About

Weaving the Memories of Nara into Everyday Life

"BAN INOUE, presented by Inoue Kikaku Ban, is a lifestyle brand based in Nara.
We transform the 'beauty of Nara' captured through a photographer's lens into something you can not only see, but touch.
Bags and clothing made of hemp, crafted primarily from natural materials. Everyday wear and dishcloths (fukin) made from kaya (mosquito net) fabric.
And moments spent in our cafe, savoring the seasonal flavors.
Through clothing, food, and Life's essentials, we deliver the gentle and mindful time of Nara to your everyday life."

Service

Inoue Kikaku Ban has created "BAN INOUE," a lifestyle brand that proposes a comfortable way of living through thoughtful craftsmanship rooted in the climate and culture of Nara. Our activities range from the planning, manufacturing, and wholesale of products utilizing natural materials, to the operation of directly managed stores and cafes, OEM development, and the utilization of our photographic archives—the origin of our foundation. By harmonizing tradition with modern sensibilities, we deliver the beauty of Japan through a multifaceted approach.

Store Operations

We operate directly managed stores with attached cafes in the Nara suburbs. The shops feature a lineup of bags and everyday clothing made from hemp and kaya fabrics, as well as goods that add color to daily life. The accompanying cafes offer wholesome meals, including lunches made with plenty of seasonal vegetables and handmade desserts. Through clothing, food, and living spaces, we create an environment where you can feel the relaxing time of Nara.

Wholesale Business

We supply our originally planned and manufactured hemp and kaya products primarily to department stores, retailers, and select shops nationwide. Rather than simply delivering goods, we also carefully convey the traditional Nara techniques behind the products and how to handle natural materials. Together with our partner stores, we aim to spread values that enrich the lives of the users.

OEM & Product Development

Leveraging the expertise cultivated through our own brand, we develop original products (OEM) for companies, temples and shrines, art museums, museums, and public institutions. From material selection to design, packaging, and manufacturing, we provide comprehensive support for requests such as "creating commemorative gifts" or "producing with an original design." With Japanese aesthetics and reliable quality, we support the creation of special products that will remain in the memories of those who hold them.

Photographic Archive Business

The approximately 170,000 photographic films left by our founder, photographer Hakudo Inoue, are the source of our aesthetic sense and an irreplaceable cultural asset. Under the guidance of experts and following cultural property preservation methods, Inoue Kikaku Ban organizes and preserves these films. We are also engaged in activities to pass on his "vision" to the future through the establishment and operation of the Hakudo Inoue Museum, hosting photo exhibitions, and conducting publishing and licensing businesses.

Company

Chika Hayashida

Message from the President

"Rooted in Nara, Inoue Kikaku Ban has been dedicated to craftsmanship using the images of photographer Hakudo Inoue and natural materials.

With the goal of becoming a global brand, even if we are small, we believe that for a company to remain continually healthy, its employees must be healthy in both mind and body. We also value taking ownership of everything we do and working together across departments.

To create high-quality products, we must never forget to care for the environment. We want to create sustainable collections, build new systems, and participate in a circular economy. We aim to be a company that is not swayed by the times, even as the world changes.

Through 'clothing, food, and living spaces,' we deliver the gentle atmosphere of Nara and the warmth of handiwork. We will continue to earnestly engage in activities that contribute to the richness of the local community and society."

Company Profile

Company Name
Ban Inoue Ltd.
President and CEO
Chika Hayashida
Established
February 1, 1998
Address
223 Kawakami-cho, Nara-shi, Nara 630-8202, Japan
Office Hours
9:00 - 18:00 (JST)
Contact
TEL: +81-742-23-2850 / FAX: +81-742-23-2809
Employees
64 (As of December 2025)
Partner Banks
MUFG Bank, Nara Branch / Nanto Bank, Tomigaoka Branch
Business Activities

Textiles:

Manufacturing, wholesale, retail, planning, and development (including OEM) of clothing, bags, and daily goods, primarily using hemp and kaya fabrics.

Photography:

Photo lending and exhibitions (Japanese nature, historical landscapes, Buddhist statues, ancient architecture, cultural properties, etc.)

Directly Managed Stores
Flagship Store Lier Ban
BAN INOUE Yumekaze Hiroba Todaiji Store
BAN INOUE Kintetsu Department Store Ikoma Store
Hakudo Inoue Museum (HIM)

Head Office

223 Kawakami-cho, Nara-shi, Nara 630-8202, Japan
Google map

Flagship Store Lier Ban

Address
5-22 Kunimidai, Kizugawa-shi, Kyoto 619-0216, Japan
Hours
11:00 - 18:00
Closed
Wednesdays
Phone
+81-774-71-0121
Google map

BAN INOUE Yumekaze Hiroba Todaiji Store Kissako KARA

Address
16 Kasugano-cho, Nara-shi, Nara 630-8212, Japan
Hours
10:00 - 18:00
Closed
Open daily
Phone
+81-742-27-1010
Google map

BAN INOUE Kintetsu Department Store Ikoma Store

Address
1600 Tanida-cho, Ikoma-shi, Nara 630-0298, Japan
Hours
10:00 - 20:00
Closed
Open daily (Closed on New Year's Day)
Phone
+81-743-61-5067
Google map

Hakudo Inoue Museum (HIM)

Address
2-1984-31 Nakatomigaoka, Nara-shi, Nara 631-0003, Japan
Hours
11:00 - 17:00
Closed
Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays
Phone
+81-742-43-9111
Google map