Scars on leather are proof of life’s journey, dreams of Satoru Irie, who launched the high-end leather brand "TOUR RECORD"

The leather products reflect the owner's life more deeply the more they are used, resembling a companion that engraves the proofs of life. We spoke with Mr. Irie, who launched the leather brand "TOUR RECORD," taking on an unprecedented approach from material selection and finishing to sales, about his thoughts on leather products and his days resonating with artisans.

Mr. Satoru Ireijou, Representative Director of BiS Co., Ltd.
Born on December 22, 1994, from Kanagawa Prefecture. In April 2021, he established BiS Co., Ltd. in Ayase City, Kanagawa Prefecture, and began agency work related to TV publicity. He has produced numerous brands such as the luxury leather goods "TOUR RECORD," including leather wallets, and the high-end sukajan "Jackson Square Tokyo Shibuya." His published works include "It's Okay to Take the Long Way" and "To You Who Are Chasing Your Dreams: Dreams Create Life" (both published by Fast Book).

01｜The "Memory of Things" Taught by Travel's Coincidences

“I lost my smartphone while traveling. At first, I was panicked. But thanks to that, I realized that I was asking for directions and talking to people, which changed the depth of the travel experience itself.”

When Mr. Ireijou talks about the origins of the TOUR RECORD brand, he always remembers this episode. While traveling in Korea, he dealt with the anxiety and inconvenience of forgetting his smartphone in a taxi, but he was helped by the locals. Such coincidental encounters later provided him with important insights.

Why leather products? I listened to him talk about the thoughts behind it.

“The passport case I held at that time was like that too. The leather items I carry with me became a presence that remembers my travels. The scratches on the leather surface and the color changes from rubbing in my pocket were records of the journey itself.”

As time goes by, leather shows signs of wear and color changes. It is not just damage, but a testament to the journey, says Mr. Irei-mon. Eventually, the wallet and key case that you carry every day become like a notebook chronicling the places you visit on your travels. This realization was the origin of the feelings infused into the leather goods brand "TOUR RECORD."

02｜The name TOUR RECORD embodies the "journey of life"

“The meaning behind the brand name ‘TOUR RECORD’ is ‘to record the journey.’ But it’s not just about traveling abroad; our lives themselves are a journey. The wallet and key case are the companions that observe that journey most closely.”<

Indeed, leather goods may be the things we spend the most time with in our daily lives. They are touched, fit into pockets, and sometimes get damaged while also engraving the owner’s personality. That’s why the word “companion” comes out so naturally.

“Familiar leather products record the journey of the owner's life. You touch your wallet and bag every day, right? When you wake up in the morning and go out, you always have them in your hands. They may even be the things you spend the longest time with, perhaps even longer than with family.”

03 | The individuality of leather is the testament of the life lived by the animal.

The scratches on the TOUR RECORD actually exist before they are in the hands of the buyer. Although they actively use exotic leathers such as crocodile, elephant, and python, why do they use leather that is already scratched from the beginning?

"Crocodiles possess both strength and beauty. On the other hand, there will always be scars and individual differences. But I don't see that as a flaw. As proof that the animal has lived in nature, I want to leave the scars as they are."

The brand's logo is also marked with "scars" as a symbol. This reflects a philosophy that values the unique expressions carved by living beings in nature over uniform beauty.

"Elephant leather and camel leather are the same. They have large scars and a rugged appearance. However, that is proof that the animal has survived through nature and history. There is a force that can only be found there."

04｜Not an order, but a resonance with professional artisans

Crocodile ~Kira~ long wallet Himalaya Price / 968,000 yen.

Since Mr. Irei-mon is not a technician, he has ideas that are not bound by fixed concepts. In order to create the leather products he aims for, he has produced a unique chemical reaction in his relationship with artisans. A symbol of this is the camel leather used for the interior of the wallet.

“I'm not an artisan. But through conversations with the artisans, ideas are born, and our mutual challenges take shape. Typically, the lining of a wallet is made of cowhide. When I expressed my desire to use camel leather, the artisans were surprised, saying, ‘No one wants to use it!’ But when we actually finished it, it ended up having an expression that no one had ever seen before.”<

Camel leather is rough and, by the standards of typical luxury leather goods, is a difficult material to handle. However, Mr. Irei-mon felt power in that expression.

The tradition of leather crafting is supported by a long history, but it is expanded through dialogue. The attitude that Mr. Irei-mon speaks of seems to strengthen the relationship with leather artisans even more.

"Rather than ordering 'I want it this way,' I suggest 'How about this?' From there, I hope to create new expressions through the back-and-forth with the craftsmen."

05 | The things you finally acquire hold the weight of life.

