Talking about manufacturing and mass production
I would like to tell you about the craftsmanship behind the African Ankara slippers sold at KARL&C.
What's good about manufacturing?
When you hear the word "manufacturing," it sounds like the world of artisans. But in reality, the things that artisans make are completely different from ordinary products. They are filled with the spirit of the maker, the skills they have cultivated over many years, and a sincere consideration of the people who will use them.
The same can be said for our manufacturing process. We manufacture slippers in partnership with Tokyo Sangyo Co., Ltd., a long-established manufacturer in downtown Tokyo that was founded 77 years ago.
In Tokyo Industry,
"It's not about how to make it cheaper, it's about how to make it better.
What we aim for is to
We create shoes that make you want to wear them again and again."
"The midsole is just the right amount of firmness to firmly support the weight of tens of kilograms, the opening is designed to hold up even after long wear, and the toe curve is exquisite, achieved through dozens of improvements. We want as many people as possible to know the quality of Japanese-made slippers, and to continue designing comfortable lifestyles."
Based on these principles, we have been dedicated to making slippers for 77 years and are one of Japan's highest quality manufacturers, with fans all over the country. We also wholesale to well-established department stores.
If the product doesn't sell, sales won't increase.
It would be best if you could buy it right away,
I was really happy when I heard someone say the other day, "My slippers lasted for three years."
The president said this with a smile.
I believe that being able to continue using good products for a long time is an important definition of "manufacturing."
And the things that artisans make one by one by hand have a warmth and intricacy that machines can never replicate: a tea bowl made by a Kyoto potter on a potter's wheel, a knife hammered over the course of several days by a cutlery craftsman, or a chair assembled by a furniture maker while observing the properties of the wood.
These items aren't just tools, they truly become a part of the user's lifestyle. They are made without compromise on quality, and can last for decades, even long enough to be passed down from parent to child. By "quality" I don't mean something that looks pretty or can be used right away.
From the selection of materials to the careful construction, beautiful finish, and durability that can withstand long-term use, everything is packed with attention to detail.
Craftsmen strive to create products that are worthy of their name, and this sense of responsibility creates a commitment to quality.
What about mass-produced products?
On the other hand, the mass-produced goods that are overflowing in the world today are primarily aimed at being produced efficiently and cheaply. Products churned out on conveyor belts in factories may be cheaper and of the same quality, but in exchange they lose their individuality and longevity.
The problem with mass-produced products is that they are intentionally made to be fragile.
(Of course, not all of them.)
This is called "planned obsolescence," and basically, if a product lasts too long, the next product won't sell, so it's intentionally designed to break after a few years. A typical example is a smartphone.
Appliances start to malfunction after a few years,
After washing clothes several times, the color fades and the shape gets out of shape.
Furniture will deteriorate after a few years.
This is not a coincidence, but a strategy to get people to buy again.
When price competition becomes fierce, it is inevitable that manufacturers will lower the quality of their materials and cut corners in their manufacturing processes. They mass-produce in countries with low labor costs and only meet minimum quality standards.
As a result, even products with similar functions can have large differences in lifespan and quality.
So which one is better?
In the long run, it's clear which is truly valuable. Continuing to use one high-quality item for a long time is better for the environment and doesn't waste resources. Items made by artisans can be repaired if they break, and can be used for generations if properly cared for.
On the other hand, the short cycle of mass-produced goods creates a huge amount of waste and wastes resources. True wealth isn't about constantly replacing cheap things, but about cherishing and using good quality things for a long time.
Utilizing the spirit of craftsmanship in today's world provides clues for creating a sustainable society of the future, and also gives us consumers the opportunity to develop the ability to discern what is truly valuable.
Rather than jumping at the chance to buy something just because it's cheap, choose something that you can use for a long time. I believe that shopping in this way will ultimately lead to a lifestyle that is kind to both the earth and your wallet.
Representative Kaoru Tsuji
