Manufacturing Has the Power to Expand the Community

Hermès and Gucci, which began as horse-riding gear manufacturers, were driven by the progress of civilization in the area of travel and transportation. People continued to seek lighter, sturdier, and higher quality tools for everything including travel, fashion, and daily necessities. The underlying trends in manufacturing changed according to the lifestyles of the times.

How have the underlying trends in Hokkaido's manufacturing evolved?
The pioneers who decided to move to Hokkaido during the Meiji period (1868-1912) battled the unknown wilderness to establish a place for themselves. This was a particularly grueling journey and move. Needless to say, they relied on the wisdom and help of the native Ainu people. When imagining Hokkaido, especially during its pioneer days, it is clear that on an individual level, goods had to first be produced before they could be consumed.

In the 21st century, the world is filled with homogeneous goods. Therefore, there must be a special meaning in engaging in community-based manufacturing, even on a small scale. Design is the framework for thinking about how to create things, and manufacturing must bring a new focal point and story to the community.
What kind of charm and value can be found in products born from the connection between the blessings of the land and the people who make the most of it?
We would like to explore the charms of the people who harness the blessings of the land to create things, and the things that are born from such a connection.