"My grandmother's era was filled with many 'good things' nearby. There were kimonos, paulownia chests, and high-quality tableware. Items made by artisans were part of everyday life. However, for today's young people, encountering 'authentic' things is not easy. Convenience and low prices are in demand, while truly good items are hidden away in places known only to those who appreciate them."

Mr. Irimon expressed a sense of urgency behind his desire to "reach the younger generation."

"Younger people are not uninterested in 'good things.' They just don’t know about them. However, if they encounter them properly, they'll think, 'That’s nice,' and 'I’d like to try it.'"

The expression of genuine leather, the changing luster as it is used, and the warmth of the artisan's work. Passing such experiences on to the next generation. TOUR RECORD is also a custodian of such culture.

“People of previous generations have taken hold of 'good things' at milestones in their lives, like 'I want to buy this car,' 'I want to buy this motorcycle,' or 'Now that I've been promoted, I want to buy this wallet.' I want to preserve that culture of milestones that connect to youth and motivation.”

The items finally reached after stretching out to grab them revive the memories of the efforts taken to get there every time I see them. The feelings engraved in the objects over the years will continue to color the owner's life afterward.

Moreover, they become softer and more familiar with use, recording the owner's movements and habits as they are. The materials handled by TOUR RECORD, such as crocodile, elephant, and python, may initially stand out for their hardness and uniqueness, but it is said that this change is something to be enjoyed.

“I believe that wrinkles and color changes are the life of the owner themselves. Leather grows and evolves together with the person who possesses it. What exists is a relationship that can be said to be a symbiosis between leather products and their owners. I want those who choose TOUR RECORD to feel that they have acquired a lifelong companion.”

06 | Bringing "good things" back into everyday scenery

Mr. Irimon's dream is to see Japan's regional culture and the skills of artisans return to everyday life.

"I hope that instead of large shopping malls, we can see 'authentic' places like the old shopping streets again. It might be difficult for just us, but I want to be a catalyst for creating that kind of movement."

Such feelings are also reflected in Mr. Ireimon's approach to working with craftsmen. He believes that craftsmen should be compensated fairly for the time they dedicate to meetings, material searches, and the conceptualization process— including the parts of the process that are not visible.

"For example, I think that in a sushi restaurant, everything from sourcing ingredients to preparation is valued as 'worth.' However, when it turns into a product, it suddenly gets labeled as 'too expensive.' It's sad to judge solely based on the cost of ingredients and labor. That's why I want to genuinely appreciate the time spent on it, the skills of the craftsman, and the fact that they are doing serious work."

Therefore, TOUR RECORD delivers not only products but also the "background" story behind them. It is in items that show the face of the maker that people's hearts are moved. In any form of craftsmanship, the true value of a product lies where the maker is genuinely dedicated to their work.

Even now, new brand concepts are progressing from encounters with indigo dye artisans.

A resolve to "deliver the real thing," a sense of responsibility to "support artisans," and a dream to "connect to the younger generation."

Leather changes over time. It walks alongside its owner while reflecting their life. What TOUR RECORD creates is not merely leather products. They are companions that watch over and walk through life together.

Model Yuki Ejima (center)
Official model for TOUR RECORD. Official ambassador for Shonan Bellmare Futsal Club, official ambassador for Shonan Gold Energy, MC for the YouTube channel "Max Expedition Team," appearances on Cross FM radio, etc.

Model Rinta Iwasaki (foreground)
Official model for TOUR RECORD. Official ambassador for Shonan Bellmare Futsal Club, official ambassador for Shonan Gold Energy, appeared in promotional videos for Ayase City, featured in Popteen Web magazine, etc.

Model Yusuke Takebayashi (right)
Has appeared in Saitama Runway, STAGE ON ME (South Korea), etc.

Model Kazuki Sato (left)
Staff member and model for TOUR RECORD.

The Crocodile - Aura - round long wallet in indigo dye (top) is 1,000,000 yen. The elephant long wallet (bottom) is 297,000 yen.

At TOUR RECORD, rare materials hailed as the pinnacle of luxury leather, such as crocodile leather, elephant leather, and bison leather, are used. Each piece features unique natural patterning that is one-of-a-kind, embodying a singular identity. There is a lineup that includes long wallets and key cases.

Purchases can only be made at the TOUR RECORD store, and upon purchase, you will receive a product in a paulownia box. This paulownia box is also crafted by a woodworking artisan with over 40 years of experience, featuring a refined texture that takes advantage of the characteristics of natural materials and a high degree of air tightness, providing a precise structure that protects leather products from moisture and outside air.

TOUR RECORD
Location: 6-12-4 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Koito Building, 8th floor
Business Hours: 10:00-19:00 (※Visits by appointment only)
Regular Holidays: Irregular holidays
TEL: 03-6626-9695 (※Appointments required for visits)

Official TOUR RECORD website: https://tourrecord.jp/

Interview and text by Nanako Ohtake, photography by Suzuno