Currier (Leather production)
なめしこう（せいかわ）
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
Specialist who chemically and physically processes raw animal hides to produce leather with adjusted durability and color.
Description
Curriers are specialists who produce leather from raw animal hides. They first perform pre-treatments such as cleaning, degreasing, and dehairing the raw hides, then use tanning drums and other equipment for chemical treatments like chrome tanning or vegetable tanning to stabilize collagen fibers. After tanning, they wash out excess chemicals, and in the drying and finishing processes, adjust thickness, dye, oil, etc., to ensure the quality of the final product. Main tasks include machine operation, chemical management, and quality inspection, requiring humidity and temperature control, safe handling of chemicals, and physical stamina for handling heavy raw hides.
Future Outlook
Although the domestic leather industry is shrinking in scale, demand is expected to increase for high-value-added leather and sustainable leather. Introduction of automation and labor-saving technologies is progressing, and the value of skilled technicians is expected to rise.
Personality Traits
Work Style
Contract or dispatched employee / Factory work with standing operations / Indoor work / Shift work
Career Path
Currier apprentice → Currier → Chief tanner → Quality control → Production management → Factory manager
Required Skills
Chemical management / Machine operation / Quality inspection (thickness and strength measurement) / Raw hide processing techniques
Recommended Skills
Dyeing and finishing techniques / English (export-related) / Safety management and environmental regulations knowledge / Tanning techniques
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Fine adjustments to chemical concentrations and processing times directly affect quality. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Requires physical stamina due to frequent handling of heavy raw hides and prolonged standing work. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Creativity & Ideation | Work mainly follows established processes, emphasizing continuity over novelty. |
Aliases
- Tanner
Related Jobs
- Leather cutter
- Leather product dyer
- Leather product inspector
- Leather sewer