About

Kyoto Makotoya

A Kyoto-based leather atelier rooted in materials, production discipline, and quiet craft.

What We Are

Kyoto Makotoya is an atelier label developed by Tanigawa Co., Ltd. (est. 1975), a company specializing in natural leather materials and OEM production support. We design and produce leather DIY kits and small leather goods with a focus on calm usability, refined structure, and long-term responsibility.

Our stance

We don’t chase loud novelty. We build objects that hold up—physically, and quietly.

Expertise & History

Phase 01

Materials & OEM Production

Since 1975, Tanigawa has worked with natural leather materials and supported production for apparel and leather goods—planning, sourcing, and manufacturing coordination.

Phase 02

Pattern & Structure Audit

We audit patterns and construction for manufacturability—stress points, seam logic, assembly order, and production stability. It’s engineering, not decoration.

Phase 03

Atelier Label

Kyoto Makotoya was launched as a focused output of our accumulated practice: minimalist leather objects and Leather DIY Kits designed for global craft and design communities.

Pattern auditing desk with leather patterns and dual monitors

Material Standard

Our standard is defined by physical facts, not marketing language. We select leather for durability, structure, and how it ages with touch and time. Each kit is designed around the material’s behavior—flex, tension, thickness, and stitch response.

“Craft is not a style. It’s a contract with time.”

Material-first design: form follows the leather’s strength and flexibility.
Repairable logic: parts and assembly are made to be redone, not disposable.
Consistent sourcing: controlled lots and repeatable specs when possible.

*Specific tannery and tanning method may vary by model and production lot.

Atelier & Founder

Muneshige Tanigawa Founder

Based in Kyoto. Background in fashion design and pattern-making, with professional experience in Tokyo and ongoing work in leather materials and production support. Currently also teaching product design (part-time) at Kyoto City University of Arts.

Education Central Saint Martins (London), MA Fashion (Graduated 2000)

Experience Design planning & pattern-making (Tokyo — Comme des Garçons)

Focus Leather structure, repeatable production, and quiet craft objects

Atelier mindset

We treat “making” as a form of attention— slow hands, clear intent, no unnecessary noise.

Company Profile

Brand	Kyoto Makotoya
Parent Company	Tanigawa Co., Ltd. (est. 1975)
Base	Kyoto, Japan
Core Work	Leather materials / OEM production support / Pattern & structure audit Leather DIY Kit design
Made In	Japan
Wholesale	Wholesale is available on Faire.

*Wholesale orders are accepted via Faire during Phase 1.