Newly Designed Apron by 'kiten.kyoto' of Kyoto's Long-Established Kato Ken Hata Ten Adopted as Uniform for Yojiya Group's New Stores

Kato Ken Hata Ten (Brand name: kiten.kyoto / Headquarters: Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto), which continues to protect the tradition of flags, shop curtains (noren), and banners in Kyoto, has produced a newly designed original apron that fuses craftsmen's handiwork with modern functional beauty. This apron was adopted as the new store uniform at '100% Soba Specialty Store 10 Soba' and '26 (Niroku) Dining,' which were opened by the Yojiya Group (Headquarters: Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto) on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.

## Redesigning the 'MAKU.' Apron: Tailoring Kyoto's 'Signboard' Technology for All Workers
This adoption began with a production request to Kato Ken Hata Ten, based on the Yojiya Group's new store concept of 'a store that connects with Kyoto's producers.'
Since its founding, Kato Ken Hata Ten has been tailoring flags and banners that serve as the 'face of the shop' in the streets of Kyoto.
In this project, for the apron that can be called a 'moving signboard,' the Yojiya Group's corporate slogan of 'Making Kyoto a place where everyone is happy' is given shape through the handiwork of craftsmen.

## Characteristics of 'MAKU.' and the Unique Craftsmanship of Kato Ken Hata Ten
- 'Dyeing' technology capable of withstanding the harsh environment of the workplace
Using a traditional technique called 'Hikizome' (brush dyeing), craftsmen dye the fabric by hand, resulting in a deep color finish. It resists color fading even in restaurant environments where repeated washing and friction are expected, and the more it is used, the more it blends into a tasteful texture.
- A 'new design' that harmonizes with different spaces during the day and night
The casualness of the daytime '100% Soba Specialty Store 10 Soba' and the calm atmosphere of the nighttime '26 (Niroku) Dining.' To match both, it realizes a beautiful appearance that does not become visual noise in the space, while maintaining its convenience as workwear.
- 'Functional beauty' with thoroughly pursued ease of movement and durability
Practicality is thoroughly pursued, including slits that do not hinder intense movements in the kitchen or hall (good footwork) and a calculated pocket layout that allows smooth insertion and removal of tools. For the fabric, 'Juban Tenjiku,' which has moderate thickness and excellent durability, was selected, resulting in a tough design that can withstand long-term hard use.

## Information on Introduction to Yojiya Group New Stores
The newly designed apron 'MAKU.' has been adopted as the staff uniform at the following new stores.
Introduction Date: From Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Target Stores:
- 100% Soba Specialty Store 10 Soba, Kyoto City Hall Tetemachi Store
- 26 (Niroku) Dining, Kyoto City Hall Tetemachi Store
Location: 488 Kamihonnojimae-cho, Teramachi-dori Oike-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto (Inside the new block 'Tetemachi' on the north side of the Kyoto City Hall Main Building)

## Stakeholder Comments
- Tsuyoshi Kato, Representative of kiten, Comment:
'I am very happy that we were able to respond with the "dyeing" and "sewing" techniques we possess to the new store's aspiration of connecting with Kyoto's producers. I hope that this apron, packed with the know-how cultivated through the production of flags and banners, will become the pride of the staff and help support the vitality of the store.'

- Yojiya Group Representative Comment:
'The reason we adopted kiten.'s aprons is, of course, because of their design and functionality, but we were also deeply impressed by the fact that the techniques of making noren and banners, which Kato Ken Hata Ten has been engaged in for many years, are utilized, and that they value such history. We also found it attractive that they are modernizing the manufacturing of historical items. Having actually used them, we feel that they match the atmosphere of the store and the brand image well, and the reputation from the staff is also very good.'