Koichi Fujishiro

The process of changing the "skin", which is the skin of animals, into "leather" so that it can be used as a tool. Craftsmen with that technique called tanning are called tanners. "Fujitomi Kogyosho", located in Higashisumida, Sumida-ku, downtown Tokyo, is a long-established store that has been in business for 70 years. It is a tanner who specializes in crocodile leather because the process is difficult and there are few craftsmen who can handle it in the world. As a tanner, he belongs to a union called "Crocodile Specialist" to which high-class maisons such as Hermes belong (there are about 30 places in the world!), And has won high praise at the French exhibition where materials from each country are available. it is possible to glimpse also from the fact that. This time, the third generation that, provide a "freeze Tech" is also to a certain Fujishiro's the company's Board of directors in the tanning craftsman. we interviewed their stay. "you always out steam from the drum , I use a lot of boiling water during the tanning work. That is, it is very hot (laughs). Even during the long vacation of employees, I can not stop the work, so I sometimes work alone, but this year's Obon holiday I almost fell down. ”It is said that the temperature inside the factory can exceed 40 degrees Celsius. However, there are many tasks that use a large amount of chemicals during the process, and the factory is well ventilated. That's where "Freeze Tech" comes into play.

"This is ... a good thing. I keep sweating, and it feels great when the wind hits. I think all the craftsmen in the same environment want it,"

he said. Mr. Fujishiro who gave me. Nowadays, he wears a craftsman's waraji, but he is exhibiting at overseas exhibitions and conducting various activities.

"I am confident that I can produce good crocodile leather. However, Japanese craftsmen, including us, are not good at promotion. However, we have to change it. We will disseminate old-fashioned Japanese technology and essence overseas. I'm doing a lot of trial and error. "

* Also pay attention to the brand "Fledge", which was imported, tanned, and manufactured at Fujitoyo Kogyosho.