We manufacture leather products in our atelier in Daikokucho, Osaka.

What I feel while making things every day is, This is the universal appeal of leather as a material .

I feel that leather has a mysterious power that allows it to continue to be a part of people's lives, even as times and trends change.

In this article, I would like to briefly look back on the history of leather, while also considering the current trends that are attracting attention, and how we should deal with leather in the future. Please read to the end.

Why leather is timeless and popular

Leather has been used since ancient times as a strong and durable material. In addition, it has the characteristic that its texture changes with use, so you can enjoy the feeling that it gradually becomes more familiar to you as you live your life.

 

Another big attraction of leather is that it is easy to repair and maintain, and can be used for a long time. Even if it gets torn or worn, it can often be repaired and reused.

Reference: About Munekawa's "repairs"

Even if it breaks, it is easy to repair, One of the great features of leather is that scratches and scuffs can be enjoyed as part of its character and individuality .

These characteristics have made leather products popular not only as practical items, but also among people who seek individuality and affection in their possessions. The appeal of leather products deepens the longer they are used, which is probably one of the reasons why leather products are still chosen by so many people today.

Changes in leather products through the ages

Ancient and Middle Ages: Leather culture centered on practicality

Looking back at the history of leather, its primary use was as a practical tool, such as for horse tack and armor .

For example, the bridle leather that Munekawa uses is processed to enhance its durability and water resistance, and has been valued as a material that can withstand long periods of use.

At Munekawa, we carry a wide variety of leather made using the traditional vegetable tanning method, including Buttero and Bridle leather.

This technique, which uses tannins extracted from natural trees and tans leather slowly and carefully over a period of time, is filled with the wisdom of our ancestors.

When I think about how people in the Middle Ages carefully made the things they needed for life with limited resources, and how they cared for and used them for a long time, I feel that the values ​​of that time are still present in the texture, scent, and changes that occur over time of vegetable tanned leather.

Reference: About the "leather" used by Munekawa

Modern and Contemporary: Leather products becoming part of fashion

The Industrial Revolution led to mass production and made leather goods more affordable.

Jackets, bags, wallets, etc. became widely available to the general public , and leather established its position as a "high-quality material."

Cordovan, which is now popular , was once used for items that required durability, such as horse tack.

It is only in relatively recent years that it has gradually become recognized as a luxury item due to its rarity.

However, while mass-produced goods are on the rise due to technological advances, more and more people are finding value in " items that are carefully crafted one by one ."

"It's robust and meticulously crafted without compromise."

"Something that allows you to empathize with the creator's intentions and thoughts"

The idea is that choosing the item that suits you best from among these and using one item for a long time will enrich your life.

Munekawa is also a small workshop, but we produce leather products every day based on the brand concept of " making leather products that can be used and loved for a long time ."

For example, even when looking at a single stitch, careful attention is paid to the spacing of the stitches and the tightness of the thread, and every effort is made to achieve both beautiful appearance and practicality.

It takes a lot of work, but I feel that the results of that effort are clearly evident in the texture you feel when you pick it up and the feel it has when you use it.

Through this approach to production, we hope to bring out the inherent power of the leather and deliver products that will be loved for a long time.

Today: Towards sustainable and minimalist design

In recent years, the value of leather has been reevaluated from a sustainable perspective. The idea that leather is a natural material and can be used for a long time leads to a reduction in the environmental impact, and consumer awareness has changed.

At the same time, changes in everyday life are also influencing the way leather products are made.

With the spread of cashless payments, small and thin wallets and card cases are becoming mainstream.

In line with the idea of ​​carrying only the bare necessities, minimalist designs that eliminate all unnecessary elements have become popular.

Munekawa is also keeping up with the times and working to create products that are both easy to use and have the texture of leather .

We pay attention not only to thinness, lightness, and functionality, but also to the texture when touched and the calm appearance, striving to naturally convey the charm of the leather itself.

Reference: Special page Munekawa's craftsmanship

Future trends in leather products

The values ​​expected of leather products are gradually changing with the times. What kind of leather will be used in the future? We will introduce the current predictions for the future of leather products .

1. Personalization is key
It is expected that the demand for personalization, such as name engraving and semi-order, that allows you to enjoy a special feeling that is unique to you, will increase in the future. It is also popular as a gift, as it is a special item that conveys your feelings to the other person.

Reference: Munekawa's name engraving

2.Leather manufacturing with reduced environmental impact
Ethical manufacturing methods that use recycled leather and new processing techniques are also evolving. We respect traditional techniques while developing leather products that incorporate new technologies to meet the needs of the times.

Reference: Munekawa's Environmental Initiatives

Going forward, we may be entering an era where leather products will be chosen not only based on the materials and design, but also on the thinking and attitude behind them.

summary

Leather products are a material that develops a deeper character and a unique texture the longer you use it. It naturally blends into your daily life, and you grow to love it more and more with each use, which I think is one of the unique charms of leather.

Even as times and values ​​change, the quality of carefully crafted leather products remains the same.

At Munekawa, we strive to create products that take advantage of the appeal of leather and gently fit into the lives of those who use them.

When choosing a leather product, consider the material, the tailoring, and whether it suits your intended use. I'm sure you'll find a product that you'll want to use for a long time.