Self-introduction: Representative and designer Sugano

Nice to meet you, my name is Sugano, the representative and designer of aruci.

This time, I'll be brief, but I hope to be able to tell you a little about myself and my feelings about aruci.

If you would like to know more about me, please see the article that was previously featured on FASHIONSNAP.COM.

I hope you will take a look at this.
From a 100-yen shop buyer to a manufacturing group: The challenge of Waji Kanno

So, let me introduce myself briefly.

<Origin>
Hannan City, Osaka Prefecture (there is a beach nearby with the cool name Pichi Pichi Beach)

<Hobbies>
- Collecting ethnic minority goods (I got into it in high school, studied it at university, and worked at an ethnic goods store for about three years)
- Composing music ( I play a little piano and a little guitar) and compose with friends on sleepless nights when I feel like it. )
・Cooking ( I'm currently studying to master dashi and coffee)

My favorite hairstyle is a loose, shaggy look.
My favorite animal is cats. I love them so much. I live as a cat servant to two rescued cats.

After graduating from university, I worked in ethnic goods (global manufacturing) → 100 yen store buyer (mass production manufacturing) → handbag manufacturer (Japanese manufacturing), and then saved up as much money as I could while working, and founded waji Inc. (hereinafter waji) in 2016.

The name waji comes from the idea of ​​"building our own path (ji) from the land (ji) of harmony (wa)." In order to eventually sell our craftsmanship to the world, all of our members work hard every day as artisans in our workshop in Abeno-ku, Osaka, which has been designated as a tangible cultural property.

We are currently collaborating with many private brands and other brands.

As an example,

< Private brand >

glart: A fusion of real glass and genuine leather, a flawless masterpiece

keu: "decay" and "accidental" - the ideal solution



aoneco: Supporting rescued cats through manufacturing



<Collaboration>

Takara Belmont Co., Ltd. Create new value by utilizing waste leather generated during the chair manufacturing process
Participated in the "Re:bonis" project



How Waste Leather is Turned into Leather ~ Osaka Craftsmen's SDGs ~ (YouTube)

Sakai City Jidai Project
We propose products that transform "things that have outlived their usefulness" into "things that people want" and connect them to the next generation.



We are currently working on a variety of genre-less products and projects, including the above, and among them, "arucí" is the first brand we started after founding waji Inc.

The birth of aruci, a semi-custom made scissor case, came from a casual conversation at a hair salon.
(Click here for details on how to make a scissor case by combining your favorite parts.)


It all started when a hairdresser I worked with came to me and said, "I can't find a scissor case that suits my taste..." Every hairdresser has a different work style and design preferences.

In terms of functionality, each item needs to have the appropriate specifications, and because of my profession that is well versed in fashion, the design aspect is also important. However, if I were to have something completely custom-made, it would easily cost over 100,000 yen...

So we came up with the idea of ​​creating a body pattern that would fit different designs.



This not only allows you to choose your preferred design and specifications from a wide variety of parts, but also allows you to change your work style, such as the number of scissors you use, by simply replacing some of the parts, resulting in aruci's unique scissor case.

There are many other products that originated from aruci! Today, we have products such as a scissor apron that can be fitted with a scissor pocket, and shoe armor that prevents hair from getting inside shoes. All of these products were developed from scratch by me, the designer, and our craftsmen based on feedback from hairdressers.

As manufacturers, we strive to continually realize the "wishes" of our customers and ourselves without compromise. This is our manufacturing stance and our pride.

I really want to talk about my future prospects, but due to various circumstances...
But I still want to tell you, so I'll just give you a hint.

● An artistic scissor case made from leather that 99.9% of people have never seen or touched.

● A scissor case like an objet d'art created in collaboration with a long-established beauty equipment manufacturer.

● Scissor case and apron in collaboration with a famous apparel brand

● Just like armor, this vest apron is comfortable and stylish.

● Full-scale overseas expansion begins, starting in the USA or the UK?

● Cats are planning to take over Aruci

There are many more, but I'm afraid I'll get in trouble if I write too much, lol

We are always looking for your opinions, so please feel free to contact us via our official LINE or Instagram!

This is how we enjoy and work hard at creating things with all our members every day,
We look forward to your continued support in the future!