ABOUT US
Using rich materials nurtured by nature,
Weaving is done slowly using an old-fashioned shuttle-type power loom.
We create fabrics that are kind to people and the earth, and can be washed and dried in the sun without worrying.
The things we wear in our daily lives,
Something that feels as natural and warm as possible.
Only the amount that can reach the people you want to reach.
We create products with this in mind.
~ ETHICALLY / MADE IN HYOGO, JAPAN ~
ORIGINAL FABRIC
Based in Nishiwaki City, Hyogo Prefecture, L.E.O. is led by Tomohito Koizumi, our founder and designer, who personally operates an 80-year-old vintage shuttle loom. Carefully overseeing the final color and texture, he creates original fabrics with meticulous attention to detail.
Our fabric production is highly specialized and limited in quantity, often changing color tones, weaving techniques, and yarn counts every few meters, resulting in nearly one-of-a-kind pieces. We are dedicated to selecting only the finest natural materials, paying close attention to fibers and dyes from the very beginning.
The cloth, slowly woven at low speed on vintage looms from these carefully chosen materials, carries a warmth born from love and craftsmanship. It boasts vivid colors, exceptional texture, and a luxurious feel against the skin.
We invite you to experience the unique items of L.E.O., born from traditional looms and natural materials.
MINDS
Inspired by the skill and pride of Banshu-ori artisans, and driven by a desire to create in the same space, we relocated to Nishiwaki in 2013. To share the essence of craftsmanship widely, we established the brand L.E.O. — Drawing out and guiding the roots of things.
When the artisans who had been working with us since the brand’s inception retired, we inherited one of the few remaining shuttle looms in the region and set up our own workshop in 2014 to begin production.
ETHICALLY BRAND
We value natural materials, natural colors, and things born from nature. Our designer, a passionate traveler who never misses a chance to fly overseas each year, draws inspiration from nature to infuse into our designs. With a commitment to “ETHICALLY - MADE IN JAPAN - / Creating with care for people and the Earth,” we craft our products every day.
Many of our designs add subtle ideas and variations to simple forms, creating timeless pieces that you can cherish for a long time. Our company strives for ultimate small-batch production, focusing on minimizing waste and producing thoughtfully.
BANSHU-ORI
The origins of Banshu-ori date back to 1792 (Kansei 4), when weaving techniques were introduced from Nishijin in Kyoto. Banshu-ori flourished in Nishiwaki due to the suitability of the local river water for dyeing yarns. Using these dyed yarns, various patterns such as checks and stripes were woven, followed by finishing processes like wrinkle resistance and shape retention. This “yarn-dyed fabric” production became a major industry, and Banshu developed into a prosperous center for such textiles.
At its peak, there was a period known as the “Gachaman” era, when the town was filled with factories. The sound of the shuttle loom—“gacha”—was so valuable that it was said a single ‘gacha’ was worth 10,000 yen. However, in recent years, many factories have closed, and only a few remain in operation today.
We value the process of craftsmanship and are committed to conveying this to consumers, while looking ahead to the future of Banshu-ori.
