Hello, We're nap inc.
We take pride in craftsmanship
and never skimp on time and effort.
Profile
Makoto KawaiCEO
Born in 1972, Makoto Kawai grew up around craftsmanship, spending time in his grandfather’s factory, where the scent of metal and oil left a strong impression.
He started his career in auto repair before moving into the vintage clothing industry.
In the mid-’90s, a chance encounter with a leather craftsman in the U.S. sparked his interest in leatherwork.
This led him to establish The Superior Labor (TSL) in 2007.
His background in auto repair continues to influence TSL’s approach—focusing on durability, functionality, and craftsmanship.
We take pride in craftsmanship and never skimp on time and effort.
Company Milestones
- 1999
- Founded nap, a small pet supply store in central Okayama, specializing in premium dog goods and food.
From the beginning, a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and quality was at the heart of our work.
- 2005
- Established nap inc., officially embarking on a journey of handcrafted production and thoughtful design.
- 2006
- Began prototyping THE SUPERIOR LABOR, a brand built on the philosophy of craftsmanship, durability, and timeless design.
- 2007
- Debuted THE SUPERIOR LABOR with its first Spring & Summer Collection, introducing hand-stitched leather goods and carefully crafted canvas bags.
- 2008
- Expanded internationally, bringing THE SUPERIOR LABOR to a global audience.
Established an in-house sewing workshop in Kurashiki, further deepening our commitment to handcrafted production.
- 2012
- Relocated and consolidated our workshops from Okayama and Kurashiki to the former Enjo Elementary School Kamoyama Branch in Kibichuo Town.
This historic school building was transformed into a dedicated space where artisans could focus on their craft.
- 2013
- Opened Café & things Hachigahana on-site, offering dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
With small handcrafted buildings surrounding the workshop, the area naturally became known as nap village.
Recognized with the Good Design Award for its unique approach to craftsmanship-driven commercial space.
- 2018
- Renovated &things Hachigahana into TSL Store & Lab, turning it into the official flagship store of THE SUPERIOR LABOR, where visitors could experience the art of craftsmanship firsthand.
- 2020
- Temporarily closed TSL Store & Lab due to the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This period became a time of reflection, reinforcing our dedication to handcrafted work and our core values.
- 2022
- Opened T.S.L Kurashiki, a direct store in the historic Kurashiki Bikan Quarter, allowing more people to experience the beauty of handmade craftsmanship.
- 2023
- Built INEMURIAN, a guesthouse within nap village, offering guests a deeper connection to the slow and intentional process of handcrafting.
- 2024
- Opened T.S.L STORE & LAB in Kurashiki, a combined workshop and retail space where visitors can witness, experience, and appreciate the artistry of handcrafted goods up close.
Company Profile
- Company Name:
- nap inc
- Headquarters:
- 2395-5 Uedahigashi, Kibichuo-cho, Kaga-gun, Okayama, Japan
- Representative:
- Makoto Kawai
- Established:
- 2005 (Founded in 1999)
- Business Activities:
- Manufacturing, wholesale, and retail of in-house brand products Store design and production
- Number of Artisans & Staff:
Craftsmen & Makers: 14 Support & Workshop Assistants: 7 Executives & Creative Directors: 3 (nap village: 15 / T.S.L Kurashiki & T.S.L STORE & LAB: 9)
(as of February 2025)
TSL Kurashiki
A directly managed store of THE SUPERIOR LABOR located in Kurashiki City's Bikan Historical Quarter.
The first floor of the store, which was renovated from a detached building of "Hayashi Genjuro Shoten," sells THE SUPERIOR LABOR, while the second floor sells stationery and miscellaneous goods with a "travel" theme, centering on Traveler's Notebooks.
- 710-0055
Okayama Prefecture Kurashiki City Achi 2-23-10 Hayashi Genjuro Shoten Tenant Building C
- Tel
- OPEN
10:00-18:00
- CLOSE
Mondays and Tuesdays (Tuesdays and Wednesdays if Monday is a public holiday)
tsl.kurashiki@nap-dog.com
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GUEST HOUSE
INEMURIAN
Inemurian is a Japanese-Western style guesthouse with a modern dining room and Japanese-style guest rooms. The hearth (okudosan) and American wood stove (moved from an old house) warmly welcome curious guests from all over the world.
