FACTORY | JAPAN LEATHER JOURNAL

LEATHER FACTORY

Thunder Trading Co., Ltd.

Starting with OEM (original equipment manufacturer) of major companies, the original brand is Tokyo. Produced in Asakusa. The company manufactures, plans, and wholesales a wide variety of men's shoes, including business shoes, casual shoes, and western boots. Participated in Tokyo Foot Tailor, a men's shoe brand that promotes "size-based shoes" for Japanese leather shoes.

Nomura Seisakusho Co., Ltd.

A leather accessories manufacturer that celebrates its 100 year anniversary in 2023. Achieve high-quality manufacturing through integrated production from planning. It is supported by the excellent skills of the craftsmen who hold the first class of "Small article technology certification (leather division) examination" which is difficult to obtain. Following Nomura Seisakusho's original brand name, CROCCO debuted. High quality leather accessories are popular.

DECORTE

Shoemaker established in 1983 in Asakusa, Tokyo. The appeal of making shoes made in Japan is the skilled craftsmanship. Every process in the company's workshop is handled by craftsmen, making a definite difference in quality. Rather than simply upholding the traditions, craftsmen, and pride of Asakusa, the shoemaking district, we will continue the tradition and open a new era of shoemaking without fear of change.

The Esperanza Institute of Footwear Design & Technique

The first shoemaking school in Japan opened in 1973 in Asakusa, Tokyo, and has produced many creatives. 2021: Moved to Osaka. Professionals on the front lines of the field are in charge of teaching. In addition to a new Business Course, the curriculum has been renewed. They can learn "skills and knowledge for making shoes" and "how to make a living with shoes" in one year.

Tokyo Metropolitan Vocational Skills Development Center Taito Branch School

The only public vocational training facility in Japan where you can learn how to make shoes. Students learn to make leather shoes for one year from April and aim for employment. In addition to veteran instructors, the training center offers a full range of mechanical equipment. Enrolled students come from all over the country. In addition, short-term training is held at night for those who work in the leather-related industry of small and medium-sized enterprises.

Verb Creation Co. Ltd.

Verb Creation, which has been in business for 18 years, is a small shoe factory behind Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, Taito-ku. The company was one of the first to launch casual shoes in Asakusa, which has a long history of shoe making. Their brand "Udot", which offers a playful concept, can be customized from a wide variety of designs and sizes. Their directly managed store "To Style Works" (Sendagi) is also popular.

Toyooka KABAN Artisan SCHOOL

A school specializing in training leather experts has opened in Toyooka, Hyogo, Japan's number one bag producing city. No experience needed to enroll.
Learn the spirit and technology of beautiful Japanese manufacturing through bag making.
The instructors are mainly active craftsmen. A special course on artisan wallet making has also started.

Masumi Hono

A comprehensive bag manufacturer founded in 1916. Offers Business card holders, briefcases, chests, and other leather goods of all sizes. There is a factory shop on the premises. Their new type of formal 'exam' bag has gained attention.

Kaname Co. Ltd

A factory in Higashisumida known as the Tokyo leather district.
Known for their handmade products that possess the trust and technique that the skilled craftsmen have acquired over the years. Each piece is carefully hand-painted, and the rich textured craftsmanship leads to beautiful aging.

Yuri Co., Ltd

A manufacturing company that offers their services globally.
In addition to receiving special awards and category awards at Japan's largest leather product competition "Japan Leather Awards", they are highly regarded overseas for their design and quality.

Nakashima Leather Co., Ltd.

Produces natural textured leather with a focus on eco-friendly leather materials that meet Japanese eco-leather standards.
Values the condition of each hide and uses the qualities of the materials to their full advantage.
Offering one of a kind leather making in which customers can experience the pride of the craftsmen.

No, No, Yes Himeji STUDIO

A place where you can seek and deliver creative chemical reactions.
There is also a leather wear dyeing area in the studio.
The company's masterpiece "Shosa" is each made by hand in this workshop without using a sewing machine.

CONY

Known for their unique white leather among the Toyooka bag manufacturing industry, which boasts a thousand-year history. All craftsmen wear lab coats and gloves during production, and pay extra attention to their work. Their strong water-repellent series is perfect for the rainy season.

HIMEJI KUROZAN

Tanner founded in 1923 which offers integrated production of the traditional Himeji 'Kurozan' black leather. Using domestic Japanese black cow, they combine traditional Japanese tanning technique with lacquering methods to create a "Black Leather Diamond".
Highly acclaimed at home and abroad, and attracts leather fans.

Elver Kasei Co. Ltd

Founded in 1970. Tanning both North American and domestic raw hide and produces leathers used for shoes, bags, and clothing. The bulk of their products are leather materials for women bags, small leather goods, and base materials.
They offer factory tours for students and are active on social media.

Sansho Co., Ltd

Since its establishment, SANYO has been manufacturing leather that meets the needs of their customers. In recent years, they have started creating environmentally conscious leather materials.
Opened a exhibition space (Leather Gallery) on the premises in 2015. Also offers leather for hobby and crafts. Individual customers can also purchase in small lots.

SANYO LEATHER CO. LTD

A long-established tanner with a history and tradition of 110 years. In addition to producing authentic full vegetable tannin leather in a rare tannin pit, they offer integrated production at their factory which is one of the largest in Japan. They hold Japan's top share in leather for men's shoes.

Moriyoshi Tanning Industry Co.

Started with thin and soft clothing leather. Currently mainly produces furniture, interior leather.
Responds quickly to the latest trends and offers diverse products. Their olive oil soaked leather is also popular. Known for their reliable quality and fast delivery.

Matsuoka Hikaku

A long-established tannery that takes traditional methods and actively develops new techniques. Known for their supple, soft textured tanning. Launched their own original brand which offers an exceptional lineup of wallets and accessories with excellent design and high functionality.

Daito Roman Co.

Leather factory established in 1945 in Soka-shi, Saitama. Their integrated production of all-domestic cowhide（calf and kip suitable for shoes, bags, accessory goods） which they procure from skin is popular. Factory tour and spot sale for the users is popular as well.

Ito Sangyo Co.

They install the latest equipments while making use of the techniques they inherit. The factory works on improving their quality. They are well known for their soft leather, development of eco-friendly Japanese eco-leather certification business, and collaborations with creators.

Tochigi Leather Co.

Established in 1937. They are highly rated overseas as a tannery that specializes in full-vegetable tanning leather. They succeeded with their branding by becoming well known to leather lovers by their “red tag” that guarantees the quality. They opened their antenna shop in front of Tochigi station in spring of 2020.