Leatherwork maker aiming to capitalize on Kobe beef name recognition

A leatherwork maker in western Japan is trying to promote items made from the hides of Kobe beef cattle by capitalizing on the global recognition of the highly prized meat brand.Kiichiro Katayama, owner of leather brand Kiichi Co. in the port city, has led an initiative to produce items with "Kobe leather," procured from pedigree Tajima cattle born and shipped in Hyogo Prefecture. The cattle produce one of the highest-grade brands of wagyu, or Japanese-produced beef, which is known for its marbled fat.Bovine leather handled by Japanese leatherwork makers generally comes from dairy cows over…READ FULL ARTICLE