About Japan Threads

Japan Threads is led by Jim and Akiko Austin, a husband-and-wife team with deep roots in Japan. Jim has lived in Japan for more than 30 years, and together they have explored the country from Hokkaido to Okinawa. Their firsthand travel experience gives them a deep understanding of Japan’s tourism culture and what tour operators need to succeed.

Why We Started Japan Threads
We founded Japan Threads to help tour companies stand out in a crowded market. Too often, even outstanding tours fade from memory once travelers return home. Our mission is to change that—by creating high-quality branded merchandise that keeps the tour experience alive. Through custom embroidered caps, iron-on embroidered patches, and printed t-shirts, we help operators turn guests into loyal promoters who proudly share their experiences both offline and online.

What We Do
Operating from Saga Prefecture, we supply Japan’s tour and travel companies with premium embroidered caps, embroidered iron-on tour patches, and custom printed t-shirts that turn your customers into walking advertisers and social media tour ambassadors. When guests proudly wear your merchandise and share their experiences online, your brand stays visible long after the tour ends. Because in tourism, nothing sells a great experience better than genuine word of mouth.

Supporting Japan’s Tourism Industry
As Japan’s tourism sector continues to expand, tour companies face intense competition to win and retain customers. Japan Threads helps them stand out with distinctive, professional merchandise that doubles as a treasured memento and a practical marketing tool. Every cap, patch, or T-shirt extends a company’s presence far beyond the tour itself.

Our Approach
Success in Japan’s tourism industry relies on trust, reliability, and attention to detail—values we live by. Japan Threads provides personalized service, flexible order sizes, and quick turnaround times for operators large and small. With bilingual English and Japanese communication, we bridge international manufacturing expertise with the quality, precision, and hospitality that define Japanese business.

Our Producers
We work with tested and proven Chinese clothing manufacturers who know the tourism market inside and out. Their factories produce only top-quality garments and accessories, blending precision craftsmanship with materials made to last. This partnership lets us deliver exceptional products at fair prices—without ever cutting corners.

Our Collaborative Approach
Understanding that tour companies need reliable suppliers who grasp the nuances of Japanese business culture, Japan Threads provides personalized service with quick turnaround times. The business operates with the flexibility to accommodate various order sizes, from small boutique tour operators to larger companies requiring bulk quantities. By maintaining English and Japanese communication capabilities, Japan Threads bridges the gap between international manufacturing resources and local Japanese tourism businesses.