ABOUT KAMIHITOE
“Washi,” or traditional Japanese paper, is made from the natural fibers of plants such as paper mulberry (“kozo”), oriental paper bush (“mitsumata”), and a Japanese shrub known as “gampi.”
Washi has a variety of properties. It can be used as wallpaper because of its hygroscopic nature, or made into Japanese sliding screens that absorb sound, lampshades and sliding doors that are permeable to light, calligraphy paper, and so on.
Washi can be twisted and intertwined with cotton or silk yarn to form a textile known as paper fabric. Traditional paper fabric has been made in Japan for more than 300 years, which is in turn used to make various products. By using carefully selected raw materials and the proper techniques to create this twisted yarn, paper fabric acquires a durability that cannot be found in a single piece of washi and becomes a fabric material that can be used for the production of apparel and ordinary textiles.
KAMIHITOE products are made from this paper fabric. In Japan, the word “Kamihitoe” is used in situations where the possibility to win or to lose is about the thinness of a piece of paper. KAMIHITOE products aim to turn the luck on your side, supporting your everyday life actions with a hint of optimism.
Our lineup includes products ranging from tableware to business bags that feature designs inspired by papercraft such as traditional origami.
ABOUT MATERIAL
The paper fabric of KAMIHITOE is a textile made by interweaving cotton warp
threads with Mino washi weft threads (mechanically produced washi). The processed washi rolls
are cut into 2mm strips which are then twisted and turned into yarn. Paper fabric has excellent
anti-odor and antibacterial properties, with an antibacterial activity that is more than twice
that of ordinary fabric. It is also a quick-drying, lightweight material. As it is made from
paper, it has a fine touch and a smooth texture that we are all familiar with.
The fabric
used in our briefcases has been finished with a water-repellent coating so that you can use them
with a peace of mind even if they get wet in the rain. The paper fabric used in our tote bags
and table containers has been processed with a washed finish to give the items an even softer
touch.
CRAFTSMANSHIP
PRODUCTS
Briefcase
This bag is unique for its crisp, gentle aura that derives from its origami-like design. The paper fabric used in this bag is finished with a water-repellent coating so that you can use the bag with a peace of mind even if it gets wet in the rain. Leather stands cover the base of the bag to prevent it from getting dirty when it is placed on the ground. The bag is fitted with two inner pockets and a pencil holder, and it is large enough to hold tablets, laptops up to 13 inches and A4 size notebooks. This model is available in two different colors, black and white. This briefcase which leaves a strong impression is your perfect business companion.
Small Handbag
A small sandwich-type handbag. This handbag is unique for its crisp, gentle aura that derives from its origami-like design. The paper fabric used in this handbag is finished with a water-repellent coating so that you can use the handbag with a peace of mind even if it gets wet in the rain. Leather stands cover the base of the handbag to prevent it from getting dirty when it is placed on the ground. The handbag is fitted with two inner pockets which can hold your wallet and smartphone. This model is available in two different colors, black and white. This handbag is perfect for short outings and as a side bag.
Tote Bag
This tote bag features a design that resembles cloth that has been rolled up and folded together. The folded section can be used to store your wallet, foldable umbrella, and smartphone. The long, foldable shoulder belt serves as a sling. The tote bag can also be hand-held using the handle that has been folded into the inner part. Please use this tote bag for your daily trips to the supermarket or when you shop at the marketplace.
Large Size Tote Bag
This tote bag features a design that resembles cloth that has been rolled up and folded together. The folded section can be used to store your wallet, foldable umbrella, and smartphone. The long, foldable shoulder belt serves as a sling. The tote bag can also be hand-held using the handle that has been folded into the inner part. A large flap is attached to the inner part to conceal the contents of the bag. Please use this tote bag for your daily trips to the supermarket or when you shop at the marketplace.
Table Top Container
A foldable table container. This container is ideal for holding fruits and bread. It has a foldable handle which makes it convenient to carry around.
File Case
This file case is made from paper fabric. This case is gusseted, soft, and can hold everything from small notebooks to A4 size magazines and notebooks, as well as tablets and laptops up to 13 inches. It can be used as a clutch bag, a storage case for files, or as a subfolder inside a larger bag.
Smart Bag
A pouch bag made of washi paper fabric. It is very light, tough wide enough to carry a smartphone and a wallet. You can use it as a clutch bag or as a sacoche when the shoulder belt is attached.
Backpack
Uchikai is the name of samurais’ traveling bags during the Edo period. Kamihitoe’s backpack is inspired from the original Uchikai and designed to look like an ordinary paper bag. A simple compartment can be flattened and expanded to carry your daily necessities, and there is a large zipped pocket under the front cap. Between the back belts, an additional pocket can store valuable items. Made with an hybrid washi paper cotton fabric, Uchikai can be handwashed.
Summer Type
This reusable face mask is made with two layers of textiles. A crisp washi paper fabric for the wrap and a soft cotton cloth for the inside part. It has excellent breathability and will remain cool even in the summer season.
Industrial designer / Representative of Qurz Inc.
Providing a wide range of designs such as DOCOMO mobile phone terminals, automobiles and sightseeing buses, small-scale residences, interior space furniture and industrial products designs. Has won various awards such as the Japan Good Design Award.
http://qurz.jp/
Manyside handles a wide range of manufacturing operations, including the
production of sample pattern papers for leather bags, backpacks, bags, cases, etc., as
well as the small lot production and mass production of these items.
“Manyside” name
is a will to offer ideas from all possible perspectives without being bound by any
single view. We make the most of our expertise in productions that has been accrued
through the collective experience and achievements of each and every member and are
actively involved in the development of new materials.
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CONTACT US
info@kamihitoe.co.jp
