At Munekawa's workshop in Daikokucho, Osaka, we are currently producing a new fragment case.
Completion is scheduled for within the year, and this time we would like to give you a small glimpse into its progress.
It all started with a new product meeting for the "Border" round zipper wallet
The genesis of this new product came during one of our weekly new product meetings, when we were discussing improvements to Munekawa's long wallets.
The topic shifted to the specifications of the coin purse inside the long wallet. That's when a staff member suggested, "Why not add card pockets to the coin purse?"
From that conversation, we continued with, "How about we make a fragment case with card pockets in the coin purse?" and "That sounds convenient." So we decided to try making a sample.
We were supposed to be discussing improvements to existing products, but before we knew it, we were planning a new one.
It might be a very Munekawa way of working, with a small team handling everything from planning to production, for the next product to emerge from casual conversations among the creators.
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Make it, use it, make it again. We're currently on the 6th sample.
Sample production began in mid-June. Since then, we have created and refined six samples.
In the prototyping phase, we're particularly focused on creating wooden molds for neatly attaching zippers.
When making round-zipper wallets and similar items, the zipper isn't attached flat. Instead, it's laid along a wooden mold that matches the product's curve, and then attached while shaping it.
For small items like fragment cases, the way the zipper is attached significantly changes both its appearance and usability. This time, too, we are handcrafting the wooden molds to match the new shape, ensuring a clean and stable attachment.
Another aspect we're continuously testing is the number of cards and usability.
We create a sample, use it in our daily lives, and then gradually adjust its shape while checking "how many cards feel comfortable" and "is it smooth to take cards in and out." The ability for the creator to also be the user is a process unique to small workshops.
A size similar to a smartphone, fitting comfortably in the hand
The size is being designed to be similar to a smartphone, so it fits comfortably in the hand.
It's intended for those who primarily use cashless payments but want to carry a small amount of cash and about 5 to 8 cards.
For those who say, "I don't want a big wallet, but I want to carry at least some cash and cards," this item is likely to become a perfect companion.
Completion is scheduled for within the year
We will continue production of the new fragment case with the aim of completing it by the end of the year.
Creating samples, using them, and then improving them. It's a painstaking process, but we believe that this accumulation of effort results in tools that can be used for a long time.
We will introduce it again on this blog once it's complete, so please look forward to it.
Munekawa is a leather goods brand with a directly managed store and production workshop in Daikokucho, Osaka. We produce and sell simple leather accessories that pursue the natural texture of leather and functional usability.
If you are interested in Munekawa products, looking for a leather gift, or unsure which leather product shape suits you, please feel free to contact us.
We welcome inquiries by email and visits to our directly managed store. We look forward to serving you.
▶︎Click here for details on Munekawa's direct store in Daikokucho, Osaka
