The Marunouchi store is led by manager Bessho—a devoted leather enthusiast who also holds a Leather Sommelier certification. With extensive knowledge of leather, a deep affection for the products, and genuine care for every customer, she is a highly respected leader at the Marunouchi location.

Her interest in leather was seeded by her deep interest in traditional Japanese craftsmanship during her college years.

“During university, I was fascinated by Nambu ironware, a widely-known traditional craft from Iwate Prefecture in northern Japan. I even wrote about it in my thesis on the theme of core competencies. It was a process that allowed me to truly appreciate the depth and excellence of Japanese craftsmanship and handmade production.

When it came time to search for a career, I knew I wanted to work somewhere that helped preserve artisanal craft. That’s what led me to Tsuchiya Kaban; a company that truly values its craftspeople and the continuation of traditional techniques.”

The Marunouchi location was where Bessho began her Tsuchiya Kaban career—and before she knew it, the store had become her passion. As she worked closely with the products, she found herself drawn further into the world of leather—its depth, complexity, and beauty—eventually earning her Leather Sommelier certification in 2022.

“The particular beauty of leather lies in how each piece ages uniquely with its owner. If a canvas bag becomes scratched or stained for example, it simply looks worn. But with leather, it’s a different story.

Marks and scuffs create depth, subtle shifts in color, and rich texture, transforming the piece into something full of character. Many people think leather is delicate, but it’s actually quite resilient — especially with care. And if you bring your Tsuchiya piece into our stores, we’re happy to provide free maintenance. I always encourage customers to use their leather freely and enjoy watching it evolve.”

Located by Tokyo Station, the Marunouchi store welcomes customers from across Japan and abroad—and for many, it serves as their go-to Tsuchiya Kaban location.

Some visitors stop by during their lunch break, while others come just before boarding the Shinkansen. Because of this, Bessho and her team balance thoughtful storytelling with concise guidance, adapting to each customer’s schedule and needs.

One of the store’s greatest strengths is its ability to offer truly personalized service—along with experiencing the products firsthand, and receiving complimentary maintenance.

Shopping in person allows customers to feel the leather, observe how it moves and ages, and receive advice tailored to their lifestyle.

Just as no two leather pieces age the same way, no two customer encounters are ever alike. At Tsuchiya Kaban, we enrich the shopping experience with the personal touches only an in-store visit can offer — meaningful connections, craftsmanship experienced firsthand, and care that continues long after purchase.

To mark Tsuchiya Kaban’s 60th anniversary in 2025, the Marunouchi store was thoughtfully redesigned in a new space within the same floor of the Shin-Marunouchi Building. A newly designed wide entrance and expansive windows invite abundant natural light, creating an open, spacious interior.

The minimalist space features concrete flooring softened by the organic textures of wood and leather, creating an atmosphere of relaxed sophistication. Thoughtful zoning and material contrasts guide visitors naturally through the store, balancing openness with moments of quiet focus.

Among the many exquisite details of the newly designed space, the custom leather counter stands as the centerpiece. Refined yet warm, it anchors the store and creates an iconic focal point that draws the eye.