'Makitorikun': The Self-Retracting Shoulder Belt that Will Change Your Daily Life
The innovative
Makitorikun has captured widespread attention, selling out in just 18 hours on Makuake, with 60 supporters purchasing 100 units. Developed by Wataki Shoko, a leather goods manufacturer with over 60 years of experience, this unique shoulder belt will resume sales on
October 20 after establishing a robust production system to meet demand.
The Success of Makuake
Within just 18 hours of launching,
Makitorikun achieved its initial goal and is now undergoing rapid expansion, thanks to the positive feedback and high demand. This innovative product, which took approximately two years to refine, boasts a unique toothed locking mechanism that allows users to quickly adjust the strap length with one hand, eliminating the hassle of tangled or dirty belts.
The crowdfunding campaign's swift sellout encouraged the company to shift into high gear and ramp up production within just four days. Plans for the next batch are already underway, as the team works to meet the extraordinary interest generated by the launch.
Key Features of the Product
The
Makitorikun is designed to prevent drooping. Its revolutionary features include:
- - Instant length adjustment with one hand.
- - Automatic retraction when not in use, preventing tangles and dirt.
Addressing Everyday Frustrations
Makitorikun tackles several daily inconveniences, such as:
- - Belts drooping and touching dirty surfaces when bags are placed on the floor.
- - Belts tangling under tables or around feet in cafes or vehicles.
- - The hassle of repeatedly adjusting belt lengths during travel.
By quickly adjusting length and automatically retracting,
Makitorikun transforms these minor annoyances into a daily convenience.
Practical Uses
Whether you are commuting, traveling, or enjoying outdoor activities,
Makitorikun offers unmatched flexibility and ease:
- - Commuting: Prevents sagging and tangling while navigating train stations or seating arrangements.
- - Traveling/Business Trips: Reduces the risk of entanglement when securing luggage or managing checked bags.
- - Parenting/Outdoor Activities: Easily adjust strollers or outdoor chairs in seconds.
- - Unexpected Uses: Improves the handling of guitars or guitar cases.
Development Story
Founded in
1959, Wataki Shoko has leveraged its extensive network and collaborated closely with skilled factories in China to establish a unique production base. After extensive discussions and practical trials, the company refined the gear shape and locking mechanism, achieving an ideal balance of precision and durability. The president actively participated in this endeavor, personally overseeing prototype developments over two years.
Pricing and Availability
The initial launch price on Makuake was
6,148 yen. Following this campaign,
Makitorikun will also be available through the company's own e-commerce site, as well as
Rakuten and
Amazon. For Makuake supporters, delivery is expected in January 2026. For more details, visit
Makuake.
Key Specifications
- - Length Range: Approximately 25cm to 110cm
- - Width: Approximately 25mm
- - Weight: Approximately 90-100g
- - Dimensions: 45mm x 45mm x 40mm
- - Materials: PC for the body and POM for internal gears
- - Intellectual Property: Practical New Model Registration No. 3235475
Quote from the Representative
Hiroyuki Watanabe, President of Wataki Shoko, stated: "To eliminate the daily annoyances of drooping, tangling, and getting dirty, we wanted a product that allows for easy adjustment of length and compact storage when not in use—but we couldn’t find anything on the market that met our needs. So we decided to create it ourselves. Through innovation and persistent effort, we believe that even a small manufacturing business in Sumida can develop a product that meets these untapped needs."
Company Overview
- - Company Name: Wataki Shoko Co., Ltd.
- - Location: Sumida Ward, Tokyo, Japan
- - Representative: Hiroyuki Watanabe, President
- - Business: Manufacturing, wholesale, and sales of leather goods (bags, wallets, card cases, key holders, jewelry boxes, etc.)
- - Company History: Established in 1959, opened a sewing factory in Chiba Prefecture in 1966, and became incorporated in 1975.
- - Website: Wataki
Contact Information
For inquiries regarding this product, please contact:
- - Wataki Shoko Public Relations: Hiroyuki Watanabe
- - TEL: 03-3626-3741
- - FAX: 03-3626-3883
- - Email: [email protected]
Note: All details such as sales figures and release dates are as per the report and may be subject to change. For the latest updates, visit the Makuake project page.