I (Tokunaga) am originally from Nagano City, and Mr. Harayama is also from Nagano City. We moved to Chikuma City because we felt that we could bet our future on our previous jobs.
(I quit though)

Groover Leather also started in Nagano City, but came to Chikuma City in January 2021. About two years and three months have passed since then, and since moving to Chikuma City, I have been able to get to know the people there very quickly, which is something I didn't feel in Nagano City.

Among them, the one I'm grateful for is "Wa Cafe Yorozuya" in front of Yashiro Station.

I can really feel the connections I'm making with all kinds of people, and it gives me this warm feeling, as if I'm receiving gratitude and then giving that gratitude back to someone else.

Since I have my registered address and my store in Chikuma City, is there any way I can help liven up the city?
I started to think like this, and now I'm thinking

Dyeing deerskin with apricots!

What is Chikuma City?
When I think about it, rice terraces? Hot springs? ...
"Anzu?!"
This was something I had been thinking about myself, but the person who helped me at the Nagano Chamber of Commerce and Industry told me the same thing, and it was "Wa Cafe Yorozuya" that finally put me in touch with them.

We quickly arranged a date and visited the Sarashina Hanaori Workshop.

The sight of the thread being dyed with dye extracted from apricot trees and woven on an old-fashioned loom is truly breathtaking!
The production method is far removed from modern times, giving the piece a flavor and warmth that cannot be expressed today.

We are now taking on the challenge of dyeing deerskin with the ingredients in apricots.

As I am still not in a position to talk about it in detail, I will continue to write this blog.
Please look forward to the next blog 🙇‍♂️