This well-worn Kawatako "Takumi" Saddle Cowhide Multi-Functional Long Wallet has been years of daily use by CORLECTION’s accountant, Cindy — who shares her story below:
"This was the first 'Made in Japan' long wallet I gifted myself, back in 2011, from the old Kawatako Company. I wanted a hand-stitched wallet that could store as much cash and as many cards as possible — and I knew the Kawatako 'Takumi' series was top-notch and met the exact standard I was looking for. I placed my order in 2011 and waited over a year… and finally, it was in my hands in 2012!"
"This ‘Takumi’ long wallet is crafted from four different types of premium UK saddle cowhide leathers — each ultra-thick at 5mm. To construct it, the old Kawatako Company entrusted their most skilled artisans — true ‘Takumi’ (Masters of Craft) — to hand-stitch every detail using traditional Japanese methods. Each wallet took two to three days to complete. Due to the high demand at the time, I waited over a year to receive my custom-made wallet. But when it finally arrived, I knew without a doubt — it was worth the wait!"
"I still remember — because of the ultra-thick leather, when it was brand new, this 'Takumi' wallet would lay completely flat. I had to fold and close it myself, almost like doing wrist exercises! I even left it under my bed overnight, wrapped in its dust bag, using my bodyweight, just trying to close the wallet up a bit. Can you imagine how tough this ‘bad boy’ was? Haha!"
"Fifteen years ago, Japan was still very much a cash-based society — I had to carry stacks of yen every time I traveled there. After using this wallet every single day for over 10 years, I can confidently say: this is the most practical wallet I’ve ever owned. You can fit almost everything into it!"
"This wallet has grown with me and been through so much over the past 10 years. I still remember — during a trip to Tokyo years ago, a waitress accidentally spilled hot sake on my ‘Takumi’ long wallet. That moment left a lifetime mark on it. But thankfully, the leather and construction remained incredibly strong. Over time, a beautiful natural tan has slowly started to emerge underneath. Truly — time tells."
"A decade later, when I look back and reflect on this wallet, I truly believe the ‘Takumi’ long wallet represents pure luxury — I only just realized it even features a Riri zipper. It embodies the beauty of craftsmanship in every detail. For over 10 years, it served as my everyday multi-functional wallet. And now? It has become a part of my personal collection — a true Art of Time."