nationwide with SHOKAY's yak wool yarns as the core of the program, in two ways: knitting for the mind and knitting for society.

Mindful yak wool SHOKAY knitting yarn

#mindfulknitting #knitting #yak wool yarn #ethical fashion #mindfulness #sustainable #unprecedented knitting boom

(1) What is Mindful Knitting? (Definition)

Mindful Knitting" is a concept that the yak yarn brand SHOKAY and Tamiko Hayashi (DGBH) have been advocating since 2016, and is based on the three reasons behind the word "mindful".

The word "mindful" here is used in the three meanings of "attentive," "mindful," and "mindful" as in the dictionary meaning.

Reason 1: The material itself is mindful.

SHOKAY is a social brand created in 2006 with the aim of solving poverty issues among the Tibetan people. The yaks that live at an altitude of 4,000 meters above sea level are sheared only once a year to ensure that the animals are taken into consideration. Traceability is ensured in all processes from yarn collection to production and distribution. The experience of knitting while keeping in mind the people, animals, and the earth on the other side of where the raw wool grows, who collects it, and how it is turned into yarn is unique to SHOKAY's yak yarns.

Reason #2: The act of knitting itself is a mindfulness practice

Mindfulness" means to intentionally pay attention to the present moment without judgment, calmly observing one's feelings, thoughts, and sensations, and accepting reality. Knitting, which involves paying attention to each stitch, naturally leads to exactly this state. Tara Manning, who received her teachings from Tibetan Buddhist meditation masters, writes in her book "Mindful Knitting": "Knitting is the creation of a textile from a single stitch. It keeps me focused and continually reminds me to be here now. Knitting as meditation gives us a sense of satisfaction and a sense of well-being that is indescribable. In Europe and the United States, knitting has been adopted by medical institutions and reported to reduce stress, improve concentration, and relieve anxiety.

Reason 3: Knitting with compassion for others

Mindful knitting is the act of knitting for loved ones or those facing adversity, while expressing gratitude and prayer with each stitch. Participation in projects that address social issues as part of the Knit for Good program, such as the "SHOKAY for TOHOKU" project (2011) in support of the Great East Japan Earthquake and the collaboration with the employment support facility "Pokara" (2023-2012), is another way of putting this into practice.

(2) Program Background and History (2011-)

On the occasion of SHOKAY's 10th anniversary in Japan, the first Mindful Knitting course in Japan was held at the Omotesando DGBH/SHOKAY showroom in the fall of 2017. Since then, it has continued and evolved over the past 8 years.

<Time: Activities

2011: SHOKAY for TOHOKU project to support victims of the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami

2016: Tamiko Hayashi began disseminating the concept of "mindful knitting" as DGBH

　　　　　　　Tamiko Hayashi started disseminating the concept of "mindful knitting" as DGBH content.

2017 ： As an event to celebrate the 10th anniversary of SHOKAY's arrival in Japan,

　　　　　　2017 ： First Mindful Knitting lecture in Japan held in Omotesando, Tokyo, to commemorate the 10th anniversary of SHOKAY's arrival in Japan

2018 : SHOKAY Xmas Pom-Pom Wreath Tassel Lecture Series started as a monthly series

　　　　　　Regularly held at SHOKAY studio in Omotesando

2019 : At Omotesando SHOKAY studio,

　　　　　　Headbands, Pom Pom Wreaths, Nekomimi Hats, Neck Warmers, etc.

　　　　　　Mindful Knitting classes by Nancy Nishikikoji will be held on an ongoing basis.

2023-24: Collaboration project with "Pokara," a support for continuous employment support type B business in Sapporo

End of 2024: A mindful knitting workshop by MIKA sensei will be held in Tokyo. Very popular with participants.

SHOKAY + Pokara collaboration project hand-knitted items

(3) Future development

Against the backdrop of an unprecedented knitting boom, the SHOKAY Mindful Knitting Program will evolve into the next phase.

◆Nationwide expansion

Workshops, which have been held mainly in Tokyo and Sapporo, will be expanded to a nationwide scale through collaboration with organizers and instructors of knitting classes nationwide.

We will nurture a mindful knitting community rooted in the local community.

