Yota Abe

Yota Abe was born in Saitama Prefecture in 1988. He graduated from Tama Art University, majoring in Product Design. After moving to Mexico, he began working with leathercraft. Subsequently, he traveled across South America while selling his creations. Upon returning to Japan, he further honed his skills in leather bag making by working at two leather bag manufacturers in Tokyo. In 2019, he founded oceano. Since 2022, he has been based in Fuji City, Shizuoka Prefecture, focusing on his craft.

Map of Japan with Shizuoka Prefecture highlighted.

oceano

oceano is a brand where I personally handle everything from design to sewing and finishing. When designing oceano products, I always incorporate a single reason or motif into the form. Everyday items with this 'one distinctive form' possess a certain charm or humor, functioning as practical tools while bringing joy to daily life.

'One Distinctive Form'

Let’s add just one thing to a common shape.​

From the starting point of technique, inspiration, intentions, or requests from users—among various elements, I choose one and seamlessly integrate it.​

Suddenly, the ordinary shape transforms into 'one distinctive form', gaining individuality and delighting us.

If I'm going to do what I love, I want to keep at it with pride and confidence.​

That's why oceano exists - to shape that belief into form. We choose high-quality, low-impact materials and craft pieces meant to last, to grow old with those who use them.

By understanding the beauty of change and the delicacy of vegetable-tanned leather, we create tools that deepen with character over time. Every meticulous step—from burnished edges to hand-rubbed finishes—is what gives oceano its quiet, enduring beauty.