[Exhibition Report] Hamanaka, with over 80 years of history, presents next-generation handicraft culture at the 50th Japan Hobby Show, featuring collaborations with popular Korean brands and ICT-integrated stages.

Hamanaka Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Ukyo-ku, Kyoto; CEO: Tomoko Hamanaka) exhibited at the 50th Japan Hobby Show, held from May 8th to 10th, 2026. During the opening ceremony on the first day, CEO Hamanaka delivered a speech referencing the founder's belief that 'craftsmanship is a human instinct,' discussing the close relationship between recent digital advancements and the knitting boom. She noted that the reason handicraft culture continues to thrive rather than fade is its ability to transcend borders and audience limits through social media. Embodying this vision, this year's theme was 'Collaboration for the Next Generation,' featuring an ICT industry-academia collaboration stage with an information university and a partnership with the popular Korean brand 'LINEA.' Through workshops that sold out daily and joyful 'finger knitting' experiences, the three-day event was a vibrant celebration where tradition met modern trends, allowing many to share the 'joy of creating.'

■ Pre-sales of limited-edition colors for long-selling products! Color palettes inspired by Korean trends
At the Hamanaka booth, in addition to showcasing new Spring/Summer 2026 products like 'Coton,' 'Coton Chunky,' and 'Andaria Soft,' the company held pre-sales for the 2026 limited-edition colors of 'Wash Cotton,' a summer staple celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Five colors based on the 'Dream Soda' concept, inspired by Korean trend colors, were released, attracting significant attention from visitors.

■ Popular Korean shop 'LINEA' exhibits in Japan!
Following last year's success, the knitting shop 'LINEA,' known for its original yarns and kits, exhibited again. The Korean yarns, rarely available in Japan, caught the eyes of many visitors. Additionally, the booth next to LINEA sold original bag kits by popular Korean influencer/designer Mongchi, which sold out completely by the final day, underscoring her popularity.

■ Workshops by Little Lion and Mongchi sell out!
Hamanaka hosted workshops by two popular designers, both of which sold out all slots over the three days. Participants enjoyed direct interaction with the designers. Many also purchased the book 'Little Lion's Crochet Lesson (Bunka Publishing)' sold at the booth, leading to a rush for autographs. Mongchi's workshop was also memorable, as she patiently guided participants through the intricate stitches of her simple yet sophisticated bag designs.

■ Fusion of traditional crafts and ICT: 'Next-Gen Creator Development' stage
Hamanaka presented a picture book reading on a special stage, featuring the book 'Mana-chan the Cat and Yu-kun: The Rolling Yarn,' published in February 2026. The performance brought the warmth of handmade crafts to life through the story of Hamanaka's official characters. The digital production, including visuals and slides, was handled by a student team from an information university, blending traditional craftsmanship with the latest digital technology. A special 15th-anniversary box set containing the book, a plush toy, and yarn was also sold in advance. The reading event will continue, with the next session scheduled for August 8th (Saturday) at ABC Craft in Abeno Q's Mall, Osaka. Hamanaka is actively accepting requests for these events at kindergartens, nurseries, and other facilities.

■ Handicrafts meet comedy! Smiles all around with finger knitting by Aiper Takizawa
On the second day, a finger knitting stage was held featuring comedian Aiper Takizawa and Hamanaka's mascot, Mana-chan. Attendees received Hamanaka Bonny yarn and learned finger knitting under Takizawa's instruction. Following the stage, a signing session for his book 'Aiper Takizawa's Pochette Knitting Path (Nitto Shoin Honsha)' was held, drawing a standing-room-only crowd. The booth saw 1.5 times more visitors than last year, reflecting the current knitting boom. Thank you to everyone who visited.

■ About Hamanaka Co., Ltd.
Hamanaka Co., Ltd. is a manufacturer of yarn and handicraft supplies based in Kyoto. Through the planning, manufacturing, and sales of these materials, the company is dedicated to the development of Japanese handicraft culture. Guided by the corporate philosophy of 'contributing to society by providing the joy of creation through handicrafts to as many people as possible,' the company focuses not only on product supply but also on proposing ideas and techniques through its publications, official YouTube channel, and social media.