About Creare Kiki
Why
Were
We born.
Creating products that bring the wisdom of our ancestors into tradition.
Creare Kiki was born 17 years ago, in a location close to Katsura Imperial Villa in Kyoto. Katsura Imperial Villa, built as a villa for the Hachijo-nomiya family from the early to mid-17th century, consists of a drawing room, tea houses, and a strolling garden, and is considered one of Japan's most renowned gardens.
The Katsura area has long been known as a retreat for aristocrats, with Fujiwara no Michinaga reportedly having a villa (called "Betsugyo" at the time) here during the Heian period. The area is also famous for its scenic views of the moon.
We are dedicated to product creation that incorporates the wisdom of our ancestors into tradition. We named our company "Creare" to reflect the concept of creation, and we are committed to creating products using natural fabrics dyed with plants, without any chemical dyes, to convey the true essence of craftsmanship. We continue to research and develop products that make full use of the unique texture of these natural fabrics.
Works
We
Make.
What makes Creare Kiki's "authentic products" different.
At Creare Kiki, we create bags made from lightweight and durable canvas materials, each handcrafted with great care by skilled local artisans in Kyoto.
In recent years, cute designs for canvas bags have become popular, especially among women, but we place great importance on traditional craftsmanship. To create canvas bags for adults that reflect Japanese elegance, we insist on using traditional dyeing methods such as "kakishibu" (persimmon tannin dyeing) and natural dyes, which are highly resistant to water, mold, and insects. The result is a unique and long-lasting texture that improves with use.
A canvas bag is an essential item, one that withstands the rain and accompanies you through your daily life. We hope you will find your own special canvas bag, one that will be your trusted companion.
This is
Our
Product.
Lightweight and durable. The more you use it, the better it gets. This is the greatest charm of canvas bags.
One of the key attractions of canvas bags is their lightness. While leather or faux leather A4 bags can be heavy, canvas bags are remarkably lightweight.
For example, while leather A4 bags from the same brand might weigh around 800?1000 grams, canvas bags weigh only about 400?600 grams?nearly half the weight!
Canvas is a thick, plain-woven fabric made from cotton or hemp, and in the Edo period, it was used for ship sails because it is extremely strong, even in rainy or salty conditions.
It has long been used for bags, tents, and tarps. Unlike synthetic fibers, canvas is made entirely from natural materials, becoming more attractive the more it is used. Its strength, durability, and breathability are exceptional, and it doesn't generate static electricity, making it a popular material for school and business bags today.
What
We keep
Making.
Creating products that convey the true essence of Japan.
In 1994, I founded "Creare Sugimoto" and started business in Kyoto.
My goal has always been to share the beauty of Kyoto and the true essence of Japan's craftsmanship with as many people as possible.
However, I must admit that I am neither a sharp businessman nor an aggressive salesperson. I am just an old-fashioned craftsman, dedicated to creating good products and hoping that those who hold them will be pleased.
Honestly, compared to famous domestic and international brands or low-priced products made overseas, our brand may offer little advantage in terms of brand value or price.
There may be even better products out there in the world...
Recently, these thoughts have become more frequent, and sometimes I feel a tremor in my hands when planning new products.
Still, I rely on the experience I’ve built up over the decades, the tradition of this ancient city of Kyoto, and the joy and support I receive from local customers.
Once, while introducing our products at a tea gathering in Kyoto, I heard these comments from customers:
"I couldn’t find a bag to carry to such events." "I often wear more subdued clothing, so I had trouble finding the right bag." "I’ve reached an age where I want a bag that suits my age and is uniquely mine."
Many customers visited our store and purchased our products.
This may have been a local event in Kyoto, but I believe that many people across Japan feel the same way.
I will continue to create products that I am confident will satisfy those who use them.
Akio Sugimoto
Representative Director, Creare Sugimoto Inc.
