Wako's original started after Toru Wada, the current chairman, succeeded his brother and became president in 1985. OEMs are the center of production, but they often use their own proposal as a starting point. Mr. Wada is particular about "walking" when creating an original. "You can't create anything just by being cooped up inside. If you go to Himeji and visit the tanneries there one by one, you'll come across interesting leather that isn't on the market yet. That’s what you have to find." An embossed crocodile leather that is sharpened by hand, or leather that is made by stopping just before the finishing dye and hand wiped. Seeing these unique leathers, you will be more motivated to create and come up with ideas. Mr. Wada says that he still cuts the mold himself and makes the prototype.
A cracking striped leather business bag that is hand-patterned by skilled craftsmen on high-quality nubuck leather, and a light and supple horse leather tote that doesn’t even weigh a kilogram. Advantic-finished leather, which gives you a sense of one-of-a-kind, takes a painted leather and applies another thin coat of a different color giving it a sense of changing shades. The chemical used for this leather was collaboratively developed with the tanner. The company's original brand "BUBONA" takes its name from the guardian deity of cows in Roman mythology, which suggests the awe and respect they feel for leather. Certainly, all of the company's leather products have a story to tell.
"You can't take it too seriously. You have to pique the customer’s curiosity. That's added value. In this era, leather that makes the most of its individuality and characteristics sell better. When we , the creators, come across interesting materials, it’s really exciting.