Mindful Knitting Workshops

◆Scheduled at Sapporo SHOKAY Salon

Mindful knitting workshops are held regularly at the Sapporo SHOKAY Salon. Workshops are offered for beginners as well as experienced knitters using SHOKAY's yak yarns.

Collaboration with Knit for Good Program

We will expand social impact through knitting by collaborating with the Knit for Good program, a special donation of SHOKAY yarns to projects that address social issues such as support for disaster-stricken areas, employment support, and women's support.

◆Prospects for Regenerative Yarn

We will also be the first to introduce to Japan the world's most advanced sustainable knitting trends, such as "Regenerative Yarn," which is made while restoring soil health, and the "Fibershed Movement," which circulates fiber within the community.

(4) Three features of SHOKAY Mindful Knitting

Feature (1) The material itself is mindful - the scarcity and social nature of yak yarn

SHOKAY protects the traditional livelihood and continuous income of Tibetan nomads while ensuring the traceability of yak yarn. The yaks that inhabit this harsh environment at an altitude of 4,000 meters above sea level are sheared only once a year, and the animals are treated with the utmost care and respect. From yarn harvesting to production and distribution, every process is done with care and consideration.

Feature (2) The act of knitting is a mindfulness practice - medically backed

Concentration on each stitch is used by medical institutions in the U.S. and Europe to reduce stress hormones (cortisol), improve concentration, and alleviate anxiety disorders. It has also been reported that Wall Street and city executives have adopted knitting as an alternative to meditation, and it is attracting attention as a digital detox. Knitting, which focuses attention on each stitch and concentrates on the present moment, has been adopted by medical institutions in the U.S. and Europe, and is said to be effective in reducing stress, improving concentration, and relieving anxiety.

Feature (3) "Visible yarn" with traceability assured

Where the yak grows up, who collects the hair, and where it is made into yarn - the entire process of SHOKAY's yarns is visualized. The experience of knitting while being aware of the people, animals, and the earth on the other side of the yarn is a value unique to SHOKAY that cannot be found in any other yarns.

(5)Introduction of SHOKAY's hand-knit yarn collection

SHOKAY offers a collection of high quality yarns that are ideal for mindful knitting, and that soothe the skin every time you touch them.

Series name ： 100% yak premium yarn "Shambala Yarn

Material ：100% yak

Characteristics and recommended use：Warmth-retaining properties superior to cashmere.

　　　　　　　　　　Smooth and gentle on the skin, easy to handle even for beginners.

Series name ： "Shoton Yarn

Material ：70% cotton, 30% wool (yak)

Characteristics and recommended use：Lightweight yarn recommended for all seasons, even for spring and summer.

　　　　　　　　　　Breathable and soft at the same time.

Series name ： "Encounter Yarn

Material ：51% Wool, 35% Wool (Yak), 14% Cotton

Characteristics and recommended use：For volume and warmth.

　　　　　　　　　　For sweaters, vests, and other large pieces.

For more information and availability of yarns: https://store.shopping.yahoo.co.jp/shokay/shokayccd3.html#sideNaviItems

(6) To instructors and organizers of knitting classes across Japan - Instructors wanted!

＜We are looking for teachers nationwide to lead "mindful knitting classes" using SHOKAY's yak yarn! >

In this time of unprecedented knitting boom, we are looking for teachers who would like to spread mindful knitting classes using SHOKAY's yak yarn all over Japan. SHOKAY's hand-knitting yarns are available at a special price, so please feel free to contact us at the contact information below.

Special offer: SHOKAY hand-knitting yarns at a special price

Target : Teachers and instructors who run crochet and bar needle knitting classes

　　　　　　　 Teachers and instructors from all over Japan

Class style: Face-to-face or online. Beginner to advanced level is available.

　　　　　　　 Workshop style is also available.

Support: Special price for yarn, program materials, and support for SHOKAY web and SNS announcements (required).

　　　　　　　 Cooperation with SNS announcements (negotiable).

