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E-mail:sk-hryu@topaz.plala.or.jp

https://himejikurozan.net/
・tsukagawaya
http://www15.plala.or.jp/show-miyabi/

zan・kurozan net

kuro367-1 Ogawa, Hanada-cho, Himeji-shi, Hyogo,ji》

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SAKAMOTO CORPORATION“ Hime ji- Ku r o z a n g a w a ” , kn o wn a s “Bl ack Di amon d of Le a the r”《EnglishAbout Himeji Kurozan

Production of Kurozan leather

Himeji Kurozan leather, made from Japanese Kuroge Wagyu cattle, combines the traditional Japanesetechniques of tanning and lacquering.
Kurozan, also known as the “Black Diamond of Leather,” is a beautiful type of leather that appears to bestrewn with a countless number of small diamonds.
Today it is utilized in martial arts equipment such as chest and trunk protectors for Kendo.
It is said that this leather was used to make armor and helmets for generals during the Sengoku(Warring States) Period.

SAKAMOTO CORPORATION carries out the entire production
process spanning from tanning to processing.
All fur is removed from rawhide of Kuroge Wagyu, which is thentanned to a white color and soaked in plant tannins.
We have used this tanning technique for nearly 10 years.
Next, the leather is soaked in liquid iron.
The liquid itself is not black, but the tannins and iron have a chemical
reaction that dyes the light-brown leather to a black shade.

Himeji Kurozan brand concept

The texture of Kurozan leather includes embossed, hand-rubbed and
KIWAMI types.
Lacquer is repeatedly applied to the bumpy texture by hand and thendried.
These multiple layers of lacquer create a sense of luster and volume,
and also enhance the glossiness of the black color.
Only a small amount of rare Kurozan leather can be completed via
labor of this sort.
Even a dedicated craftsman can only make around 20 pieces per month.

Based on Kurozan leatherʼ s historical background and the unique qualities of this material, we intend to
showcase the concept of “The Japanese Leather” and increase recognition via a proactive approach that
includes industries in which this brand̶which has been developed together with the products̶has not beenhandled before.
In this way, we will explore new possibilities for leather and leather goods.
We will dedicate eﬀorts to making Himeji Kurozan into a Japanese brand that can be shared with the world,
hoping to create a brand that is highly evaluated in the market and inspires people to want to own it.

Sakamoto Corporationʼs dedication to craftsmanshipAll processes are completed in house!
To create the ideal Kurozan leather, it is necessary to produce a leather base that matches well with lacquer
and allows for the best lacquer application.
The ideal Kurozan can only be manufactured with thorough knowledge of the special characteristics andphysical properties of both the leather and lacquer.
Eco Leather Certiﬁcation
We have produced leather that is kind to people and nature via environmentally friendlytanning techniquesthat use as few chemicals as possible.

About Himeji Kurozan leather KIWAMI
At the 2014 Hong Kong Asia Paciﬁc Leather Fair−Materials,

The world's best fashion material fair "Premiere Vision"

Manufacturing & Technology Exhibition (APLF−MM&T), Himeji

At the textile award hosted by "PV Award"

Kurozan leather KIWAMI was the ﬁrst Japanese product to win theI received the ﬁrst "handle award" as a Japanese companyBest New Leather Prize.

in the leather sector.

In this tanning technique, the leather is not only kneaded by handTo fuse domestic Japanese Wagyu leather, tanning andbut also processed in other ways to create a bumpy texture.

lacquer technology,

To make this Japanese leather̶based on the principle of “ﬂuidity

Japan's unique leather processing technology was highlyand immutability”̶we utilize the lacquerʼ s characteristic drying

appreciated.

◎ Exhibition and Awards History ◎2004

Outstanding Award in Hyogo New Leather Contest2008

First participation in Tokyo Leather FairChief Jurorʼ s Award in Hyogo New Leather Contest

2010

Governorʼ s Award in Hyogo New Leather Contest

2012

Directorʼ s Award from Manufacturing Industries
Bureau of the Ministry of Economy,
Trade and Industry and Japan Eco-Leather Award in
Hyogo New Leather Contest

2013

Trade and Industry and Japan Eco-Leather Award in
Hyogo New Leather Contest
2014

as bags, shoes, etc.

First participation in APLF in Hong Kong

「KIWAMI」「KIWAMI」

2014 HONG KONG APLF

2016 Première vision

Black

Best New Leather Grand Prize

IndigoHandle Prize

The Best New Leather prize at the Best of APLF
Awards of APLF‒ MM&T2016

The judges praised the usage of traditional leather, which has existed
since the time of Samurai, in the realm of contemporary fashion such

Directorʼ s Award from Kinki Bureau of the Ministryof Economy,and hardening properties and leverageour tanning and lacquering
techniques to draw out the leatherʼ s charm to the maximum degree.

Himeji Kurozan Leather

In Paris Premiere Vision
Handle Prize Winner2018

Hand-rubbed, Enbossed (Black)

Hyogo New Leather Competition
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Award &Received the Japan Eco Leather Award

Hand-rubbed, Enbossed (Brown)
2008 〜 2011
World-Class Standard Oeko-Tex Standard Class 2 Certiﬁed
7 Japan Eco-Leather Certiﬁed Products(Maintaining this standard till now)

「KIWAMI」
KAKITSUBATA
Enbossed (Indigo)

Garment Use (Black)

Garment Use (Brown)