LEATHER ARTS & CRAFTS MOTO

Overview

LEATHER ARTS & CRAFTS MOTO is a Japanese leather goods brand specializing in handmade shoes, boots, wallets, bags, and belts. It operates through affiliated ventures including Leather & Silver MOTO and maintains retail locations in Tokyo's Aoyama district. The brand is recognized among leather enthusiasts for its custom-made products and integration of traditional craftsmanship with sculptural elements inspired by the founder's artistic background.

History

Founded in 1971 by Hideo Motoike (also referred to as 本池秀夫) as a custom-made leather brand. In 1996-1997, sons Daisuke and Sakuto Motoike launched spin-off Leather & Silver MOTO, incorporating leatherwork with silver engraving and sculpture. The company maintains an umbrella structure with multiple Aoyama-based outlets and ties to the founder's art in Yonago.

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Products are handmade in Japan by artisans at workshops linked to the Tokyo Aoyama locations and the founder's studio influences in Tottori/Yonago. Emphasis on in-house custom production with no evidence of outsourcing. Techniques draw from the founder's self-taught tool-making and sculptural approach.

Notable Products

• Aoyama Boots - Handcrafted men's leather boots in limited sizes from Leather & Silver MOTO.
• Custom Wallets - Bespoke leather wallets combining traditional tanning and engraving.
• Sculptural Bags - Bags reflecting the founder's leather doll-inspired aesthetic.
• Silver-Accented Belts - Belts featuring engraved silver hardware by the Motoike brothers.

Reputation

Enthusiasts on forums like Styleforum praise MOTO for exceptional leather quality and artisanal construction, particularly among Japanese craft aficionados. Professionals note its niche appeal in high-end handmade goods but limited availability outside Japan and smaller sizing options as drawbacks. Balanced view: strong heritage in custom work, less known internationally compared to mainstream luxury brands.