Sustainable and traditional,
a new brand crafts of Koshu Inden.
About
"obudo", the new brand
produced by Inden Yamamoto.
"obudo" is a new brand of Inden Yamamoto, which challenges to create new Inden while preserving the tradition of Koshu Inden.
New patterns and products have been developed to fit the digital tools and modern lifestyles.
"obudo" uses Ultrasuede®, an unwoven plant-based material instead of the usual deer leather.
This cutting edge material has the texture, suppleness and grain of leather while being vegan (non-animal).
Combined with the natural lacquer that makes up the patterns, Ultrasuede® takes Inden objects to a new level of durability.
Plant based &
Animal-free Material
Plant based & Animal-free
Material
Ultrasuede® is a luxurious, highly functional material that has evolved through repeated cycles of technological innovation. It represents Japanese quality and is at the forefront of the world of new materials. The soft texture, touch and outstanding quality of this functional material contribute to its continued adoption in advanced applications worldwide.
Since its launch in 1970, Ultrasuede® has been featured in many iconic and era-defining applications. Toray started commercial production of its non-woven material with a suede texture, which uses recycled resources derived from plants as part of its raw materials, for the first time in the world in 2015.
Factory
Inden Yamamoto
Traditional Crafts Made from Deerskin
Inden Yamamoto was established in 1955. Inheriting the skills of his predecessors, craftsman Yusuke Yamamoto perpetuates the tradition of Koshu Inden while being involved in new collaborations with different brands, video game studios, mangas.
Being both director and craftsman, Mr. Yamamoto is committed to developing contemporary Inden patterns and creating unprecedented products.
In 2016, he was selected to represent Yamanashi in the Lexus takumi project sponsored by Toyota, proving the excellence of his products and the high level of his Inden techniques.
Yamamoto Makoto, the former president of Inden Yamamoto was certified as a master of Japan Traditional Craft Koshu Inden (General Section) in 1996, and for the first time of 22 years, his eldest son Yamamoto Yusuke also acquired she same qualification in 2018. As of 2022, Yusuke is the only one master in his field.
Process
01 07
Cutting Pattern Paper Painting Material Take Out the Lacquer Lacquering Peef Off Completed
Before cutting each product into its respective shape, the product is cut into a rectangular shape using a tongs to avoid waste.
Ise-katagami, a traditional craft, is made by carving katagami processed with persimmon tannin on layered Japanese paper.
Lacquer is used as the paint. The use of lacquer makes the leather skin extremely smooth.
Remove lacquer with a spatula.
Lacquer is applied to the deerskin. By drawing straight and without too much force, a beautiful glossy lacquer will rise up.
Deerskin is removed from the katagami.
Once the lacquer is hardened and processed into a product, it is finished.
Patterns
4 Original Patterns
“Yama”, mountain and “nashi”, pear. Yamanashi Prefecture has long been known for the quality, variety and abundance of its fruits.
Mountains and fields, rivers filled with abundant water, delicious grapes, pears, apples, peaches and other fruits that come from nature's bounty are all elements that typifies the landscape of Yamanashi. Inspired by this beautiful scenery, we have incorporated the theme of nature into our brand and proposed new Inden patterns.
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01Waterdrop
Kofu is known for its abundant rainfall and the bounty of nature, and is also known for its exceptionally tasty fruits such as grapes, peaches, pears and apples.
The waterdrop pattern expresses the rich river and rain that flows through Kofu in Yamanashi.Kofu is known for its abundant rainfall and the bounty of nature, and is also known for its exceptionally tasty fruits such as grapes, peaches, pears and apples.
The waterdrop pattern expresses the rich river and rain that flows through Kofu in Yamanashi. -
02Cracs
Pattern of natural cracks that appear in fields after fruit, rice or harvesting.
Pattern of natural cracks that appear in fields after fruit, rice or harvesting.
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03Crystal
Kofu, seen from above, consists of a variety of fields. The different crops in each field show different patterns and they are like crystals. Koshu was also famous in the Edo period for its crystal. Today, it is also known for its many workshops producing accessories.
Kofu, seen from above, consists of a variety of fields. The different crops in each field show different patterns and they are like crystals. Koshu was also famous in the Edo period for its crystal. Today, it is also known for its many workshops producing accessories.
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04Cell
Many of Yamanashi's famous grape varieties, from wine grapes to table grapes, grow in clusters of spheres with gaps between them. The roundness and organic beauty of the overlapping grapes is expressed in a gradation pattern of gaps and three-dimensional dots.
