Young people across Japan are experiencing a renaissance of knitting, driven largely by their fascination with Korean idols and the influence of social media platforms. Reports suggest this new trend, identified on March 15, 2025, has significantly increased yarn sales at specialty and handicraft stores, particularly in the Chugoku region.
According to 47NEWS, the knitting boom can be traced back to the visual inspiration young individuals find in videos posted by popular Korean idols. "Young people are turning to knitting, inspired by Korean idols and social media," one source noted. These idols have provided not only the motivation to start knitting but also have popularized the craft among their followers, adding to its newfound popularity.
Many young people are now attempting various knitting projects, with social media platforms serving as the primary source of tutorials and inspiration. Various shops have reported shortages of knitting needles and yarn, emphasizing the rapid pace at which interest is growing. The phenomenon has sparked both enthusiasm among craft enthusiasts and concern among retailers trying to keep up with the demand.
Inside the Chugoku area, local stores are struggling to maintain their inventories, witnessing unusually high sales. Specialty craft shops, once predominantly attracting older generations, are now filled with enthusiasm from younger customers eager to absorb and learn the art of knitting. Shoppers are exploring various patterns, colors, and textures, igniting collaborative crafting events and knitting clubs among peers.
The flood of interest by young crafters has also prompted stores to host workshops aimed at teaching this traditional skill, ensuring it doesn’t get lost amid advancing digital technologies. Participants often leave with finished products, providing immediate satisfaction and motivating them to continue their knitting endeavors.
This knitting trend coincides with broader patterns observed within youth culture, which includes the revival of traditional crafts as forms of artistic expression and self-fulfillment. With more young people actively participating, knitting is reshaping the narrative of these activities as both relevant and stylish.
The impact of social media cannot be overstated: platforms like Instagram and TikTok have become treasure troves for knitting enthusiasts sharing their work, discussing techniques, and offering support. These platforms mirror the community feel of past knitting groups, adapted for the digital age. Users frequently refer to specific idol-led initiatives, illustrating the direct connection between fandom and personal creativity.
Looking forward, the trend is expected to develop even more, with increased visibility likely leading to innovations and collaborations intersecting with the wider crafting industry. Industry analysts suggest the knitting boom might be just the beginning of other crafting activities rising to prominence as young people seek unique, personalized forms of expression.
While the knitting boom has enriched the cultural fabric of craft traditions, it also poses questions about sustainability and the sourcing of materials. Local craftspeople aim to respond with environmentally-friendly yarn options, aligning with the growing preference for eco-conscious buying among young consumers. Awareness of these issues is likely to shape future movements within the crafting community.
With knitting becoming more than just a hobby among many young creators, it’s evident this craft trend will linger long beyond its initial excitement. Young knitters are reshaping how we view traditional crafts, connecting them with contemporary culture through their unique lens.
Shops are now seeing lines for yarn purchases, and the crafted items are being showcased on social media with great enthusiasm. Young people's engagement with knitting is not merely about the act itself, but also encapsulates broader themes of identity, community, and creativity, many of which are instigated by influential figures within pop culture.
It's exciting to witness the revival of knitting among young people, potentially indicating a return to valuing skills and crafts once relegated to the past. Whether this interest flourishes or fades, it has undeniably woven itself tightly within today's youth culture, with colorful stories and warm items being produced one stitch at a time.