Leather Tanner
かわなめしこう
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
A profession that uses chemicals to tan raw animal hides, producing leather that serves as raw material for leather products.
Description
Leather tanners mainly handle the 'tanning' process, which stabilizes the hide structure by penetrating chemicals (such as plant tannins or chrome salts) into animal hides. In pre-treatment, they clean, degrease, and dehair the raw hides, using drum machines or tanks to uniformly penetrate the chemicals. After tanning, they perform dyeing, drying, and softening treatments, adjusting the leather's thickness, flexibility, and color tone. Process management and quality inspection significantly affect the leather's final use and durability, so they work with meticulous attention based on chemical knowledge and experience. Teamwork in factories is common, requiring physical strength and precision for handling heavy raw hides and managing chemicals.
Future Outlook
While demand for leather products remains stable both domestically and internationally, stricter environmental regulations and the introduction of automation technologies will continue the demand for specialized professionals with advanced technical skills and environmental responsiveness.
Personality Traits
Dexterous with hands and good at detailed work / Meticulous and cautious / Patient
Work Style
Career Path
Apprentice Tanning Worker → Tanning Craftsman → Factory Manager → Quality Control Supervisor → Leather Technology Consultant
Required Skills
Dyeing and Drying Process Management / Handling Tanning Chemicals / Machine Operation (Drum, Tank) / Quality Evaluation / Raw Hide Processing Technology
Recommended Skills
Color Adjustment / Factory Safety Management / Leather Processing Machine Maintenance / Waste Liquid Treatment
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Because fine adjustments in chemical mixtures and processing times determine leather quality. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Because handling heavy raw hides and prolonged standing work are required. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Creativity & Ideation | Because accurate execution of prescribed processes is valued more than creative thinking. |
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Because basic measurement tasks are central rather than complex mathematical analysis. |
Related Qualifications
- Leather Tanning Technician
Aliases
- Tanner
- Tanning Craftsman
Related Jobs
- Leather Processor
- Leather Product Manufacturer
- Leather Technician