Recently we went on a trip to Japan and though this was purely a family vacation, I thought it would be cool to check out some of the leather crafters in Japan. One of the biggest advantages of working with leather in Japan is the wide availability of materials and tools. You can simply walk up to any Tokyu Hands department store and there will be an entire aisle devoted to just leather and tools. I was in the middle of Kobe and had no trouble picking up a few tools and hardly had to go out of my way.
My favorite place though was Kyoshin Elle (協進エル), a leather store in Tokyo. They stock tools from all over including Seiwa, Craft Sha and of course their own brand. They have a healthy selection of leather and those very nice stamping tools that everyone on the leather forums always raves about.
(photo source: micsucco.weblogs.jp)
If you’re ever in Japan I highly recommend a visit to them. As a bonus if you do decide to go are all of the shops around Kyoshin Elle. Apparently there is an embosser who will do foiled engravings for your pieces very close by and I saw at least two sewing machine shops on my way from the subway. I visited a machinery store who sometimes carries used Juki sewing machines and Nippy skivers. He only had new ones when I stopped by but it’s definitely worth checking out.
I want to buy leather craft tool from kyoshine elly but I don’t know how to buy and pay via by?? And shipping. Would you please show me how to do it ??
Thanks for your interest. Being that we’re not affiliated with this store, it’s best to contact them directly for ordering and shipping information. Thanks for reading!
What’s the address of this shop?
Hi Viktor. Thanks for reading! I came up with the following address by searching online:
Japan, 〒111-0054 Tokyo, Taito, Torigoe, 2 Chome−１０−８
Is this a real picture of the store?
It is! Although it may have changed by now.
I found this website, providing all three brands you mentioned.
http://goodsjapan.com/leather-craft-items-14-c.asp
Very cool. Thanks for linking us up, Librium!
Wow! Japanese quality leather goods! Chanced upon this looking for Japanese leather workers. Wonder if they would be open to making custom wallets for “magic tricks” purposes.
Doesn’t hurt to reach out and ask!