Kansai Event report
Exploring Japan’s Leather Industry in Himeji
An Immersive Visit to a Traditional Japanese Tannery in the Heart of Hyōgo Prefecture
Not everyone has the chance to step inside a tannery, especially one that preserves an ancestral craft dating back over 1,000 years: the production of Himeji white leather.
On April 8, we had the privilege of offering an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience to around fifteen lucky participants at the Sanyo Leather tannery. This unique opportunity was made possible thanks to Mr. Emmanuel Marchat, Board Member of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (CCIFJ) and Managing Director of Stahl Japan.
Stahl is a global leader in the production of chemical agents used notably in leather processing. Long considered a polluting industry, leather manufacturing has undergone a significant transformation in recent decades, thanks in part to the growing use of water-based, more environmentally friendly solutions, many developed by Stahl. Sanyo Leather is in fact the second tannery in Japan to have received the LWG environmental certification.
Understanding the Leather-Making Process
The day began with a seminar presented by Mr. Marchat, who gave a detailed overview of the leather production process:
Cleaning: Soaking in lime and acid baths to remove impurities, soften, and prepare the hides
Tanning: Using tannin or chrome, this step gives leather its key properties and durability
Dyeing: The leather is refined, dyed, and stretched
Drying: A crucial step to stabilize the material
Finishing: Sanding, polishing, painting (which affects only the surface, unlike dye which penetrates the entire thickness), ironing, and embossing (which gives the leather its final texture)
We then had the opportunity to tour the tannery and observe each of these steps firsthand. Sanyo Leather stands out as one of the few tanneries in Japan to still manage the entire production process in-house—from receiving the raw hides to finishing the leather.
Mr. Marchat also emphasized a little-known fact: leather production is a circular activity that adds value to a by-product of the food industry. Indeed, the hides used come almost exclusively from meat consumption.
A Moment of Conviviality
The day continued with a relaxed lunch in Himeji Castle Park under the blooming cherry blossoms—a chance for participants to share their impressions and strengthen professional ties in an informal setting.
To round off the experience, part of the group enjoyed a self-guided tour of Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, adding a cultural touch to an already rich and engaging day.
A heartfelt thank you to all participants for their presence and interest, and to Mr. Emmanuel Marchat for his commitment and invaluable insights.
We look forward to welcoming you to our upcoming events at the heart of the Kansai economic network!