Many of Yamanashi's famous grape varieties, from wine grapes to table grapes, grow in clusters of spheres with gaps between them. The roundness and organic beauty of the overlapping grapes is expressed in a gradation pattern of gaps and three-dimensional dots.
Products
01Strap Pouch
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Strap Clasp Pouch
Size: W135 x H200 x D35mm
Inspired by a rounded fruit shape, the clasp style pouch is ideal for carrying small items such as smartphones and wallets.
With a zipped pocket for receipts and tickets.
Can be worn on the shoulder or across the body with the adjustable strap.-
Cell - Pink
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Waterdrop - Pink
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Crystal - Cameo
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Crystal - Partridge
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Cracs - Clay
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Crystal - Clay
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Cell - Plum
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Strap Pouch
Size: W121 x H206 x D25mm
Inspired by a rounded fruit shape, the strap pouch is ideal for carrying smartphones, wallets and other small items.
Can be worn on the shoulder or across the body with the adjustable strap.-
Cell - Pink
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Crystal - Cameo
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Crystal - Partridge
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Cell - Partridge
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Crystal - Clay
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02Clasp Pouch
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Clasp Pouch
Size: W125 x H136 x D20mm
A small pouch with a round shape inspired by fruit, perfect for carrying daily small items.
It can be used as a cosmetics case or wallet, and is also suitable for storing wireless earphones and charging cables.-
Cell - Pink
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Waterdrop - Cameo
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Crystal - Partridge
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Crystal - Clay
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Waterdrop - Plum
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Clasp Hexagon Purse
Size: W152 x H100 x D42mm
A small purse featuring a honeycomb hexagonal design, perfect for carrying daily small items.
It can be used as a cosmetics case or wallet, and is also suitable for storing wireless earphones and charging cables.-
Waterdrop - Pink
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Crystal - Cameo
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Waterdrop - Cameo
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Crystal - Partridge
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Cell - Partridge
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Cracs - Clay
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Crystal - Clay
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Cell - Plum
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Eyewear Case
Size: W80 x H192 x D55mm
A long pouch with a round shape inspired by fruit, perfect for carrying eyewear, combs, daily cosmetics and accessories.
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Waterdrop - Pink
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Crystal - Cameo
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Crystal - Partridge
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Cracs - Clay
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Crystal - Clay
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Cell - Plum
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Coin Purse
Size: W80 x H125 x D50mm
A coin case with a round shape inspired by fruit, perfect for carrying small items.
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Waterdrop - Pink
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Crystal - Cameo
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Waterdrop - Cameo
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Crystal - Partridge
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Cell - Partridge
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Cracs - Clay
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Crystal - Clay
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Cell - Plum
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03Other
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Multi-Belt
Size: W300 x H147 x D45mm
A belt with mobile pockets to carry just what you need.
The pockets can be be worn across the body by putting them through the belt, or they can be connected to each other and used as a hip bag.-
Crystal - Cameo
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Crystal - Partridge
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Crystal - Clay
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Card Case
Size: W120 x H73 x D10mm
A key case with an irregular shape inspired by fruit.
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Waterdrop - Pink
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Crystal - Cameo
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Crystal - Partridge
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Cracs - Clay
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Crystal - Clay
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Waterdrop - Plum
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Key Case
Size: W65 x H114 x D110mm
A key case with an irregular shape inspired by fruit.
Even with keys, it is compact and easy to store in a pocket or bag.-
Cell - Pink
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Crystal - Cameo
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Crystal - Partridge
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Cracs - Clay
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Crystal - Clay
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Cell - Plum
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craftsman
Produced by
Yusuke Yamamoto, Inden Yamamoto Co., Ltd.
Representative Director / Koshu Inden craftsman.
The founder of Koshu Inden, Yamamoto Kinnosuke, was Yusuke's grandfather. His father Yamamoto Makoto is the creator and first Lacquered deer hide leatherworker in Japan.
Yusuke started leather working professionally in 2001 and his vision for Koshu Inden is to continue the tradition while adapting to new times. He actively takes part in collaborations and exhibits, and works to make Inden more widely known and familiar.
Designed by
Takumi Shimamura Design, Qurz Inc.
Designer & representative of Tokyo based office Qurz Inc.
Provides a wide range of designs including DOCOMO mobile phones, automobiles and sightseeing buses, small-scale residences, interiors, furniture and industrial products. Takumi Shimamura won various awards such as the Japan Good Design Award. Since April, 2015, he produces gift item such handy ceramic coffee mill, real wooden tablemat, various wooden items, all hand made in Japan.
Contact
Please contact us by e-mail.
contact@obudo.jp