Inquiries: Email: office[at]dgbh.jp

　　　　　　　(*Please replace [at] with @ to prevent spam)

(7) [Always wanted] Instructor for Mindful Knitting Class at Sapporo SHOKAY Salon

＜(7)<We are always looking for instructors to teach mindful knitting classes at Sapporo SHOKAY Salon. > Location : SHOKAY Salon

Location : SHOKAY Salon (Sapporo, Hokkaido)

Activity : Planning and organizing mindful knitting classes using SHOKAY's yak yarns

　　　　　　　Planning and holding of mindful knitting classes using SHOKAY's yak yarn

Target : People who have experience in teaching crochet

　　　　　　　People who share ethical and sustainable values

Frequency: Once a month or more (negotiable)

Inquiries: Email: office[at]dgbh.jp

　　　　　　　(*Please replace [at] with @ to prevent spam)

If that piece of knitwear you wear this winter is connected to the happiness of someone far away or to the future restoration of the earth, that is exactly what we want you to feel. Please join us in expanding the circle of mindful knitting with SHOKAY's yak yarn."

- Tamiko Hayashi

About SHOKAY

SHOKAY is the world's first regenerative material brand focusing on yak, a social business founded in 2006 by two female students studying international cooperation at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government with the aim of solving poverty issues among the Tibetan people. As a pioneer of ethical knitwear, their founding story was published in the book "Sekai wo Chan Kaeru Oshigoto" (Kodansha, 2010).

Only 100 grams of yak hair can be harvested from one cow per year, making it a rare material. It is said to be more heat-retaining than cashmere and less likely to form hairballs due to its excellent breathability and flexibility. The company produces and sells high-quality knit products and yarns while ensuring traceability. The brand contributes to the achievement of 12 of the 17 UN SDGs.

URL: http://shokay.jp

About DGBH

In 2010, DGBH produced "DGBH (DoGood, BeHappy!)," a one-year limited select store at Omotesando Hills that proposes an ethical lifestyle centered on SHOKAY. Since then, she has developed a wide range of businesses, including seminars, travel planning and management, product planning and development, and content creation, based on the concept of "living happily while enjoying a mindful lifestyle. She is currently writing a series of articles in NOTE on the theme of "Happy Closet - ABC of Mindful Style" from the viewpoint of regenerative fashion that enriches and revitalizes the mind and life, and how to create a happy closet where clothes invite good fortune.

URL: https://note.com/dgbh/m/m43a5d530f1fc

Company Profile

Company name: Doubletree, Inc.

Location: Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido

Representative Director: Tamiko Hayashi

Establishment : July 8, 2008

Main Business: (1) Sole distributor of ethical yak material brand "SHOKAY" in Japan

　　　　　　(2)Content planning and production business "DGBH (DoGood, BeHappy!)

　　　　　　Operation of seminars and travel plans under the theme of "Mindful Style × Happy Closet," product development, and content production.

　　　　　　DGBH operates seminars and travel planning, develops products, produces contents and disseminates information under the theme of "Mindful Style × Happy Closet".

　　　　　　(3) Vacation and vacation house business

　　　　　　We are developing "Okusasu Cottage," a cottage for rent in Niseko Town, Hokkaido, that combines forest therapy and retreats.

　　　　　　(3) Vacation/Working house business: "Okusuri Farm" (in preparation), a cottage for rent in Niseko Town, Hokkaido, combining forest therapy and retreats.

Profile of Representative Director Tamiko Hayashi

After working for a foreign entertainment company, a publisher of VOGUE NIPPON, and in PR for European and American fashion brands, she established the NPO "Social Concierge" in 2007. She has practiced yoga and meditation for over 30 years and has completed the Tatsumura Yoga for Health Teacher Training Course. She is certified as a forest therapy guide in the United States. She has also completed the "Forest Medical Trainer" training course certified by Shinano-cho, Nagano Prefecture, and is a member of the Shinano-cho Forest Therapy Study Group "Hitotsuki no Kai". Currently, she is preparing "Okusuri Farm," a one-room retreat cottage offering forest therapy programs in Niseko Town, Hokkaido. On her Instagram page, she shares her daily life in Hokkaido, living in Sapporo and Niseko.

URL : https://www.instagram.com/tamikohayashi/

Instagram: @tamikohayashi

Please contact us in advance when reprinting or quoting the content or photos in this release, noting "Doubletree, Inc." as the source.