“EARTH Hiroshima,” a Hiroshima-based Peace brand operated by Soara Service Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture; President and CEO: Chizuru Gorai), will release the “Orizuru PEACE Socks”, which have been co-developed with Corporation Pearlstar Co., Ltd. (Akitsu-cho, Higashi-Hiroshima City) and Hiroshima-based graphic designer Rie Hiromoto (Kure City), on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.

To commemorate the launch, an in-person sales event will be held at the Hiroshima City Peace Memorial Park Rest House from Tuesday, October 6, through Monday, October 12 (national holiday).

Combining functionality developed through medical socks with the impact of design

Driven by a wish to share Hiroshima’s outstanding technological capabilities with the world, alongside a hope for peace, EARTH Hiroshima is engaged in product development that connects local manufacturers with creators.

What caught our attention this time is “Corporation Pearlstar,” a company with many years of experience in manufacturing functional socks that support the medical and healthcare fields. This new, practical gift from Hiroshima combines the company’s advanced technical expertise with sophisticated designs that make people want to wear them every day.

The most distinctive feature is the unique “ridge-knit” structure that extends from the toes across the entire sole. A patented manufacturing process eliminates seams at the toes, delivering a soft, comfortable fit. Furthermore, the air pockets created by the textured surface maintain excellent breathability while keeping the feet comfortably warm, helping to reduce unpleasant “sweatiness” and “discomfort” in the feet.

Featuring a “heel-free design” (fits sizes 22–26 cm) that eliminates the hassle of choosing the right size, these unisex socks are perfect for gifts or souvenirs.

We hope these socks will help people feel the wishes for peace embodied in the Orizuru in their daily lives and take each step with a gentle heart.

 

 

Manufacturer: Corporation Pearlstar Co., Ltd.

Supporting a Healthy Life, Starting from Your Feet.

Corporation Pearlstar Co., Ltd. was founded in 1915 in Etajima City, Hiroshima Prefecture, as “Shintaku Socks Industry.” During the war, the company made military socks as a designated supervised factory for the former Imperial Army and Navy. After the war, the company applied the technology and experience it had cultivated to the production of socks for general and medical use. Today, they develop and sell functional socks that support daily life, such as “fall-prevention socks” and “socks designed to help prevent bunions.”

The company’s signature “ridge-knit” technique was developed through the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s “Support Program for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises and Start-ups” in fiscal year 2004 (Heisei 16). It builds upon the company’s intellectual property and the craftsmanship refined over many years.

 

Design Theme | “Walking for Peace”

I still vividly remember the experience when, while visiting other countries, I folded an Orizuru and people were delighted, commenting, “Hiroshima, the City of Peace.”

I designed this product by overlaying the image of the Orizuru, which connects wishes for peace across regions and national borders, with the image of Hiroshima, a city that has overcome adversity and continues to move forward with strength, imbuing it with the hope that “people will walk forward step by step, wishing for peace and happiness.”

The color scheme features red and white, which symbolize joy and celebration in Japan.

It expresses wishes for peace and happiness through beautiful, striking colors.

The visible area of the red changes depending on the size, allowing you to enjoy a different look with each pair. Additionally, by making the toe area red, the design offers practicality by making stains less noticeable.

 

Designer: Rie Hiromoto

A graphic designer and artist born and based in Hiroshima Prefecture. Founded “Hinekure Design” in 2013. Also a member of “H”ADC, the JAGDA Hiroshima Chapter, and the Ritsuheimensha group.

 

 

■ Orizuru PEACE Socks

Size: Unisex Free Size (22–26 cm)

Price: 1,650 yen (tax included)

Manufacturer: Corporation Pearlstar Co., Ltd.

Designer: Rie Hiromoto

Place of Manufacture: Hiroshima Prefecture

 

[Release Date] Tuesday, October 6, 2026

[Retailers] Hiroshima City Peace Memorial Park Rest House and other EARTH Hiroshima retailers (planned for gradual rollout)

 

In-Store Sales Event to Celebrate the Release

Hiroshima City Peace Memorial Park Rest House

 

Address: 1-1 Nakajima-cho, Naka Ward, Hiroshima City

Dates: October 6 (Tue) – 12 (Mon, holiday), 2026

Details: In-person sales event to celebrate the launch of the new “Orizuru PEACE Socks,” and sales of other EARTH Hiroshima products

 

80 items approaching our 10th anniversary. Showcasing Hiroshima’s craftsmanship and creativity

“EARTH Hiroshima,” a peace brand from Hiroshima reaching out to the world

EARTH Hiroshima is a Hiroshima-based “Peace” brand that connects Hiroshima’s manufacturing sector, renowned for its advanced technical expertise, with creators of exceptional artistic sensibility, providing comprehensive support from product development to sales.

Launched in December 2016 with four participating companies and 21 items, the brand will celebrate its 10th anniversary in December 2026. Today, 24 manufacturing companies and 22 creators are involved, and the product lineup has expanded to 80 items. For nearly 10 years, we have been dedicated to developing products that embody Hiroshima’s craftsmanship and design, showcasing the appeal of manufacturing born in Hiroshima, the City of Peace, to audiences across Japan and around the world.

Moving forward, EARTH Hiroshima aims to transform Hiroshima’s technologies and unique appeal, which are still largely unknown outside the prefecture, into products that can compete on a national and international scale. By encouraging more people to discover these products, the brand seeks to contribute to job creation and the development of the local economy.