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Long interview
The "past," "present," and "future" of Vert point
The brand created from the history of three generations expresses persistence and
“uniqueness.”
We will unravel the feelings and passion for the people who hold the goods in their hands
that create it.
Chapter 1
The Past
Interviewer
On the occasion of the opening of the online store, I would like to ask you to share your thoughts as the third generation of the workshop that has inherited the craftsmanship from the Meiji Era as a message to users who will actually use your products.
Sato
Thank you very much for your time.
Interviewer
First of all, as for the "past" as Vert Point, the first question is "What was your first thought when you became the representative?" It's okay to be honest about your feelings!
Sato
My desire is that "I want the world to know more about this craftsmanship.”
When I became a representative, I was anxious and thought, "What have I put myself into?!”
Though, I felt that I was closer to realizing my desire now that I have moved from a position of making things alone to a position of representing the company, where I am in contact with many people.
Interviewer
As a craftsman, you have been in contact with many "leather products," but how do you feel about the distance between your daily life and leather products? I think that many people who come into contact with your products in this online store also choose to use them in their daily lives.
Sato
There are many "leather geeks" at Vert Point lol... Our sales staff usually buy anything that looks interesting, and in fact, if I find a product from an other business companies, I ask them if we can “buy” from them lol.
It is one thing to make someone in the same business say, "I want Vert Points product!”
Our product is about being chosen for our customers daily life and not what they work for.
Chapter 2
Now
Interviewer
As you continue to be on the front lines of production and communication with customers, what is the most pleasant thing that a customer has said to you from the perspective of both the craftsman and the company?
Sato
"I knew it' is as good as I expected.”
This was said to us when we were asked to produce a sample product. This company had initially asked an another company to produce a sample product, but they were not so sure about that, so they asked us to do it. To be honest, the hurdle was high, but it was a great honor for the creator.
On the other hand, we get excited even if when we could not respond to the request at that time. It motivates our spirit of challenge.
I believe that the people who buy our products from now on will have as many expectations as the number of products grow, and I hope that we can respond to those expectations and have them say, "I knew it' is as good as I expected.”
Interviewer
I am sure that there are people who are using leather products for the first time in earnest in this online store, and I would like you to tell us what you think is important for first-timers to look for.
Sato
From a leather geek's point of view (lol), I would say "the shape". I think that leather products themselves are all over the place, and products that are made properly are really careful, and those that are not are immediately shabby. In that sense, the “shape details” are important.
Even now, there are products that we look at and think, "Wow, these are made really careful," and conversely, we make them with the desire to make people say so.
Interviewer
Conversely,looking ahead to the future, is there anything that you want the new generation to say?
Sato
This would be my message to the younger generation.
I think there are many young people who use synthetic leather and low-cost leather products, including in terms of price.
But I want these people to try using products made with "good leather with care.”
I want people who think, "If it breaks, I'll just move on to the next one," to try and use our product over the years. This is true in terms of how well something holds up, and also in terms of showing it off in front of others. In other words, I want people who use our product to say, "I guess good things are good after all!”
Adachi Brand
~Spreading Local Technology Nationwide~
Adachi Brand is an initiative to promote the development of local
industries and the image of Adachi City by recognizing the excellent products
and technologies of Adachi's industries and spreading their excellence
throughout Japan.
The Adachi Brand initiative was launched in 2007.
Key points for certification are "technological superiority and uniqueness,"
"corporate credibility," and "ability to develop brand activities such as
collaborative activities and regional contributions." Certified companies will
be featured on the Adachi Brand website and in booklets, and will receive PR
support such as assistance in exhibiting at international trade fairs.
Businesses that perform major manufacturing and repair processes in
Adachi Ward are eligible for the program, and are required to have safe
technologies and the intention to contribute to the enhancement of the image of
Adachi Ward.
Adachi Brand supports local industry and grants certification to
outstanding products and technologies.
We aim to make this certification, which comes with the quality of our
products and our efforts as a company, more valuable in practice.
We hope that this certification will further stimulate the economy of Adachi
Ward and the “manufacturing" industry, including other regions.
Detailed information about each certified company, including ours, and brand
certification can be obtained from the official brand website. This is an
important program for the development of local industry.
Chapter 3
The Future
Interviewer
As a "future" question for Vert Point, what would you like to do next?
Sato
Overseas expansion. It is common to see leather products made overseas being sold in Japan, but the opposite is not so common yet.
I always have the feeling that I want to make Japanese craftsmanship known overseas.
Our website is something that can be seen by the world, so we hope to make it one of the places where we can send out our message.
Interviewer
You yourself have visited overseas, haven't you?
Sato
We actually made a business card case for the person in charge of Japan for a certain overseas jewelry brand.
Interviewer
You mean that it was a direct offer from an overseas company?
Sato
What surprised me was that the business card case itself was checked by the New York headquarters. I understood this can be common for any company, since business card case can be seen by people in a sales position. When their headquarters gave us highly comments about our product, it gave me confidence, and at the same time, I wanted to have more people say that in various places.
Interviewer
Finally, please give a message to the people who are watching this interview.
Sato
I would like to have a good relationship with "first-time owners” of leather products.
As I said in my interview with the overseas company, there are many leather products that can be seen in public. Leather shoes, bags, belts, and so on. Because there are so many of them used other than the business field, I always want people to use good products and to keep using them.
I hope you will encounter such products in this online store as well.
Topics
Leather is actually sustainable.
~Our approach to the SDGs~
For Vert Point, which has been involved in "leather products" for a long time, the image
people have of "leather" is a factor that cannot be overlooked.
One of the most common images is that "leather products are not good for the
environment". The use of animal skins is the reason for such an image.
However, what we would like to convey to those who are going to incorporate leather into
their daily lives is the "new way of thinking" that the leather used in our products is
made from the resources of animals that are produced in our food culture.
We do not take the lives of animals to actually produce leather.
The use of "resources from animals," which we are blessed with in our diet, is also in
line with the perspective of the SDGs, which have been attracting attention in recent
years.
In addition, the image of leather products as "long-lasting" should always continue to
be held.
This can also be said as "continuing to utilize the resources we receive for a long
time.
The combination of leather products and sustainability, which may be difficult to
connect at first glance, is, in other words, a new connection. We will continue to pay
close attention to this.
The connection between Vert Point and the SDGs is not limited to products.
In order to implement the seventh of the 17 sustainability goals, "Energy for All and
Clean", throughout the entire workshop, we will also work to generate electricity using
solar panels.
Vert Point products are born from the "individuality of leather from overseas" and the
"skills of Japanese craftsmen.”
Our approach from the energy that drives them is "the way of thinking about the
environment. We hope that you will add this new angle created from a single leather
product to a part of your life.
CEO Akihiro Sato
Date of Birth: September 9, 1966
Place of birth: Adachi-ku, Tokyo
Akihiro Sato is the CEO of Vert Point and continues to work on the front lines
of product manufacturing for customers.
On his days off, he drives exclusively. He also finds inspiration in books and
movies. What he wants to do now is to try solo camping. He is still in the process of
getting all the equipment together.
He also wants to try motorcycle touring again, which he used to enjoy, and his
ambitions are endless.
