The Kuramae area of Tokyo is known for its strong manufacturing spirit. During the Edo period, this area had many stables for raising cows and horses, and was an important hub supporting the flow of people and goods.

Currently, the main street in front of Kuramae Station is lined with a variety of stores, including general stores and cafes. One of these stores is THOROUGH BRACE Kuramae, which sells leather items in a fully glass-walled store.

The brand name "THOROUGH BRACE" comes from "Thoroughbrace," a piece of leather horse tack used to connect the horse to the carriage, and is said to embody the desire to "create products that will support people's lives, just like in the Kuramae of the past."

Since its founding, the brand has continued to utilize the technology of Kuramae's local factories to create products based on the concept of "leather products that fit into your daily life and become more appealing with continued use." We explore the appeal of this brand.

I was attracted to his approach to manufacturing

"Ever since I was a child, I loved making things with my own hands, and I naturally became interested in Japanese 'manufacturing' and 'craftsmanship.' When I visited Kuramae as an exchange student in Japan, I was attracted to the people who were serious about manufacturing, and I began to have a strong desire to work in Kuramae."

These were the words of Lee Su-min, who came to Japan from Korea to study, worked part-time at "THOROUGH BRACE Kuramae," and is now the store manager.

Among the many stores, he chose "THOROUGH BRACE Kuramae" because the store and the workshop are close to each other, creating an environment where the process from production to sales can proceed smoothly. He also says that being able to work surrounded by people who are sincere in their work was also a deciding factor.

The thoughts behind our hand-sewn leather products

"THOROUGH BRACE Kuramae" sells mainly cowhide leather products, all of which are hand-sewn and carefully finished one by one by 14 staff members in a workshop near the store.

"We believe that one of our important missions is to create products that will make Kuramae a town we can be proud of and to pass them on to the future."

Li's words convey his pride and confidence in the brand.

Experience the warmth of handmade crafts at the workshop

In order to convey the appeal and fun of making such leather items, "THOROUGH BRACE" started a leather craft workshop "Kuramae Leather Class" in 2024. You can choose from six types of leather items, such as coin cases and smartphone shoulder bags, and experience making them.

"The workshops are also an opportunity to communicate our brand's commitment. We deliberately choose to use the same materials as our actual products so that the items made in the workshops can be enjoyed by our customers for a long time in their daily lives," says Li confidently.

We provide careful support for each and every production process so that even beginners can enjoy the process with ease. Another attraction is that you can create highly original items because you can freely arrange them with charms and engravings.

Li told us the story of a couple who attended a workshop who came to make matching items for each other on their anniversary.

"When we finished the workshop and were seeing them off, they told me, 'The time we spent creating something together was special.' I still remember the smiles on their faces."

"Not only the finished product, but the process of making it itself is special. I hope that the time spent making leather products in the workshop can add a little color to the lives of the people who participate."

Special moments created by craftsmanship

During the workshops, Li accompanies the participants as they make their items. He says he is always touched by the enthusiasm of the participants and realizes the wonderfulness of craftsmanship.

"When I see the items that everyone has made, my heart is filled with surprise and joy. Even though the same materials and processes are used, the items that are shaped by each individual's personality and thoughts are truly one of a kind."

Perhaps because of the enthusiasm of those who participated in the workshops, many people return to take part again bringing friends and acquaintances. In the future, there are plans to hold online classes and on-site classes so that even more people can experience the appeal of leather items.

"In the future, I would like to participate in local events and take on the challenge of connecting people in the community with THOROUGH BRACE."

From "THOROUGH BRACE" to our customers and their loved ones, the joy of craftsmanship will continue to spread.

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THOROUGH BRACE 
電話：03-5821-6627 
住所：東京都台東区蔵前 4-21-10 1F  
アクセス：都営大江戸線または都営浅草線「蔵前」駅下車徒歩3分 、JR総武線「浅草橋」駅下車徒歩12分 
HP：https://www.thoroughbrace.com 
SNS：https://www.instagram.com/thorough_brace 
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