FACTORY BASE

STRIVE FOR MASTERPIECE
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STORY

master-piece is founded on the concept of “made in Japan” since it started in 1994, when the idea of menʼs fashion bags was in its infancy. Since 1994 master-piece has strived to adapt the needs of the era to its own brand identity.

Established in 2008, BASE OSAKA is the in-house master-piece factory. At that time, the concept of brands building their own factory was met with much scepticism within the industry. This has however shifted in recent years, with many companies and brands exploring the importance of sustainable manufacturing.

“Made in Japan” bag brand master-piece was established in 1994, a period when men's bags were not yet firmly established in the fashion market. Since then, we have helped establish men's casual bags as one of the key fashion categories, and have released numerous series with the needs of the times and our own identities.

BASE OSAKA was born in 2008 as the in-house factory of master-piece. At that time, the concept of brands building their own factory was met with much scepticism within the industry. This has however shifted in recent years, with many companies and brands exploring the importance of sustainable manufacturing.

Passing on the craft of Japanese bag making to the next generation

Against a backdrop of manufacturers moving overseas, in 2008 we made the decision to secure the future of our production by establishing our BASE factories in two leading Japanese production centres, Osaka and Hyogo Prefecture’s Toyoka City. During this time, domestic bag factories were undergoing great stresses from issues such as recession, the ageing of craftsmen and a lack of apprentices. The technical knowledge and spirit that supports Japanese manufacturing was at risk of being lost gradually. We asked ourselves, if nothing is done, how long can this situation be sustained? Another year, ten years, twenty years? At master-piece we have always been conscious of this problem.

Our BASE factory is our attempt to deal with these issues. We aim to improve quality and usability through close cooperation between planning and production departments and as a “Made In Japan” bag brand, continue to provide better products for the world whilst passing on the knowledge of craftsmanship to the next generation. Aside from a small number of collaboration items, all of our products are produced domestically, the majority of those at BASE. Our team of young apprentice craftsmen work closely with our skilled craftsmen on a daily basis, building an environment where new technology and ideas can be developed and shared.

NEXT STAGE

Last year, BASE OSAKA was renewed to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the brand and to pursue the creation of new masterpieces. Aiming to further enhance quality and productivity, we both expanded the scale of the old factory and enhanced it's facilities and the working environment. At BASE OSAKA our goal is to create one of the worlds' leading bag factories, whilst passing on Japanese bag making skills to the next generation.

CONTINUING TO PURSUE FURTHER MASTER-PIECE'S

BASE OSAKA has about 50 employees in a wide range of occupations, including sewing workers who are generally called craftsmen, cutting workers, pattern designers, production management, repair staff and inspection staff. Employees of a wide range of ages, from the early 20s to the 70s, support master-piece manufacturing. Working in an environment that does not separate in terms hierarchy, skilled craftsmen convey skills and knowledge to the younger generation who in turn produces ideas that are not bound by stereotypes. Collectively the goal is focused on working hard to pursue world-class masterpieces.


In addition, we have a dedicated staff who repair bags that have been used for many years. We have thereby worked to created an environment where users can use the master-piece bags that they have cherished for a long time.

Furthermore, in order to convey the joy of manufacturing as well as bag production, BASE OSAKA craftsmen carry out workshops focussed on how to make small leather goods while giving a lectures, and go to a master-piece directly managed stores to make custom-made bags on the spot. We are also carrying out special sewing events.

Looking ahead to the Japanese manufacturing industry in the future, we will take the technology and craftsmanship that we have cultivated so far to the next level, evolving as a BASE that will establish master-piece as world class made-in-Japan brand.