The Superior Labor Story: From Workshop to Global Recognition
Founder Makoto Kawai, born in Okayama in 1972, cultivated his passion for craftsmanship from childhood in his grandfather's family metal workshop. His path to founding the brand led through unusual experiences – he worked as a car mechanic and, in the 1990s, traveled to the US to trade vintage clothing. A turning point came from an encounter with an American leather craftsman, which led to the creation of NAP, a company specializing in pet collars.
In 2007, Kawai transformed NAP into The Superior Labor, initially creating canvas clothing and bags. A breakthrough came with a collaboration with J.Crew, which introduced TSL products to its stores. This led Kawai to relocate its headquarters in 2012 to Nap Village, an eco-friendly complex in the mountains of Okayama. Surrounded by forests and rice paddies, this location became the brand's spiritual center, where nature inspires minimalist designs.
In 2022, the brand opened a flagship store in the historic Kurashiki district, in a restored 19th-century herbal pharmacy. Currently, Nap Village is expanding
ad, a rice field (where even Kawai's daughters participate in the harvest), and a guesthouse for craft enthusiasts. This evolution from a local workshop to a sustainable ecosystem perfectly reflects the brand's philosophy: slow, conscious creation in harmony with nature.
What will you find in the collection?
• Bags and cases – e.g. the iconic Canvas Mission Case in three sizes, designed for travel and organization enthusiasts
• Writing accessories – elegant Toscana pen cases with magnetic closure
• Limited accessories – patches with crane, turtle and tiger motifs, paying tribute to Japanese symbolism
• Design collaborations – such as the Engineer Shoulder Bag series created with Baum-kuchen, combining industrial style with soft canvas
The secret of timelessness
TSL products are made from natural materials that "age with dignity"—soft calfskin and organic canvases acquire a patina, creating a unique user story. The brand consistently avoids trends, focusing on forms refined down to the smallest detail.
Why is it the perfect choice for lovers of minimalism?
The collection is dominated by subdued colors—graphite, khaki, and natural leather tones. The simple shapes of the cases and organizers are designed to maximize functionality without unnecessary frills. This design doesn't dominate, but rather discreetly highlights the owner's style.
In the era of fast fashion, The Superior Labor products are a manifestation of conscious consumerism. When you buy a case or bag from this brand, you're acquiring an item that can be worn for decades, becoming a family heirloom. It's not just an accessory, but a tangible record of personal history.
I hope you will find TSL products in our offer that you will want to have, just like we do!
