Tsuchiya Kaban’s Remarkable Achievement at the 2026 Company Newsletter Awards
In an exciting recent announcement, Tsuchiya Kaban Seisakusho, a renowned leather goods manufacturer headquartered in Chuo, Tokyo, revealed that their commemorative booklet, "DIGTIONARY," has won both the Grand Prize and Gold Award in the Special Category at the national company newsletter competition, the "Company Newsletter Awards 2026," hosted by Wizworks. This marks a significant milestone as it is the first time Tsuchiya Kaban has secured the Grand Prize after five consecutive years of recognition at this prestigious event.
Celebrating 60 Years with DIGTIONARY
"DIGTIONARY" is more than just a booklet; it is a heartfelt tribute to Tsuchiya Kaban's 60 years in business. The design emulates the weighty presence of a genuine dictionary, and the playful illustrations invite readers to delve deeper into its pages, reflecting the company’s core message of cultivating a culture centered around people and craftsmanship—values that are central to Tsuchiya Kaban's identity.
The booklet's content is structured alphabetically, introducing key terms and themes that represent the rich history and culture of the company. Each of the 26 letters unveils a unique story or episode, allowing readers to rediscover the company's legacy and ethos. For instance, the section under the letter 'D' explores "Dougu" (tools) and includes insights from the founder about the significance of tools in their craftsmanship. This thoughtful presentation aims to resonate with employees, providing them a means to reflect on the company’s values during moments of uncertainty or when they wish to reconnect with their roots.
Insight from the Editor
Reiko Kozasa, the editor-in-chief of Tsuchiya Kaban’s internal newsletter "Kawa no Oto," expressed her deep gratitude for receiving the esteemed Grand Prize. She highlighted that the creation of "DIGTIONARY" was a collaborative effort to reinforce the company’s identity while looking towards the future. Reiko emphasized the intention behind the booklet: to instill a sense of unity and understanding among employees by revisiting the company’s foundational principles.
Building a Community with 'Kawa no Oto'
The internal newsletter "Kawa no Oto" was launched in Spring 2021 with a mission to amplify the voices of those associated with Tsuchiya Kaban, fostering a sense of community within the organization. As the company has experienced rapid growth, there has been a pressing need to articulate and share what it means to embody the "Tsuchiya Kaban spirit". With over 40 diverse roles from artisans to retail staff, the newsletter serves as a platform for nurturing shared values and enhancing mutual understanding among employees.
About the Company Newsletter Awards
The Company Newsletter Awards have been held annually since 2002 and celebrate innovations in internal communication across various companies in Japan. The competition features four categories, encompassing paper newsletters, web/app newsletters, video newsletters, and a special category. This year, a record number of 568 entries from 253 companies participated, showcasing the dynamic landscape of internal communication.
For Tsuchiya Kaban, winning both the Grand Prize and Gold Award in the Special Category is a significant achievement that motivates them to further improve information dissemination and internal communication, strengthening their brand’s identity. This foundational work will ultimately enhance the collective spirit of the organization, enabling them to deliver even better products and services to their customers.
Looking Ahead
As Tsuchiya Kaban embraces this recognition, they remain committed to sharing their legacy and visions for the future, ensuring that internal communication continues to foster a cohesive and robust organizational environment. Their mission is not only to celebrate their past but also to inspire their future, embracing the values of craftsmanship and connection that define them.
For more information about Tsuchiya Kaban, please visit their various websites, including the original brand of leather products and job opportunities.