Introducing the production site for the pocket art tee “Chikuchiku”

”Chikuchiku,” an art tee with Sashiko stitching on the pocket, has collaborated with TARROW TOKYO to create three new items. We visited two facilities that cooperate in the production of “Chikuchiku;” Mikomiko and a regional workshop hana.

equalto’s original item “Chikuchiku” collaborates with TARROW TOKYO!

In collaboration with the apparel brand TARROW TOKYO (hereinafter: TARROW), three new items of “Chikuchiku” were sequentially launched in January 2025. The sweatshirts and long tees already on sale have been very well received, with some items selling out after the release.

▲STANDARD TEE II equalto edition (released on March 14, 2025)

”Chikuchiku,” an original item from equalto, was born in 2017. “Chikuchiku” was one of the most popular products representing equalto with its unique design like an artwork, which is created by the creator‘s intuition. “Chikuchiku” is now joined by a new double name item that combines the charms of equalto and TARROW.

This time, TARROW’s standard three products, the STANDARD TEE, LONG TEE, and WIDE CREW NECK P/O (the sweatshirt with lining knitted with a loop wheel), have been completed with the addition of pocket handcrafted by equalto.

▲WIDE CREW NECK P/O equalto edition BLACK

These items are produced with the cooperation of two welfare facilities. The pockets are carefully embroidered stitch by stitch at Mikomiko (Yokohama city, Kanagawa), and sewn at the regional workshop hana (Kisarazu city, Chiba), with sewing machine to meticulously finish every detail.

In this issue, we will introduce production site in these facilities.

 

A place where art is born from free ideas – Welfare facility Mikomiko –

Located in Yokohama, Kanagawa prefecture, the welfare facility Mikomiko has the first and the second workplaces within walking distance of each other, which are engaged in a variety of tasks such as coffee making, confectionery, and handicrafts.

The facility is home to people with disabilities of various ages, and support is tailored to the pace of each service-user, adjusted according to their physical condition and mood on any given day, creating a safe　environment in which they can work in peace.

Mikomiko has been involved in the production of “Chikuchiku” since 2019, and on the day of our visit, six people were working on the project.

“Chikuchiku” is made by stitch by stitch using colorful threads on fabric formed into a pocket shape. The staff provide advice and support as needed, but basically, the most important thing is for the service-users to create with their own ideas.

Since fine thread is used in the production process, it requires skill in such details as threading the needle and ensuring that the thread does not break during the stitching process.

▲The service-users were working in a friendly atmosphere, enjoying and talking to each other.

There were a wide variety of people, from those with over ten years of Sachiko experience to those who are beginners and with their dexterity found themselves into it and improving their skills.

At first glance, even threading the needle looked quite difficult because the thread is so thin. However, we were impressed by the concentration of the creators and how well they handled the task.

When we asked a service-user about the production of “Chikuchiku,” she said, “Sometimes I feel it is difficult because I can stitch freely, but it is both hard and fun to fill in the colors.”

The one and only pocket filled with the individuality and thoughts of its creator. “What kind of piece will I encounter?” Such encounters will be something to look forward to.

 

Proven quality and meticulous craftsmanship – “Regional workshop hana“ –

The pockets are sewn at hana, a regional workshop located near Kisarazu station in Chiba prefecture. hana supports each person with disabilities according to the purpose and individuality of each person, and work assignments are made according to the service-users’ wishes and expertise.
Its main activities are not only sewing but also making newspaper-eco-bags, envelopes, confectionery, brand goods, and doing manual piecework, small packet delivery, etc.

On the day of our visit, four people were sewing with sewing machines. hana has many service-users with advanced sewing skills, and the staff provides support to help them improve their skills.

“Chikuchiku” is sewed with sewing machine. Pocket can easily move and twist, so precise work is required. They proceed carefully while checking the work with the hana staff.

When we asked the service-users about the sewing process of “Chikuchiku,” they said, “It’s hard work, but a lot of fun.”

The carefully sewn finished products were of very high quality, and we were impressed once again by the skills of the service-users and the staff who work hard every day to improve their skills.