The Best 5 Japanese Leather Brands to Know
Looking for leather brands in Japan?
Here are the best Japanese leather brands to know and to buy from.
1. PORTER (Yoshida & Co.)
PORTER (Yoshida & Co.) is a well-known Japanese brand that makes high-quality and durable bags and accessories.
Their leather items mostly come in the form of wallets and a couple of smaller bags, but don’t let the leather quantity reflect their leather quality.
Despite its minimalist design, their leather is very durable, lightweight, and comfortable to hold. Depending on the item, you’ll get one of their various leathers.
One of their leathers includes Dyneema Bonded Leather, a combination of the world’s strongest fiber and cowhide that’s thin and lightweight, that’s 15x stronger than steel.
2. Tsuchiya Kaban
Tsuchiya Kaban is a well-known Japanese brand that specializes in making high-quality leather goods.
What started as a Japanese school backpack bag expanded to different types of bags, wallets, and small items. They have everything you want and more!
Like any other Japanese artist, they hold themselves to the highest standard for each item they create. While their design may seem simple, the natural variation of the leather and how it ages make each piece unique over time.
They have over 50 years of crafting and leather care experience. They are a go-to leather brand when you’re in Japan.
3. GANZO
GANZO is another Japanese leather brand, but it specifically focuses on the leather-making process.
They give a step-by-step process on how their leather is made. From cutting, blackening the edges, creasing, assembly and sewing, folding the edges, and finally burnishing.
GANZO is very much dedicated to its leather craftsmanship for its wallets and handbags. Their philosophy centers on "genuine" craftsmanship, which also means allowing the natural leather wrinkles to be present.
They have many different leather series to learn through their Cordovan, N POLO, GUD leather collection.
4. HERZ
Another respected leather brand in Japan is HERZ.
HERZ is most well-known for its vegetable-tanned, full-grain leather, giving a durable, bright brown-orange leather that will develop a unique patina over time.
They really focus on highlighting all parts of the leather, even the imperfections. So, you’ll see natural marks from blood vessels, scratches, strains, and uneven coloring. Their philosophy is to make durable, long-lasting bags. Something easy to carry and use.
What also makes HERZ unique is that one marker is dedicated from start to finish to making their item. So even if they sell the type of wallet, for example, a different craftsman and leather results in many variations to choose from.
5. FUJITAKA
Finally, FUJITAKA is one of the best Japanese leather brands to look out for.
Since 1941, FUJITAKA has focused on bag innovation, meaning they want to create leather handbags that explore Japanese emotion and beauty that are stylish and chic.
They take immense pride in their leather goods. So much so that they are completely transparent on their materials and manufacturing processes, so that customers know how to use and care for their products
FUJITAKA is also environmentally conscious, trying to create items that will last.
Frequently asked questions
Does Japan have good leather goods?
Japan has one of the best craftsmen when it comes to leather goods. Many of them take pride in traditional techniques and the process to make something durable and unique based on the leather item.
What are some luxury Japanese bag brands?
Some Japanese luxury bag brands include ISSEY MIYAKE, Hamano Leather Crafts, and HERZ.
In closing
Many Japanese leather brands, from this list or not, take immense pride in their leather quality and craftsmanship.
Wherever you buy your next leather item, you can always trust Japanese artists to make the best leather item they can.