HAVEN Leather Craftmanship: A Long Tradition of Leathercraft

Himeji, in Hyōgo Prefecture, has been synonymous with leathercraft for more than a thousand years. Part of the historic Harima region, the city’s leatherworking traditions can be traced to the Heian period, when Harima was recorded as a centre of leather production in the Engishiki, a 50-volume compilation of Japanese laws, customs, and regulations completed in 927. Over the centuries, leather became an important part of life in Himeji, used for everything from armour and horse tack to everyday goods. The region’s distinctive white-tanned leather, known as Himeji-tan, became particularly renowned, while the knowledge and craftsmanship developed through generations continue to shape Himeji’s leather industry today. It is within this longstanding culture of leathercraft that the materials for our Turbine Jacket and Station Jacket Type 01 begin their journey. Transforming a raw hide into supple, durable leather is a gradual process requiring precision at every stage. From preparation and tanning through dyeing, conditioning, and finishing, each step changes the character of the hide while preparing it for the next. The process relies not only on specialized machinery, but on the experience of craftspeople who understand how the material should look, feel, and respond throughout its transformation. Preparing the Hide The process begins with preparing the raw hide. Large drums restore moisture and remove dirt and salt before lime is introduced to loosen the collagen fibres and