Beyond Durable: Crafting Pieces You’ll Love for a Lifetime
In today’s world, we are surrounded by fast-fashion and quick-demand items—affordable, convenient, and satisfying in the moment, but often short-lived or costly in less visible ways.
What, then, gives an item the true quality and timelessness to remain part of our lives for decades? And why is that more important than ever today?
At Tsuchiya Kaban, product longevity is not just a value—it is a principle woven into everything we do. This commitment, however, has roots in a very specific story as Randoseru crafters, that shaped the foundations of our identity. Why do we insist on crafting pieces designed to stay by your side for years, even decades? Workshop Manager and longtime craftsperson Kanazawa shares the story of how this became a cornerstone of who we are.
One of our core design principles is timelessness; crafting pieces that resist short-term trends, carrying enduring appeal and the potential to grow in character over time.
This emphasis on longevity is rooted in our beginnings as Randoseru makers. A Randoseru must last through all six years of elementary school, enduring energetic play, rough handling, and daily use, while carrying deep sentimental value that makes it irreplaceable. Because of this, durability and long-term use became second nature in our craft, across all of our collections.
Over our years of crafting Randoseru, we’ve also witnessed something profound: when belongings are loved for many years, the sentiment lingers within them. They carry memories and bonds that can even outlast their original function. It is this relationship—where time itself deepens value—that inspires our unwavering commitment to timeless design.
The bags and accessories we love should remain with us for years—if not decades—across the many chapters of our lives. Leather, with its natural tactility and graceful aging, is uniquely suited to this role. It doesn’t just endure; it absorbs time, becoming a beautiful keeper of moments and memories.
From the left: used for 4 years, 3 years, 5 years, 8 years, and 10 years (Nume L Zip Wallet)
In much of today’s world, aging is often seen as negative. Yet working with leather, I witness the many ways in which aging becomes a wonderful gift. Over the years, leather develops a rich patina, molding itself to the movements of its owner and revealing a deeper beauty unique to each piece—its expression changing depending on how it is cared for and the environment it lives in. Even identical designs will age differently after five or ten years, reflecting the life of their owner.
While many modern leathers are processed to require little upkeep, we see this era of convenience as the perfect time to reintroduce the joy of care—building companionship with belongings that share our daily moments. This philosophy has guided our approach to leather for decades.
Simplified Elegance: Crafting True Companions
Durability alone is not enough. For an item to truly remain with us for decades, it must also bring beauty and joy.
Our process begins with design: Our process begins with design—creating leather pieces with timeless appeal that transcends trends and seasons. From there, we pair the right materials, techniques, and construction to ensure long-term functionality and strength. These two pillars—beauty and durability—are essential to pieces that will be cherished for years.
At Tsuchiya Kaban, our deep knowledge of leather and dedication to minimalist design allow the material’s natural beauty to shine. It may be this desire to honor the leather itself that has shaped our preferences for timeless creations.
Supporting Longevity in Practice: Care and Repair
For many brands, the shopping experience ends at the register. For us, that’s where the journey truly begins. That’s why we offer in-person leather care at our stores, along with tailored maintenance advice for each piece. When repairs are needed, our in-house craftspeople take care of them; an increasingly rare service in today’s world.
The more time we spend with a piece, the more memories it carries, making it irreplaceable. Trends may shift, but the companions we care for become uniquely ours—which I think is an idea gaining importance in this age of rapid change.
Repair Process: Aligning the front and back leather needle holes with pins before applying adhesive
Repair Process: Re-threading the pre-existing stitch holes one by one
*Repair services are available to our global customers as well, who are welcome to reach out through our Repair Inquiry form. We’re also here to answer any questions about maintenance or usage of your particular piece through our Contact form—supporting you in making your journey with Tsuchiya pieces as rich and joyful as possible.
At Tsuchiya Kaban, even our craftspeople and administrative staff—those who do not normally meet customers—have opportunities to sell Randoseru directly; an experience that reveals firsthand the excitement and anticipation of our customers, reminding us why longevity matters.
Over the years, these experiences have shaped a shared belief in crafting products that can stay with people for life. It is the same, universal desire we hold in our own lives—that the items we love will stay with us as long as possible.
This simple yet profound foundation drives us to craft timeless designs and support product longevity; an approach that has remained unchanged since the very beginning.