Tour and Encounter Kagawa Prefecture, Japan’s Number One Glove Production Area – History and Innovation of Gloves
Kagawa Prefecture faces the warm Seto Inland Sea and is known as an udon prefecture. In fact, this area is the top producer of gloves in Japan. The prefecture's delicate and precise techniques are utilized to produce a variety of leather products other than gloves.
In recent years, a store resembling a gallery has opened in the area. Let's go on a road trip to discover the history of gloves, artisans called “masters” and excellent items.
A brand that reviews current standards and produces leather goods with designs that fuse sophisticated forms with unique functionality. All items, including limited editions, are lined up in the space where the store and factory are integrated.
VINTAGE REVIVAL PRODUCTIONS factory & limited store
https://www.vrp-jp.com/
Address: 9-155 Higashi, Dokei-cho, Marugame-shi, Kagawa
Business hours: 10:00 - 19:00
Closed on Thursdays (other irregular holidays apply)
15 minutes by car
The Seto Ohashi Bridge is the collective name for six bridges spanning the Seto Inland Sea through the beautiful archipelago of islands, the first in Japan to be designated a national park. The world's largest bridge, with a series of suspension bridges, cable-stayed bridges, and truss bridges, is a spectacular sight. On clear days, it is a fun place to take pictures.
40 minutes by car
Atelier and store directly managed by leather brand “RAGTIME”. The store carries many standard items, accepts made-to-order orders and repairs, and offers leather classes for small groups of customers. The shop aims to be a place where customers can encounter high quality leather products.
round.
http://round-web.net/
Address: 366-1 Tamura-cho, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture
Business hours: 11:00 - 19:00
Closed: Wednesdays, Thursdays, and the 3rd Sunday of the month
40 minutes by car
This museum was created in 2008 to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the glove industry. The museum exhibits a variety of glove-related collections. The museum also has a wide range of items, including gloves used by Olympians, historical artifacts, and valuable documents of our predecessors who have left behind great achievements.
Kagawa Handbag Museum
https://www.tebukurokumiai.jp/museum/
Address: 1810-1 Minato, Higashikagawa-shi, Kagawa
Business hours: 10:00 - 17:00 (open until 16:30)
Closed on November 23, Year-end and New Year holidays
5 minutes by car
A manufacturer led by Tetsuya Hirata, a craftsman renowned as a master of gloves. Gloves that can be used as pocket chiefs, fingerless type, and stand out for their one-of-a-kind presence. Custom-made to size is also available.
Hirata Store
https://hirata-glove.com/index.html
Address: 516 Minato, Higashikagawa-shi, Kagawa
Business hours: 9:00-17:00
Closed: Saturday, Sunday, Holidays
8 minutes by car
Since its establishment, LUBOA has continued to produce delicate and strong leather products with its advanced sewing techniques cultivated through the manufacture of leather gloves. The company offers an original brand that combines design and ease of use. Visitors can also take a tour of the factory.
Ruboa Design Shop
https://ruboa.com/design-shop
Address: 1097-3 Matsubara, Higashikagawa-shi, Kagawa
Business hours: 9:00-17:00
Closed: Sunday