ABOUT

About KCmitF

KCmitF was founded in 2012 in order to help solve the problems that manufacturing firms face, no matter the size of the company. As we provided hands-on support to makers over a long period of time, we began to see the wide variety of issues that they face. In order to better serve companies in tackling these shared challenges, lo-op LLP and Tobuhi Co. were created, both serving different functions. With the synergy created by these three entities, we will work together with you to support craftsmanship that will last for the next 100 years.

SERVICE

Business

  • Introducing KCmitF

    KCmitF believes in a 100% hands-on approach, lending medium to long-term support in the areas of product development, branding, and sales channel development, both offline and online. For international expansion, KCmitF not only provides business strategy and exhibition support, but also actively drives product development and market expansion by working with a team of global partners and Japanese manufacturing companies.

  • Introducing lo-op LLP

    lo-op offers a platform and business matching service for Japanese manufacturing companies and international creatives. As represented by the operation of “kyoji”, lo-op is a co-creation network that works together with other partners to redefine "Made in Japan" for the future.
    Company style: LLP
    URL：http://www.lo-op.co.jp

  • Introducing tobuhi co.

    Tobuhi operates a retail store, Supermama mit tobuhi, and develops businesses that help solve regional issues in Japan. With manufacturing at the core, we are working to tackle problems related to the environment, education, aging societies, regional disparities, as well as promote cross-cultural understanding.
    Company style: Co., Ltd.
    URL：https://www.tobuhi.co.jp

WE ARE

Members

大谷 啓介

KEISUKE OTANI

Head

In July 2012, Keisuke Otani founded KCmitF to support traditional craft businesses across Japan. Drawing on his experience in the retail and e-commerce industry selling anything from everyday goods to high value-added products, Otani provides expertise in product development and marketing strategy. Otani was the General Manager and founding member of Japanese lifestyle e-commerce marketplace “Style Store”, which was started in 2005 under the content aggregator site All About. He was also the Marketing Director at Culture Convenience Club (CCC), which operates the Tsutaya bookstore chains, and at French supermarket operator Carrefour’s Japan subsidiary. In 2014, he established “lo-op” with Singaporean creative Edwin Low, collaborating with various manufacturing regions in Japan and supporting them in their international expansion. With a desire to explore what happens to products after they are “on the shelves”, in 2017, Otani opened Supermama mit tobuhi, a gallery store located in Kugayama, Tokyo. With this, he has built a complete system that supports creators at all stages, from product development to sales.

He is working hard to create a new community that seamlessly connects Japan and the world, manufacturing areas and cities, consumers and creators – envisioning a future where we co-exist with one another.