HATORI was founded in 2017 by designer Satoko Nakagawa, who established her first workshop in her Brooklyn apartment in New York.

That same year, she introduced Lamellar, the brand's signature collection, at a group exhibition in SoHo. Inspired by odoshi, the traditional Japanese lacing technique used in samurai armor, the collection marked the beginning of HATORI's exploration of traditional craftsmanship through contemporary design. From cutting each piece of leather to assembling the finished form, every stage of production was initially carried out in her own workshop.

2019 — Artist Editions & Production in Japan

HATORI began its Artist Edition series in collaboration with contemporary artists working internationally, launching with American artist Alex Dodge. That same year, production moved entirely to Japan.

2022 — Collaboration with Armor Artisans

HATORI began working with traditional Japanese armor workshops, deepening its understanding of the techniques, materials, and construction methods passed down through generations.

2024 — Collaboration with Traditional Craftspeople

The brand began collaborating with artisans specializing in the restoration of samurai armor and sword fittings, as well as traditional techniques dating back to the Edo period. Through these collaborations, HATORI continues to explore how historical knowledge and craftsmanship can inform contemporary design.

2026 — A New Workshop in Tango, Kyoto

HATORI plans to relocate its workshop to Tango, in northern Kyoto. Surrounded by the region's natural landscape and rich cultural heritage, the new setting will provide an opportunity to deepen its relationship with traditional crafts, local materials, and the people who sustain them.

HATORI creates what might be described as functional objects of art, bringing together the structural beauty of Japanese tradition and a contemporary sensibility. Working across the fields of art, design, and fashion, the brand continues to develop its own distinctive approach to craftsmanship.