AO Co., Ltd. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, ao is holding special projects such as collaboration T-shirts and commemorative events.

[AO Co., Ltd.] Ao celebrates its 20th anniversary, holding special projects such as collaboration T-shirts and commemorative events ​
Ao Co., Ltd. Press release: April 7, 2025 AO celebrates its 20th anniversary, holding special projects such as collaboration T-shirts and commemorative events A variety of projects will be held throughout the year, including a collaboration with illustrator Izumi Shiokawa and a factory event in Itoigawa “ao”, operated by Ao Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Itoigawa City, Niigata Prefecture, Representative Director: Masaki Igarashi), celebrated its 20th anniversary as a brand on April 11, 2025. For the past 20 years, we have believed in the wonders of gauze and have continued to create clothing that is particular about its washed-out feel and comfort. To commemorate our 20th anniversary, we have prepared a number of special projects, including the release of T-shirts in collaboration with illustrator Izumi Shiokawa, and commemorative events in Daikanyama, Itoigawa, and other locations connected to the brand. [Online shop URL] https://shop.ao-daikanyama.com/
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/55726/19/55726-19-dc676d10510e64f714f2203ba19bf5d8-1200×1200.jpg ■ Izumi Shiokawa collaboration T-shirt released To commemorate the 20th anniversary, we asked illustrator Izumi Shiokawa to draw an original illustration inspired by ao. The T-shirt “ao x Izumi Shiokawa 20th Anniversary T-shirt” printed with this special illustration will be sold at online shops and stores from Friday, April 11, 2025. This T-shirt is made from ao’s standard material, organic cotton that has a nice slubby feel and is comfortable against the skin, and has a simple silhouette that goes well with any bottom. The inner collar has a covering that feels good on the skin and does not lock easily.
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https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/55726/19/55726-19-00e4dcc930b7fdb8aed723587ae46d57-1740×2400.jpg Izumi Shiokawa Illustrator. Born in Nagano Prefecture. Graduated from Tama Art University Graphic Design Department in 2006. In addition to focusing on illustrations for advertisements, books, magazines, and products, he also exhibits and presents his works. His candid expressions, which reflect his thoughts on the subject’s inner self and background, are widely liked. ■Sales method: Mail order at online shop, sales at each ao store (Hakata, Niigata), various POPUP EVENT ■Seller: ・Online shop https://shop.ao-daikanyama.com/ ・Hakata Hakata Hankyu 8th floor Utrie “Ao” ・Niigata Niigata Isetan 1st floor NIIGATA Etsushinai ■Sales start date: Friday, April 11, 2025 ■ 20th
anniversary traveling exhibition/event held Special traveling exhibitions and events will be held to commemorate the 20th
anniversary at locations associated with the brand across Japan, including Itoigawa, where ao’s sewing factory is located. The first event will be held in Itoigawa City, Niigata Prefecture. ao20th anniversary factory event To express our gratitude for your continued patronage, we are holding a factory event in Itoigawa, the birthplace of ao. At Itoigawa Commons, we will be selling a large number of ao’s new products, standard products, and sample items, and will also be offering indigo dyeing counseling. On the second day, there will also be stalls selling baked goods and bread. At Kitale Station North Plaza, we will be holding fun workshops with shops and artists from outside the city, including workshops using ao’s gauze and spinning yarn using cotton harvested in the fields. On the first day, there will be accos, a rice bran brown rice warmer from Minamiuonuma City, and on the second day, there will be a talk event by ao staff, and a workshop lesson where you can make bottoms using the authentic sewing machines used at the factory.
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https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/55726/19/55726-19-05302583ba17aa673b2aaab828008533-1080×1080.jpg ■Date and time: April 12, 2025 (Sat) 10:00-17:00, 13th (Sun) 9:00-15:00 ■Location: Co-location Itoigawa Commons, Station North Square Kitale ■ Content commemorating the 20th anniversary In addition to T-shirts and events, we will be developing a variety of content and initiatives that will make this special year lively. Information related to the anniversary will be posted on ao’s online shop and various SNS. 20th anniversary brand book We have published a brand book that traces the history of ao. We condensed ao’s 20 years of progress, including words of gratitude to everyone and a vision for the future in the words of representative Igarashi, an introduction to the 100 types of gauze that ao has handled, connections with production areas across the country, a 13-year styling archive by stylist Misa Tannai who has decorated the Daikanyama store window, and messages from related parties. We will distribute them in stores and at events.
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https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/55726/19/55726-19-d63a67ba28578fca0ab07b2f87dcbc32-2000×1333.jpg 20th Anniversary Shopper Original shoppers with illustrations by Izumi Shiokawa will be distributed at events and at each store. We are excited to celebrate our 20th anniversary with a design that can be used on a daily basis even after shopping. We will distribute them sequentially starting from the ao factory event held in Itoigawa.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/55726/19/55726-19-ea52e761662b855850cd83b539f22d12-2000×1333.jpg 20th anniversary novelty We have prepared special novelties to commemorate the 20th anniversary. We deliver items that allow you to feel ao in your daily life, such as original candy, moon peach tea, and hand towels.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/55726/19/55726-19-d187bca7e2fd043403bb35cb09b8a923-2000×1333.jpg ■About Ao Co., Ltd. Apparel brand “ao” is a gauze specialty store with the concept of “gauze clothes that give you the feeling of being washed out.” We have our own sewing factory in Itoigawa City, Niigata Prefecture, and are a factory brand that handles everything from planning, manufacturing, and sales. We are committed to domestic production and aim to manufacture products that are safe, secure, and carefully monitored. Our directly managed store is the Hakata Hankyu store, and we also handle wholesale sales and OEM business. Gauze is a fabric that takes a lot of effort to sew, and it is only through the advanced techniques cultivated over many years that even the smallest details can be created. While maintaining our traditional techniques, we work on a variety of items, not only for women, but also men’s and baby clothes, as well as underwear, household goods, coats, and jackets, and strive to improve our techniques and satisfy our customers. Since the brand opened, we have not thrown away a single product. We will continue to use things with care, something that we should consider because we are a factory brand. ■Company Profile Company name: Ao Co., Ltd. Location: 942 Nakajuku Oaza Nakajuku, Itoigawa City, Niigata Prefecture Representative: Masaki Igarashi Brand establishment: 2005 Company establishment: 2012 (spun off from Bisou Igarashi Co., Ltd.) URL: https://www.ao-daikanyama.com/ Business details: Apparel planning, sales, wholesale, OEM business ■Customer inquiries Ao Co., Ltd. e-mail: mail@ao-daikanyama.com ■Press inquiries regarding this release Ao Co., Ltd. Inquiries e-mail:
mail@ao-daikanyama.com