hide k 1896 - A Legacy of Materials and Innovation
The 130-year journey of the Kasuga family began with founder Eitaro Kasuga, who laid the foundation in 1896 by establishing the Kasuga Linen Shop in the Zenkoji area of Nagano Prefecture—then a major center of hemp production. At the time, hemp was an essential material deeply embedded in every aspect of Japanese life. Since those early days, the Kasuga family has consistently prioritized a sincere and respectful relationship with materials.
A pivotal shift occurred under the second-generation Eitaro Kasuga, who transitioned the business from commerce to industry. In collaboration with Shinshu University, he developed "Kinuasa Packing,” an environmentally conscious composite made from upcycled textile waste such as hemp and silk. This innovation marked the beginning of the family’s enduring commitment to unlocking the potential of materials and creating new value through technology.
Another turning point came with fourth-generation heir Hideyuki Kasuga, who had conducted research on carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) in France. In 2009, he succeeded the family business, the NiKKi Fron Group, and began integrating advanced material development with a focus on environmental sustainability.
Driven by his personal philosophy and long-term vision, Hideyuki Kasuga branched out from the family enterprise to found hide kasuga 1896 in 2012. The following year, he launched the brand hide k 1896, embodying a mission of harmony with the environment. The number "1896” symbolizes both the heritage of the founding year and a determination to help shape a sustainable future.
Under the banner of "PRODUCE & RECYCLE,” hide k 1896 transcends traditional product manufacturing. Utilizing proprietary eco-materials such as TRANSWOOD® and COMPOSITE TEXTILE, the company manages every aspect—from planning and production to recovery and upcycling—internally, aiming to realize a true circular economy.
At hide kasuga group, hide k 1896 stands by their unwavering vision:
"What is made by human hands should return to nature by human hands.”
Built on a 130-year passion for materials and a legacy of innovation, hide k 1896 is dedicated to contributing to a richer, sustainable future for generations to come.
CEO message
The tableware collection les trois collection from their environmentally conscious product brand hide k 1896 addresses a key issue associated with traditional ceramic ware—the fact that once broken, it cannot be reused or recycled. In response, hide k 1896 developed and adopted TRANSWOOD®, an environmentally harmonious material designed under the concept of "a material that circulates for 100 years."
hide k 1896 believes products should not end as waste. Instead, they should continue to circulate as valuable resources—a principle deeply embedded in their work.
TRANSWOOD® is a recyclable, planet-friendly material composed of wood-derived elements from thinned timber and biomass resin made from waste cooking oil. It embodies both sustainability and innovation.
les trois collection was created in collaboration with renowned architect Kengo Kuma, reflecting the concept of "circular tableware” through elegant and functional design. In France, there’s a cultural tradition of serving multiple dishes on a single plate. Reducing the number of dishes leads to saving water and resources, making everyday life more sustainable.
The name les trois, meaning "the three” in French, symbolizes the beginning of a new, circular lifestyle. But hide k 1896 is not just introducing an eco-friendly material—hide k 1896 aims to spark a shift in the way people dine and consume. By reimagining the table and how it functions in daily life, hide k 1896 hopes to ignite a quiet revolution.
hide k 1896’s vision, which hide k 1896 calls "Reiwa Modernism,” blends the beauty of traditional culture with contemporary technology to create new ways of living. les trois collection is part of this philosophy—offering a uniquely Japanese lifestyle concept, where advanced technology meets the refined sensibilities shaped by history and culture.
Every piece in the collection has a distinct expression, enhancing the presentation of cuisine with careful attention to design details. Since its launch, the collection has received high praise from chefs at luxury hotels and restaurants, who view these plates as elegant canvases for the art of food.
Redefining Material Beauty – The Innovation Behind COMPOSITE TEXTILE
Their journey with materials began as a hemp wholesaler, evolving through the history of textiles and culminating in 2013 with the development of COMPOSITE TEXTILE—a proprietary material that forms the foundation of hide k 1896.
COMPOSITE TEXTILE is an environmentally conscious material designed with recyclability in mind. It is composed of textiles such as carbon fiber and hemp, fused with a flexible resin. Traditionally, carbon fiber—known for its heat resistance, lightness, and strength—has been used in industrial applications such as aircraft and sports cars.
hide k 1896 saws new potential in this industrial functionality and reimagined carbon fiber under the concept of "Look & Touch." The result is a sensuous material that, like leather, can be sewn and tailored. With its supple texture and elegant sheen, COMPOSITE TEXTILE has been applied to refined consumer products like card cases, wallets, and bags—offering a sustainable alternative to high-end leather.
This is more than just material refinement—it is an innovation that redefines industrial value into emotional value. hide k 1896 believes this is a testament to the power of creativity and technical excellence in unlocking a material’s full potential.
Building on these emotionally rich materials, they’ve expanded collaborations with leading brands across industries. From a school bag developed with LEXUS, to a limited-edition camera body for LEICA, COMPOSITE TEXTILE and their other proprietary material TRANSWOOD® continue to inspire global partnerships rooted in circular design and elevated craftsmanship.
Awards
• Grand Prix Winner at the 30th Monozukuri NAGANO Support Forum
• Grand Prize in the Shiawase Shinshu Category at the Shinshu Brand Awards 2024