Designer and Artisan Interview
DESIGNER INTERVIEW <Planning Division>
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OKADA Akihito
General Manager, Creative & Planning
I have been working in the bag industry for 28 straight years. Whilst having no academic or professional history in bag design, I was originally deeply interested in design in general. When designing, I usually visualize the bags balance in its entirety and grasp where and how I should incorporate ideal aspects. I also make it a rule to always touch and feel the fabric while drawing. If I do not adhere to this, there could be a substantial gap in difference between the initially envisioned design and the finished product. While we do consider the products usability, we find it just as important to pay special attention to the durability and stress-free structure of the product for the users. Recently, we've had many more customers ask us to repair bags that they purchased long ago and have used for many years. I think that this shows their appreciation and attachment to your work, and I am grateful for this. Although there's no perfection in creating bags, we still strive to create products the customers will grow attached to and will be satisfied in.
ARTISAN INTERVIEW <Sample Production>
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TOMITA Kazuyoshi
Modelist
I have been in the bag industry for 35 years now. When I was young, I had always wanted to be a photographer and got a job with a TV station in Tokyo, but my desire to make things became stronger. I came back to Toyooka, where I got involved with the bag industry. Simple bags were still mainstream at that time compared to now, making it the perfect time for starters like me to learn about the foundations of bag making. As I was given various kinds of work, I naturally gained knowledge and developed skills for bag making. My motto is "to make any kind of bag, from pouch to trolley suitcase." My strong suit is to take any bag design by the designer and to give it shape. However, I understand that my job is not to make pieces of art, but to make samples that consider manufacturing efficiency while taking in the flow of the factory, providing the users with functional tool-like bags necessary for their daily lives. I am thankful for the Internet that gives me the ability to hear from users directly.
ARTISAN INTERVIEW <Repair>
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FUKUI Mamoru
Repair Artisan
I have been in the bag industry for 30 years. I started my professional career in the industry at a bag storehouse and then moved to the manufacturing company.
At that time I was required to do everything necessary, so I feel that I was well trained.
My basic idea about manufacturing is whether or not you want it, and whether it is worth it or not. I am constantly thinking about this as I work.
Of course, we are thinking about efficiency to lighten our users' burden as much as possible. It is an honor to know users love their bags, use them daily, and to ask us to repair them. It is also delightful to know users will purchase new bags.
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SAKATA Yuji
Commerce Manager
My parents were bag makers and I remember when I misbehaved as a child they would often use bag parts to diciplin me. It's been 29 years since I entered the bag making business. I work hard every day and challenge myself by following my parents and learning from my seniors.
As I like tote bags, I sometimes make them during my free time.
I have a sort of philosophy about repairment, that's repairment is not only the restoration of damaged parts but also the prevention of damage by reinforcing weakened parts. I believe such care for both the user and bags is one of the most important parts of repaiman-ship.
Also, efficiency is just as important. I am try my best to reduce your concerns about time and money as much as possible.
ARTISAN INTERVIEW <Factory Headquarters>
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ARATA Mamoru
General Manager, Factory Headquarters/KAGEN Brand Manager
I have never been really crazy about bags but I love making things. It has been 30 years since I turned down this path. It just happened that I saw a bag right there in front of me when I decided I wanted to make things. I am very strict and picky about the appearance of completed products and thanks to my nature I always see things through to the very end. For example, according to the stitch size an appropriate needle is required and the stitch width of sewing machines sometimes requires adjustment depending on the nature of materials, like leather or clothe, also the size of the bag are just some things that need to considered.
I make it a rule to prioritize the total harmony and balance of the finalized products so that they will look beautiful and sophisticated.
Also, the real completion of the bag should be realized by the user' hands. I hope they use the bag to its full capacity everyday and in a way that it will match the user. Even if it breaks or there is any damage I will be sure to properly fix it.
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KOYAMA Masami
Factory Honcho
For me, bag making has become a sort of lifework since I have been in the industry for 45 years. Now I can envision all the processes clearly and precisely from the measurements, sewing to the finishing touch by looking at the design drawings only.
It was natural for me to get involved in bag making because I grew up in an environment where my parents and brother manufactured wicker trunks and bags. I believe I naturally learned dressmaking by growing up in this environment. In private, I even sometimes enjoy challenging myself with new things like reproducing bags from old clothes.
I hope to keep making each stitch from my heart so that I could create all kinds of bags. I wish the users of ENDO bags to love and use their bags for years to come.
ARTISAN INTERVIEW <Fiber Division>
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NAKAI Tetsuya
General Manager, Fiber Division
After doing sales work for five or six years, I was assigned to a position at the factory. I worked there in jointly with sales for a while, and now I manage the factory.
It is important for the creation of products from fibers to be precisely squared off at the edges due to their solidity. Whilst the functionality was formerly the most focused on as the fiber bag was used mainly in the industrial fields, recently the design and fashion for fiber bags is also required. This makes me believe in the changing times.
Even if the times do change, I do not want fiber products to die out, but hope to continue their production for the future and will keep challenging various shapes of fiber bags in addition to square ones.
The fiber product's history goes back to around the 1940s and is traditional and authentic. Fiber itself was often used by world-famous brands. Considering its nature, history and fame, fiber product is especially recommended for customers seeking individuality.