{
  "id": 11548838,
  "title": "FamilyMart’s sock became a prized souvenir. Now there are 47.",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/familymarts-sock-became-a-prized-souvenir-now-there-are-47",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-02T23:05:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Japan Times",
    "slug": "japan-times",
    "url": "https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2026/10/03/style-design/familymart-socks-47-prefectures-convenience-store-fashion/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "FamilyMart, a popular convenience store chain in Japan, has seen its green-and-blue striped Line Socks become a highly sought-after souvenir among international tourists. Since the launch of its Convenience Wear apparel label in 2021, the socks have quietly gained a dedicated fanbase. To celebrate its 45th anniversary since its rebranding in 1981, FamilyMart is expanding that trend with a collection of 47 pairs of socks, each representing one of Japan's 47 prefectures. According to Takehiko Sugai, head of Convenience Wear at FamilyMart, this marks the company's first attempt at a \"regional item\" designed to express gratitude to the entire nation and to convey thanks to all 47 prefectures for their support over the years.",
  "summary": "Modeled after each region's official flower, the commemorative socks expand on the convenience store chain's popular line of casual wear.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}