cocochi kobo’s cocochi kobo Melange Tote Bags are made from artificial leather. Artificial leather reproduces the fiber structure of natural leather, and feels just like the real thing. In addition, artificial leather is incredibly lightweight, and is resistant to scratches, water, and dirt—a weak point for real leather. The material requires no additional care, and you can use it in rainy weather without any concern. While there are various types of artificial leather, these tote bags are made from a type of artificial leather known as melange, which is known for having a lustrous surface similar to the appearance of Japanese washi paper. Even in black, the lightweight bag leaves a striking impression.

As Tumugi’s brand shop, cocochi kobo located in Asia Gathery in Nagata ward, Kobe, an area known for shoemaking. “Simple, orthodox designs are universal and ideal,” says owner Masamitsu Takayama. The bag is designed for functionality. Sewing the handle from the bottom adds more durability, and a flap on top prevents items from falling out. On top of that, the bag can be folded in half for easy storage. Both a short and long handle are available, allowing the purchaser to select the one that most fits their usage needs.

From a young age, Takayama handled various types of artificial leather alongside his father, a shoemaker. His upbringing allowed him to learn how to bring out the unique characteristics of the material. Since starting Tumugi in 2015, Takayama has continued to design simple bags made from artificial leather. “Recently we’ve seen customers come to us out of concern for animal welfare, buying our bags specifically because they are not real leather. While many people in Japan still prefer genuine leather, I hope to help more people learn about the benefits of the artificial material,” says Takayama.