About Fish Leather

Fish leather is a type of leather made by tanning (preserving) fish skin.

Historically, fish leather was processed by indigenous people, such as the Ainu, to create garments and shoes. However, due to its tendency to decay and the difficulty of processing, it has been a very rare leather worldwide. In recent years, with the rise of environmental conservation activities such as SDGs, fish leather has gained attention for its low environmental impact. Fish leather is characterized by its beautiful scale patterns, which vary by fish species, and its lightweight nature, offering a unique appeal different from other types of leather.

0. Preparation

We receive discarded skins from our own seafood processing division, as well as from other companies, and perform the preparation work.

3. Tanning

Vegetable tannins are dissolved in water, and the skin is immersed in the solution, which allows the tanning (preservation process) to take place, transforming raw hide into leather. Once properly tanned, the leather is then dried.

Fleshing

The remaining excess flesh and fat on the skin are removed. This is done carefully to avoid creating any holes.

4. Dyeing

The dye is mixed and applied to the leather.

2. Degreasing

Using a drum, the oils and impurities that cause odors are thoroughly washed and removed at this stage.

5. Coating

The spray is applied thinly, followed by pressing, and this process is repeated to further enhance durability.

Features

Texture

The texture, including the scale pattern's bumps and smoothness, is processed to highlight the natural characteristics of the fish.

smell

Fish leather does not have the typical fishy smell, as the 'fat' responsible for odor is thoroughly removed during the processing stage.

Strength

In fact, fish leather has the same, if not greater, strength compared to cowhide (at the same thickness). The secret lies in its 'crosshatch fibers.' The fibers are intricately intertwined, giving it superior strength.

Thin and Light

Fish leather is much lighter due to its thinness compared to regular leather. At Ocean Leather, we create products that take full advantage of the thinness and lightness of fish leather.

Fish species

Sea Bream

Red sea bream is almost always used at celebratory events and is the most famous luxury fish among the sea bream species.

The leather has a beautiful scale pattern that combines transparency and depth. Each piece of scale pattern has a gradation, giving it a three-dimensional texture that is unique to other leathers.

Since ancient times, sea bream has been valued as a lucky charm, with the word ``congratulatory'' and is recommended as a present for anniversaries and celebrations.

Japanese Amberjack

Japanese amberjack is a fish that grows relatively quickly, is often farmed, and is a popular fish enjoyed by Japanese people throughout the year. It is the main fish species for fishing, along with red sea bream. In addition, Japanese amberjack is a fish that changes its name as it grows, making it the perfect leather to use as a talisman to pray for growth and success in your work or studies.

Mahi-mahi

Dolphinfish is a large carnivorous fish found in warm waters and is a popular fish for sport fishing.In Hawaii, it is also called mahi-mahi and is eaten as a luxury fish.

Since ancient times, dolphinfish have been used as betrothal gifts in Kochi because males and females swim harmoniously together. For this reason, it is said to be a fish that brings harmonious marriage and fulfillment in love.

All fish have a sensory organ called the "lateral line" that allows them to sense the flow of water, and it is a valuable part of the skin that can only be removed from one piece of leather. Like yellowtail, dolphinfish is also a fish with a clear lateral line, and it is one of the leathers where you can feel the charm of fish leather the most.

Salmon

Atlantic salmon is a type of salmon that lives in large numbers in the North Atlantic waters. In addition, aquaculture is popular in countries with cool climates such as Chile in South America and Northern Europe. Atlantic salmon are large salmon, with an average size of about 90 to 110 centimeters.

It is an elegant leather with a uniform scale pattern.
Salmon is also famous as a fish that brings good fortune, such as success in life, avoiding misfortune, and the prosperity of descendants.

sturgeon

Caviar's parent leather.