TSL STORE & LAB
A workshop and store where you can experience the roots and craftsmanship of THE SUPERIOR LABOR.
Go south on the main street in front of Kurashiki Station, turn right at the traffic light at the corner of Kurashiki City Central Library, and about 50 meters ahead you will see this sign and a Rabbit scooter. This is half workshop, half shop, and there is no door separating the workshop from the shop, so freshly baked goods are often lined up. Just like the local bakeries.
- 710-0046
Okayama Prefecture, Kurashiki City, Chuo 2-12-25
- Tel
- OPEN
10:00-18:00
- CLOSE
Mondays and Tuesdays (Tuesdays and Wednesdays if Monday is a public holiday)
tsl.kurashiki@nap-dog.com
View More
The history of our place “nap village”
From the former Enjo Elementary School Kamoyama Branch to nap village
We moved here in February 2012, leaving behind our workshop in Okayama City and our sewing factory in Kurashiki. The move was unforgettable, as we transported everything through the snow.
What is now nap village was once a small mountain school, established in May 1947, just after World War II. The current school building where we work today was newly built in August 1949, followed by the completion of the schoolyard in March 1952, finally giving it the appearance of a proper school.
Surrounding the small schoolyard, ancient cherry trees and maple trees still stand, marking the passage of the seasons just as they did decades ago. The school originally started as a simple hut with a thatched roof, tied together with logs and ropes during the post-war turmoil. Over 44 years, the mountain school nurtured over 170 students before closing its doors in April 1991, having fulfilled its role in this pioneering settlement.
Fast forward to February 2012, we relocated our entire operation here, transforming the old wooden school building while preserving as much of its original character as possible. We spread out our store, workshop, and living spaces across the property, shaping it into a “small village.” And so, nap village was born.
At first, life here was challenging—no cell phone service, and winters were long and bitterly cold. But the colder the winter, the warmer the spring felt. The harsher the seasons, the more we learned to appreciate each one. There are inconveniences, of course, but life here has rhythm—a contrast to the flat uniformity of city life. And we have come to love it.
Looking back, we know we made the right decision.
(Note: Cell phone reception remains weak to this day.)
GOOD DESIGN AWARD
In 2013, nap village was honored with the Good Design Award as a unique complex where we create, sell, and live, embodying the philosophy of craftsmanship and community.
The former Kamoyama branch of Enjo Elementary School was built in 1949.
In 2012, it won the Good Design Award as a complex commercial facility where people can make, sell, and live.
Around
About the area around nap village.
Mount Hongu
Near napvillage, there is a place called "Yama no Kami Toge". There is a shrine that used to stand here called "Yamajingu", and three shrines, "Kaijinja" and "Ryuosha", are enshrined on the summit of Hongu Mountain. Yamajingu has a deep connection with Kake Shrine, and is a mountain that holds a special meaning for the local people.
Yoshida Farm
Yoshida Farm's cheese-making process, which starts with raising cattle, has a flavor that is unique to this region. And the cheese, whose flavor changes with the seasons, really makes you feel like you're "eating" the bounty of Japan's four seasons and the land.
Kaki Shrine
Founded around the Yoro era (717–723), this is the local guardian shrine of the region where Napvillage is located.
Surrounded by cedar forests, the shrine has an atmosphere that evokes the presence of the mountain god.
Every year, I make my first shrine visit here for hatsumode.
Philosophy
“The Road Goes On Forever”
I’ve worked as an auto repair technician specializing in painting, traveled to the U.S. to source vintage clothing, crafted leather goods, and sold pet supplies.
Looking back, I realize that everything I’ve done is connected—one continuous journey rather than separate chapters.
Now, I live in the mountains, running my own brand. Of course, this is just another step forward.
I pour all my past experiences into my work, blending them together to create products that make people stop and think.
And as for the future? I have no idea where this road will take me, but that’s exactly what makes it exciting.