THE WARMTHCRAFTS-MANUFACTURE is a leather goods brand that originated from Shinki Leather, a tannery founded in Himeji in 1951. Designer Hiroshi Yoneda talks about the thoughts he put into the brand and the amazing qualities of Shinki Leather.

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View THE WARMTHCRAFTS-MANUFACTURE product list at the Mitsukoshi Isetan online store.

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Hiroshi Yoneda's career began as a photographer. After studying fashion design in the United States, he started working as a photographer in his hometown of Kobe to broaden his range of expression. After two years as a photographer, Yoneda launched his long-desired brand with an acquaintance. That brand is THE WARMTHCRAFTS-MANUFACTURE .

"At the time of launch, we were sourcing various types of leather from overseas. Back then, I didn't know that Japan had a tannery culture. Looking back now, I think there was hardly any direct interaction between tanners and creators."

Hiroshi Yoneda, designer of THE WARMTHCRAFTS-MANUFACTURE

In an era when information had to be gathered through one's own efforts, Yoneda discovered that there was a leather production area in Himeji, and that's how he ended up at Shinki Leather.

"When I toured the factory, I was so impressed by its excellence that I decided I wanted to make my mark with this cordovan leather. The brilliance of that cordovan leather has continued to illuminate my future."

THE WARMTHCRAFTS-MANUFACTURE , which champions the idea of learning from the past to create something new, maintains an authentic look while boldly exploring new possibilities. For example, a long wallet that is made thin by employing time-consuming processes such as full-surface skiving and pressure bonding with a special adhesive, and by removing the gusset. Or a card case with large dividers to improve storage. Yoneda is not afraid to cut into the structure and improve functionality. The interior, covered with horsehide, is also a luxurious and highly durable specification that should not be overlooked.



Yoneda's aesthetic sensibilities also manifested in the emotional aspects. There's a deep navy, aptly named "Dark Dark Navy," and an ice gray that exudes a dignified atmosphere. This unprecedented, modern color palette clearly highlights a clean, refined presence.

"There is absolutely no compromise in our manufacturing process. The texture, which is described as moving, and the freedom to create any color—from vivid to melancholic—all stem from our shared commitment to pursuing the ideal product image. If I were to compare my relationship with the craftsmen to a musical session, I would say it's similar to a musician's jam session."

The standout feature of this brand is, so to speak, the result of a mutually beneficial relationship, made possible by a production system that handles everything from tanning to finishing in one go. However, even for THE WARMTHCRAFTS-MANUFACTURE , the lead time for cordovan is one year, so it seems there is no favoritism in that regard.

What kind of tannery is Shinki Leather? And what makes the cordovan leather that Yoneda fell in love with so special?

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