I have been manufacturing bags for forty years, succeeding to my father's leather bag workshop which started in 1929 at Senju, Tokyo. In today's Japan the manufacturing industry is more and more shrinking and the population of handicraftsmen is considerably decreasing. Under this circumstance it is hard to keep working as a craftsman. In fact, not a few of my working companions lost their jobs, and I myself was not an exception. However, I could not give up my work as a craftsman because I still passionately wanted to create something new by my hand. Ten years ago I re-started as WATANABE BAGS. The bags I make are essentially made of animal leather and canvas, but I also enjoy using Japanese traditional fabric such as Aizome and Edo-Komon. It is difficult but interesting to nicely combine different materials. I continue making functional and long lasting bags.