View the SLOW & CO Collection at Tempo Design Store.
"There are three workshops nationwide, and all of our products are developed and produced on the second floor of our directly managed stores. There are three bases in Osaka, Kyoto and Kamakura, and there are about 15 craftsmen in total. We produce 30% of SLOW’s products in our own workshops, and we take the time to create products that cannot be outsourced. In addition, there are seven directly managed stores nationwide." - SLOW & CO.
How did SLOW & CO start, who are the founders?
We started by basing our ideas on what we would wont to use and own. We thought of the product against the background of American casual and traditional style which we like.
Although there were bags used as tools on the Japanese market, there were few Japanese brands that incorporated fashion elements as their base. Therefore, we started branding by utilizing Tochigi leather, a traditional Japanese company, and focusing on products that would bring maker and user together.
Who are the designers of SLOW & CO? Could you describe to us the main philosophy of the brand?
Mr. Yoshito Fukada is the designer of SLOW & CO.
Rather than simply creating decorative products, we would like to develop products that utilize leather and fabrics that have a solid history behind them, and that will remain for generations to come, in any era, for many years to come.
What are your favourite SLOW & CO products?
306S41K, 858S04L, 49S300K (made from Tochigi leather)
858S41P, 858S40P (made from Himeji leather)
HS90P, HS68J (made from Himeji leather)
What types of leather does SLOW & CO utilise?
The main products are made using traditional Japanese leather, full vegetable tanned
(eco leather) leather made by Tochigi leather Co., Ltd. We also use cordovan leather from Himeji leather and import leather from historic tanneries around the world to Japan, and our craftsmen create products for us. We also carry a wide range of leathers used by global maison brands.
The majority of our products are made from full vegetable tanned leather, and many of them develop a rich character the more you use them, but recently we have been seeing more and more use of chrome leather.
Describe to us a bit about the factories of SLOW & CO, what does it look like and how many people are working in the factories?
There are three workshops nationwide, and all of our products are developed and
produced on the second floor of our directly managed stores. There are three bases in Osaka, Kyoto and Kamakura, and there are about 15 craftsmen in total. We produce 30% of SLOW’s products in our own workshops, and we take the time to create products that cannot be outsourced. In addition, there are seven directly managed stores nationwide.
What is the best asset of SLOW & CO?
Production techniques by craftsmen that Japan takes pride in.
Apart from the SLOW Authentic Goods Store, could you recommend to our readers some spots to visit in Tokyo and Osaka?
Our offices are in Osaka and Tokyo, and the SLOW & CO brand has been based in Tokyo since 2008. Tokyo has the Skytree and Shibuya for culture, Osaka has the 2025 World Expo, and Kyoto has the historic townhouses and Kiyomizu-dera temple. Every region has its own good old traditions and scenery, and four seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter. We think the charm of Japan is that it looks different with every season.
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View the SLOW & CO Collection at Tempo Design Store.
