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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, we stand by our 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, we are dedicated to contributing to a richer, sustainable future for generations to come.

Our 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.

We saw 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. We believe 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, we’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 our other proprietary material TRANSWOOD® continue to inspire global partnerships rooted in circular design and elevated craftsmanship.