COMPANY
The History of Katochu
In 1887, Kato Chubei closed his paper business and started a bag business under the name Katochu Shoten at 4-48 Azuchi-cho, Higashi-ku, Osaka. Before the Sino-Japanese War, there were no bags in Japan, but the bags carried by American soldiers were seen as unique and practical. After the war, there was a supply of leather and the first Japanese-made bags began being made in Japan. The company responsible for this development was Katochu Shoten. For years no, we at Katochu have been designing and creating randoseru school bags, which are a part of Japanese culture. This has been a process of trial and error in which we have continued to value the spirit of bag making, manufacturing, and commerce. We will continue to develop our knowledge and expertise to create products that will become a cornerstone of Japanese culture. We believe our efforts will lead to a bright future for children.
1880～1890
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1887(Meiji 20)
Kato Chubei founded Kato Chu Shoten at 4-48 Azuchi-cho, Higashi-ku, Osaka (now Chuo-ku).
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1897(Meiji 30)
Exported Chinese bags and travel bags to China and India.
1900～
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1930(December 5, Showa 5)
Changed to a joint-stock company. Became Kato Chu Co., Ltd.
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1962(April 10, Showa 37)
Reestablished as Kato Chu Co., Ltd. in Higashi-ku, Osaka. Started business at 3-95 Kyomachibori, Osaka.
From the outset, the company established a unique presence in the bag industry with a sales policy focusing on seasonal school bags, leather stationery and office supplies. During that time, the company conducted research on school bags, worked on product development as a manufacturer and wholesaler specializing in goods for students, and strived to expand their customer base, particularly in Western Japan. -
1977(November 18, Showa 52)
Tokyo sales office was opened.
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1978(November 20, Showa 53)
Kiyoshi Tanaka was appointed President and Representative Director of Katochu Co., Ltd.
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1978(December 15, Showa 53)
Head office building moved to its current location in Shinmachi, Nishi Ward, Osaka.
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1997(November 26, Heisei 9)
Hiroshi Tanaka was appointed Director of Katochu Co., Ltd.
2000～
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2002(Heisei 14)
Launched a brand strategy for school bags.
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2005(November 21, 17)
Hiroshi Tanaka was appointed President and Representative Director of Katochu Co., Ltd.
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2005(December, Heisei 17)
Specializes in school bags as its main product line.
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2011(August 31, Heisei 23)
Established a showroom in conjunction with the renovation of the head office.
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2016(Heisei 28)
Began school bag branding in Paris, France.
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2016(Heisei 28-29)
Participated in Maison & Objet, Europe's largest interior design festival, and Playtime, a children's clothing festival, from 2016-2017 (Heisei 28 to Heisei 29); developed and commercialized French-style school bags for children and adults.
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2017(November 25, Heisei 29)
Relocated the Tokyo office to Shibuya 1-chome.
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2018(March 20, Heisei 30)
Opened the directly managed store, L'Atelier du Cartable, on Aoyama-dori in Tokyo.
Currently, we are creating highly fashionable school bags, working with department stores in each region of Japan, and are engaged in wide-ranging product development. Our guiding principle is to create products that will bring bright smiles to children's faces. These will be unlike any other school bags that have come before, and we aim to be a one-of-a-kind company in the industry.
