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MAITO Design Works’ Approach to Craftsmanship
Japan has many amazing makers.
In the textile industry—often referred to as “Itohen” (meaning thread-related)—a traditional system of division of labor has long existed, with dyers, spinners, finishers, knitters, weavers, and sewing specialists all supporting one another.
However, the number of these skilled craftspeople is gradually decreasing, and with them, the techniques passed down through generations are also fading away.
At MAITO Design Works, we embrace these traditional methods and take on the challenge of transforming them into modern products.
We conduct in-house research and development on natural dyeing, and actively incorporate new knitting techniques such as sideways knitting in our own factory.
Our products are developed and produced in collaboration with craftspeople from all over Japan.
We are committed to creating products that are gentle on both people and nature, and that support a sustainable way of living.
All Natural Dyed Products
Kind to Nature and People
At MAITO, we aim to create items that can age gracefully alongside their owners.
With this in mind, we offer products made from natural materials and crafted in Japan, including clothing and everyday items dyed with natural colors.
The products, created with nature’s blessings and in harmony with Japan's industries, maintain a timeless beauty that never fades.
The natural colors from 100% pure natural dye change over time with use, adding a beautiful touch to everyday life.
Leather Dyed with Natural Dyes ®
“Botanical Leather”
Botanical Leather is a 100% plant-based leather dyed using techniques adapted from traditional natural dyeing. While vegetable-tanned leather uses tannins extracted from plants for tanning, synthetic dyes have long been used for coloring—creating a contradiction between process and material.
Feeling a strong sense of discomfort with this inconsistency, we embarked on years of research and development.
The result is Botanical Leather—leather that is not only tanned but also dyed entirely with plants.
Its texture and color continue to evolve beautifully over time, growing more expressive with each use.
- Product Line
- Various plant-dyed leathers / Cowhide / Pigskinwallets / Coin cases / Bags, etc.
Knitwear Rooted in Natural Materials and Japanese Craftsmanship
In an age overflowing with things, it’s surprisingly hard to find something you truly want to keep using for a long time.
At TONE LAB., we create basic, simple knitwear designed to grow with the people who wear it—products that become part of your life.
Because these are everyday items, we care deeply about quality and comfort.
We believe everyday essentials deserve thoughtful design. That’s why we focus on comfort, quality, and materials that are gentle on both people and the planet.
We choose sustainable methods and natural fibers, and we keep our designs simple so they never go out of style.
It may sound like a modest wish—but we realized how rare it is.
TONE LAB. was born from our own desire to make such items a reality.
TONE LAB. is a brand born from this desire.
Beautiful in their simplicity.
Warm in their quiet presence.
Our knitwear naturally blends into your daily life, becoming something you’ll want to keep by your side for years to come.
- Product Line
- WHOLEGARMENT® knitwear made with Supima organic cotton／WHOLEGARMENT® knitwear made with cashmere …and more.
Collaboration
Collaborations with companies and brands.
Collaboration Examples
We also plan collaborative products with domestic and international brands and companies.
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Onitsuka Tiger | Cherry Dyed Sneakers
“TIGER ALLY” and ‘MEXICO 66’ made of cherry-dyed leather are now available from Onitsuka Tiger. MAITO’s original tanned cowhide leather is dyed using the cherry blossom dyeing technique.https://maitokomuro.pro/onitskatiger2018ss/
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Handkerchief for staff of a certain coffee shop
Handkerchiefs for the staff of a coffee roastery store opening in Nakameguro in 2019, made with cherry blossom dyeing.
OEM Services
At MAITO Design Works, our knitwear is produced in-house at our factory in Senshu, Osaka—a region renowned for its knitwear industry.
Taking advantage of Senshu’s reputation as one of Japan’s leading knitting production areas,We work closely with neighboring factories to develop various knit products,
not only for our own brand but also to help revitalize the local industry.
We accept OEM projects, especially for small-lot orders.While we don’t claim to do everything, we’re happy to collaborate and bring your ideas closer to reality.
If you’re facing challenges or exploring ideas related to knitwear,feel free to reach out to us. We’re here to help.
