ABOUT
Our Story
Our Story
ABOUT US
Katochu's story began in 1887 (Meiji 20), when Chubei Kato founded the "Kato Chu Shoten" in Osaka and entered the leather goods world.
The Semba district in Osaka had long been a major commercial center, where merchants and artisans gathered.
It was in this district that the company continued its development until it became an incorporated company.
From the Meiji to Taisho eras, then Showa, up to today, bags and lifestyles have evolved with their times.
But for nearly 140 years, Katochu has continued its journey alongside this craft.
By perpetuating this history and experience,
we are now passing on the culture of the randoseru — which has always been designed for children in Japan — to new generations and to the entire world.
Nearly 140 years
Our Story
Between 1880 and 1890
-
1887 (Meiji 20)
Chubei Kato abandoned the paper trade and founded "Kato Chu Shoten," a leather goods store, in Azuchimachi, Higashi-ku, Osaka (now Chuo-ku). This marked the very beginning of bag manufacturing in Japan. -
1897 (Meiji 30)
Began exporting bags and travel trunks to China and India.
Between 1900 and 1990
-
1930 (Showa 5)
The company incorporates and becomes "Kato Chu Co., Ltd." -
1962 (Showa 37)
"Kato Chu Co., Ltd." is re-established in Higashi-ku, Osaka, and begins operations in Kyomachibori. During this period, randoseru, leather stationery, and school bags become the company's flagship products, and it develops its wholesale network, specializing in school supplies, primarily in Western Japan. -
1997 (Heisei 9)
Hiroshi Tanaka is appointed director.
2000 — Present
-
2002 (Heisei 14)
Launch of a genuine branding strategy focused on randoseru. -
2005 (Heisei 17) — December
The randoseru becomes the house's exclusive flagship product. -
2016 (Heisei 28)
Beginning of brand development in Paris, France. That year and the next, the house also participates in Maison&Objet,
one of Europe's largest interior design shows, as well as Playtime, a trade show dedicated to children's fashion.
These events mark the development of randoseru designed for the French market, intended for both children and adults. -
2018 (Heisei 30)
Opening of the "L'atelier du Cartable" boutique along Aoyama-dori Avenue. -
2026 (Reiwa 8)
Launch of international sales.
Information
Legal Notice
Company name: Kato Chu Co., Ltd.
Head office: 3-3-11 Shinmachi, Nishi-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 550-0013, Japan
Tokyo office: MF Aoyama 102, 1-1-6 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0002, Japan
Phone: +81 6-6531-0724
Established: 1887 (Meiji 20)
Representative: Hiroshi Tanaka, President and CEO