Welcome to Maker's Watch Knot
MUSUBU PARTNER
Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture
Sakamoto Shoten was established in 1923, and it continues Himeji’s leatherwork tradition to
this day. It is the only workshop in Japan capable of overseeing the entire process in-house, from tanning to
lacquer coating. Third-generation craftsman Hiroshi Sakamoto perfected the “Himeji Kurozan Leather”, elevating its
texture and color to an art form. Over a decade, he has introduced it to the European fashion industry, earning
widespread acclaim both in Japan and abroad.
Committed to sustainability, the workshop minimizes the use of
chemicals, creating eco-friendly leather that is highly regarded worldwide.
This is reflected in awards
received, including the METI Manufacturing Industry Bureau Director’s Award and the Japan Eco Leather Grand Prize
at the Hyogo New Leather Contest (2012, 2013, 2018), the Best New Leather Award at Hong Kong APLF, Asia’s largest
international leather industry exhibition (2014), and the prestigious Première Vision Leather Handle Prize at the
Paris PV Awards (2016).
Kurozan Leather: “The Black Diamond of Leather” once used in the armor of elite warriors.
Layer upon layer of lacquer is applied to create its exceptional luster and sheen.
Recognized as a luxury material, it is featured in a variety of high-end products.
Himeji Kurozan Leather Strap
Kurozan Leather combines two of Japan’s traditional techniques – tanning and lacquering – to achieve both exceptional durability and beauty. Its gem-like sparkle, created by layers of lacquer, has earned it a reputation as “The Black Diamond of Leather”.
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