We've spent the past year searching Japan for a leather accessory company that would fit the mold of a company we'd like to work with over the long-term. We wanted products which were built well, designed for daily use, had soul, and were sold at a reasonable cost. We've found that company, they call themselves Kawatako.

After World War II the Japanese became infatuated with the thick and heavy wallet styles which American troops had on the bases in Japan. Following the war a Japanese man which was staying with American troops taught himself how to make wallets by hand. Within months he was making wallets and belts, trading them with American troops and receiving American whiskey in return. He was so talented at producing intricate stitches and patterns by hand the Japanese dubbed him "The Small Hand Kid".

This was the beginning of classic western style wallets in Japan.

The two men behind Kawatako respect these early Japanese techniques in dying, cutting, and sewing leathers and have devoted their lives to the craft of leather accessories. Dying each leather piece by hand using the finest quality vegetable based dyes their pieces show an attention to detail which reflects their years of studying early American-style Japanese leather craft from the 1940's to the 1960's.

In Japanese "kawa" means leather and "tako" means octopus. Embodying everything sturdy and versatile, Kawatako pieces are leather with soul.

We start this journey with Kawatako with six items which are available now at all three Self Edge stores and in our online store. Check the online store for specifics on each item along with hi-res photographs.

Shop Kawatako


Kawatako Leather Half-Fold Wallet - Black



Kawatako Leather Half-Fold Wallet - Tan



Kawatako Dual-Prong Leather Belt - Black



Kawatako Dual-Prong Leather Belt - Tan



Kawatako Brass Key Hook



Kawatako Indigo-Dyed Cotton Duck Camera Case

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