This Japanese-Western style tote bag is made with a combination of domestic tatami mats and natural leather. The tatami part of the bag is made in Kumamoto and has a sweet smell, and the leather part is made of luxurious, silky black leather. It’s the perfect size to hold a wallet, smartphone and small carrying items. The bag also suits not only western wear, but also goes well with Japanese clothing. It was created by Nakamura Tatami Factory in Gonohe-cho in Aomori Prefecture, established in the late Edo era about 220 years ago.
The company’s tatami has always been existing closely in people’s daily living since the Nara period; therefore, it can be said to be product that represents a unique and proud culture of Japan. However, the domestic living environment is changing from Japanese-style to Western-style, and the reality is that about 80% of the tatami mats currently in the market are made overseas. The rush farmers who support domestic tatami mat production have decreased to about 10% since the peak times. Under these circumstances, the company is determined to promote domestic tatami products and their unique smell, texture and changes in color over long-term usage, and most importantly, the benefits of their use.
To realize this hope and promotion, former professional baseball player Wataru Nakamura, who is now the eighth head of the family-established company “WALT’Z” (trademark registration pending), is a collaboration brand of tatami mats and leather. WALT’Z takes advantage of the tatami mat process to produce and sell bags, fashion accessories, baseball gloves and more, as well as custom-made items. There is a common feature between tatami mats and leather, both of which show changes in color when aging. The product is a “domestic handheld tatami mat” which is the hope to please people by its aging process.