Our Leather & Materials

A well-made randoseru begins with the right material for the way it will be used. Our collection includes natural leather and lightweight synthetic options, with the material and finish specified on each product page.

Tochigi leather: character that develops with use

Selected models use vegetable-tanned Tochigi leather, valued for its natural character and the way its colour and surface develop over time. It is a choice for those who enjoy the changing appearance of leather, rather than expecting every piece to remain identical.

Tochigi leather is used on selected models, not across the entire collection. Please check the product specifications for the material used on the flap, body and other components.

Shell Cordovan: a distinctive expression of Japanese leather craft

Known in Japan as the “jewel of leather”, shell cordovan is a prized material taken from a particular layer in the horse's hindquarters. Its carefully finished surface and firm structure give it a distinctive character in fine leather goods.

In Murase Kabanko's Takumi Cordovan, cordovan is used on the flap, while the body is Cowhide Strong leather. This is an introduction to the material, not a statement that every Takumi or every bag in our store is made from cordovan.

Interested in a cordovan randoseru? Contact us about current sourcing options. Available models, colours, prices and delivery timing must be confirmed before ordering.

Cowhide and lightweight synthetic materials

Cowhide and synthetic materials offer different balances of structure, weight, finish and care. Selected children's models use coated cowhide; others use synthetic materials such as Clarino or L-fort. Synthetic leather is not animal leather, and a leather description should never be assumed to apply to the whole collection.

Compare the stated material and weight of the individual model, and consider who will carry it and what they need to carry. Different components of a bag may use different materials.

From material to finished bag

Material selection is only the beginning. Cutting, thinning, stitching and assembly all contribute to the finished form of a randoseru. Learn more about Kawasuki, the leather-thinning process, and the care behind its construction.

Care for the finish, not just the leather name

Care requirements depend on the material and surface treatment. Follow the instructions for your particular model; do not assume that every leather needs cream, oil or conditioner. If you are unsure, contact us before applying a care product.

Explore our randoseru collection or read our care guide.

Material references: Tochigi Leather and Murase Kabanko's Takumi Cordovan.