The six-person staff at the workshop attached to the company's directly managed store in Daikokucho, Osaka, handle everything from product planning to design, production, and sales. These staff members are extremely knowledgeable about Munekawa products and use them in their private lives as well.
In this blog, we will be introducing some of our staff's favorite products in an interview format. We will be sharing the appeal of these products in detail, which we can only introduce because we are the ones who actually use and make them.
Staff Profile
- Name: Jun Takahashi
- Responsible for: Overall production process
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Years with the company: 12th year
--I am in charge of all aspects of production at Munekawa's workshop, and this year marks my 12th year at the company. All production processes at Munekawa are carried out by a small number of people, so I am constantly honing my skills as I make products.
Favorite items: L-shaped zipper Cram & card case Tuck
Everyday carry style
--I want to carry as little luggage as possible, so I try to keep my carry-on luggage as compact as possible. I carry my wallet and card case in my pants or jacket pocket so I can quickly take them out and use them.
When I started using this product
-- I've been using both Cram and Tuck for about seven years. There are many Cram bags with the same shape but different leather types and versions, so I use samples made each time. I've been using the same Tuck bag for seven years.
Cram that I have been using for 7 years
When we create a new product, we try it out for ourselves first to see how it feels to use. Cram and Tuck started using a sample we created about seven years ago .
--At first, I started using it to see if it felt comfortable to use or if there were any inconveniences, but I found that its functionality and compactness suited my lifestyle, so I've been using it ever since.
What I like about it
--Both items combine ease of access, storage capacity, and compactness , and I find the balance between them appealing.
-- The Cram is compact, but I can fit enough cash and cards in it for me, and I like the Tuck because it doesn't take up much space in my pocket and is easy to carry around. I keep a small amount of cash in it along with my cards, so when I'm in a store that only takes cash or when I can't use my card due to a communication problem, I can often get by with just the Tuck.
--Even though cashless transactions are becoming more common, there are still many situations where you feel the need for cash , so the combination of these two items is convenient.
What we focus on in production
- The careful finishing of the edges (cross-sections of the leather) is something we pay particular attention to when we make our products. The edge treatment does not directly affect the functionality, but we believe that when you pick up an item with a beautifully finished edge, it is the first thing you notice about its quality .
--We also place importance on the smoothness of opening and closing zipper wallets. When attaching the zipper, we use a wooden mold that we make ourselves. This wooden mold is attached so that it fits along the guide.
Products like Cram, which have curved zippers, are particularly difficult to make, but we use a carving knife to carve the wooden mold and adjust the shape so that the zipper can be attached smoothly. We believe that the accumulation of such meticulous work is important for efficiently producing high-quality products.
Maintenance frequency
--You can use it without any maintenance, but by caring for the leather from time to time, you can use it for a longer period of time and keep it looking nice. You can do it whenever you feel like it, but we recommend once a year if possible. We also offer pre-purchase and after-care services in our store, so please feel free to take advantage of them.
He basically chooses colors based on black.
Cram and Tuck, who would you recommend?
--I think it's good for people who want to store the minimum amount of cash and cards they need in a compact space . It's especially recommended for people like me who carry their wallets in their pants or jacket pockets.
I think the combination of these two items is useful for people who like a minimalist style of belongings , or for businessmen who want to maintain the silhouette of their suit .
About the Munekawa brand
--I think it's a brand that pursues the essence . It continues to make truly good products without being influenced by trends. That is Munekawa's attitude.
--Also ,
We feel that valuing long-term relationships with our customers is also a hallmark of Munekawa. When we see the products we receive for repair, we can see that they are truly cherished and used, which makes us very happy.
summary
Through interviews, we introduced the appeal of items that the production staff actually use.
We plan to continue publishing interview articles with our production staff on an irregular basis. We will be sharing stories that only Munekawa staff can share, such as their commitment to craftsmanship, recommended items, and the appeal of leather, so please look forward to it.
