The Artistry of Japanese Leathercraft: Handcrafting the ACOTE Tote at LONA Tokyo

Follow the journey of female leather artisan Sakura Aoki, who founded LONA in 2020 in Tokyo's historic Ueno district. Experience the meditative craftsmanship behind their bestselling ACOTE tote bag.

Every precise tool movement, authentic sound, and rhythmic pace reveals the quiet concentration of these female artisans creating heirloom-quality leather goods. Discover what Sakura means by "craftsmanship that sparks joy" as we document the complete production process of the ACOTE tote, crafted with premium Italian Nebraska leather from Santa Croce.

🎒 ACOTE tote
"ACOTE" means "to stay close by your side"
LONA's signature tote bag
Leather: Nebraska (Italian/vegetable-tanned)
Dimensions: 33 cm height × 37 cm width × 13 cm depth
Weight: 1250 g (1370 g with shoulder strap)
Features: Fits A4 documents/laptop, reinforced base, 4 cm shoulder strap included
Colour: Cognac (also available in Black/Wine/Brownie)
▶ Product page: https://www.lona.jp/

🎥 TIMESTAMPS
00:00:01 LONA - Leather atelier in Tokyo's Ueno district
00:00:33 Inside the artisan workshop | May 2025
00:00:59 Female leather artisan Sakura Aoki's workspace
00:02:28 Pattern-making & leather cutting
00:04:28 Marking | Adding reference points on leather
00:04:45 Edge finishing | Refining cut leather edges
00:06:06 Stamping the brand logo
00:06:15 Skiving | Thinning specific areas of leather
00:06:28 Leather adhesion techniques
00:07:33 Artisan interview | Journey to becoming a leather craftsperson
00:08:34 Artisan interview | Craftsmanship philosophy
00:11:31 Assembly | Leather stitching
00:12:07 Handle attachment
00:17:03 Temporary securing before stitching the bottom
00:17:30 Joining two leather pieces with stitching
00:18:39 Hardware installation
00:23:19 Shoulder strap attachment
00:23:55 Completed ACOTE tote in cognac
00:24:08 Leather patina | The beauty of aging leather

🌐 LOCATION
🏠 LONA Atelier & Shop
Address: 3-11-5 Higashi-Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Access: 5-minute walk from JR Ueno Station (Central Exit)
Hours: 12:00-18:00 (Closed Mondays & Tuesdays)
Official website: https://www.lona.jp/
Instagram: @lona_leather

👩‍🎨 Owner & Master Artisan | Sakura Aoki
*In this video, she handles pattern-making & cutting (0:28)
Founded LONA in 2020
Specialties: Tote bags, shoulder bags
Motto: "Craftsmanship that sparks joy"

👩‍🎨 Leather Artisan | Konatsu
*In this video, she handles marking (04:18) and subsequent processes

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📩 Contact us: makingz.awc@gmail.com

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