The main body and handle are crafted from Japanese Linden trees (Tilia Japonica) that are over 150 years old in Hokkaido, which are grown in the severe cold.

For the closure, we use a harder wood than linden. Oak, maple, birch, Japanese cedar, Japanese sorrel, Chinese osmanthus are used, depending on the design.

The production period varies greatly depending on each piece.

Each KINOKABAN is a collaborative masterpiece between the craftsman and a linden. Simple designs take a few months, while intricate designs with carving and lacquering can take several years.

It takes a long time to get to this point: the tree takes 150 years to grow, is cut down, and dries for 10 years. The tree is then cut down to the right size for a bag, and then it is left to grow for another year or so.

It is easier to answer by asking, "How long did it take you to make the bag I see here?” on a case-by-case basis. You can ask the artist himself for more details about each piece at the exhibition site or in the atelier.

No, all processes from design to production are handled solely by Yuuki Kamei.

No, there are no standardized bags in KINOKABAN. Each design is created to utilize every part of the wood, making each bag unique and unrepeatable.

Unfortunately, we do not accept custom orders at the moment.

We would like you to choose the one that fits your own image from among the uniquely finished pieces. You can also visit our atelier and tell us what you have in mind from among the works in progress.

• No special care is required.
• We recommend storing the product in a well-ventilated place out of direct sunlight. Please avoid storing the product under direct sunlight or in extremely hot or humid places for long periods of time, as this may cause deterioration, mold growth, or fading of the product.
• Due to the nature of wooden products, they may be damaged or scratched by dropping, impact, or rubbing. Please handle it with care.

We will carefully explain the condition of the product while looking at it, and will try to meet your needs. We sometimes receive requests for repair of chipped parts or broken handles due to accidental dropping from a high place.

Examples of repairs:

• Remaking or replacing parts such as handles, closures, and hinges.
• Repairing scratched parts, carving patterns and adding color, decorating with glass beads, resharpening, repainting.
• Other remakes due to aging, etc.

Please feel free to contact us.

The bags are safe to use even on rainy days as they are coated with lacquer or urethane coatings. If the surface gets wet, simply wipe it dry with a soft, dry cloth.

No need to worry, the surface is well-coated to prevent color transfer.

Due to the nature of wooden products, there is a risk of breakage when dropped or subjected to impact. Depending on the degree of impact and the location of the impact, there are various possibilities, ranging from a slight dent or scratch to cracking or breaking, so please handle it with consideration.

Please feel free to consult with us for repair or remake.

Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or continuous use can cause the color to fade over time. Also, due to the nature of lacquer products, the color will fade over time. We recommend that you store the bag away from windows or other places exposed to the sun as much as possible.

The lacquer is fully dried before the product is sold, reducing the risk of allergic reactions. However, as with all lacquered products, we cannot guarantee that everyone will be unaffected. Please consider this before making a purchase.

The lacquer is fully dried before the product is sold, reducing the risk of allergic reactions. However, as with all lacquered products, we cannot guarantee that everyone will be unaffected. Please consider this before making a purchase.

We have a shop on-site displaying new creations and pieces that are exclusively available at the atelier. Visits are by appointment only. Please contact us to schedule a visit. Please enjoy the serene environment of the Yatsugatake forest where our bags are born.

Currently under renovation, we apologize for any inconvenience.

We provide original boxes and ribbon wrapping. We also offer embossing services to personalize the bag with names or special dates. Please share your preferences with us.

Here are some examples of special gifts:

• As a wedding anniversary for a couple
• As a coming-of-age gift for your daughter
• As a wedding gift for your daughter or niece
• As an alternative to a bouquet presentation to both families at a wedding ceremony
• As a commemorative gift to an actor or scriptwriter for appearing in a TV drama
• As a Mother's Day or 60th birthday gift
• As a gift for your own milestone, reward, or encouragement

The subtle design and lack of shiny metal hardware make it suitable for use during mourning. We recommend the matte black lacquered bags. Please check with your religious denomination and customs before use.

KINOKABAN bags are versatile and can be paired with casual, formal, western, or traditional Japanese attire. In the past, many kimono magazines such as "Katei Gaho," "Fujin Gaho," "Beautiful Kimono," and "Kimono Salon" have introduced it in combination with kimono.

A collection of past works is available on our Instagram @kinokaban_museum. Feel free to browse through.

You can also view some of them on our website under "Online Store > Kinokaban, museum."