About Surcy
Our Story
Surci is an “ethical x fair trade” bag brand that debuted in the summer of 2012. Over nearly two years on Cebu and Bohol Islands in the Philippines, we built trust with local women producers by teaching them everything from how to hold a crochet hook to reading patterns and basic techniques, while also guiding them in bag design and craftsmanship.
It aims for sustainable production by providing jobs and workplaces for local women who want to work but lack opportunities, creating an environment where they can continue working while managing childcare and household duties.
Surci also strives to continuously communicate that producers can gain confidence and pride to become self-reliant, and that even in places lumped together under the term “developing countries,” there are women’s potential and wonderful resources.
Moving forward, we will keep the market in mind to ensure we can continuously support our producers. We strive to become synonymous with raffia bags, constantly improving design and quality, and we will advance step by step to get Surci bags into the hands of as many customers as possible.
Previously in the Philippines, raffia was used only for weaving. Surci introduced the technique of crocheting with just one hook for the first time. This innovation created an environment and system where work can be done anytime, anywhere, easily, without requiring investment in machinery or specific locations.
Vision
Through sustainable manufacturing, we empower Filipino women to gain confidence and pride, enabling them to improve their lives through self-reliance. We also craft each product with heartfelt care, delivering smiles and warmth to our customers.
Mission
We pursue kindness toward people and things, focusing on improving women’s lives and children’s education through bag-making, and share women’s potential worldwide. We aim for a society where everyone can hold their dreams and hopes and challenge their potential, so that the women involved with Surci can smile as they pioneer the next era.
Message from the Founder
Satomi Sekiya
Founder and Former Representative Director of Surcy
“I believe that by transforming the joy of being needed into motivation and bringing smiles to many people,
this accumulation will eventually change society.
I want to move forward fearlessly, looking ahead.”
History
After leaving my previous job, I traveled to the Philippines to refresh myself. When I saw handmade table mats and baskets sold in souvenir shops, I suddenly wondered, “How much do the makers get paid?” Judging by the prices, they couldn’t be earning much. That moment sparked the idea: “What if I designed items for them to make directly, then developed sales channels? Couldn’t I create a business that paid the makers fairly?” “I want to try making hand-woven bags using natural raffia.” That thought was the catalyst for launching the Surci bag brand. Without much forethought, I started knitting training with just over a dozen women in Cebu and Bohol. I taught these knitting beginners everything from how to hold a crochet hook to reading patterns, starting from scratch. But in the early days, the bags they made rarely matched my vision. More than once, I worried my energy, stamina, and funds might run out. “Having taken on responsibility for these producers, there’s no turning back now.” “If we make good products, customers will surely recognize their value.” “If we persevere, the path will open up.” Driven solely by this unwavering conviction, I continued teaching the women the craft. Meanwhile, supported by their unquestioning dedication and smiles, I believe the Surci bags gradually took shape, step by step. Gradually building trust with them, once the message sank in that “proper weaving leads to higher wages,” their skill acquisition accelerated, reaching a level suitable for Japanese department stores. With quality established and supply prospects secured, Surci was founded in November 2011. She also served as the bag designer, traveling between Japan and the Philippines. She passed away in September 2025.
Publications
- Essay: “Benjamin the Cat’s Letters from England” (2006, Shueisha)
- Knitting Book: “Summer Bags Knitted with Raffia-Style Yarn” (2014, Magazine Land)
- Surci’s 10-Year Journey: “The Art of Knitting” (2021, Canary Communications)
Awards
- 14th Women Entrepreneurs Grand Prize Encouragement Award (2015, National Federation of Women’s Associations of Chambers of Commerce and Industry)
- 1st Women’s Entrepreneurship Challenge Grand Prize (2015, Japan Entrepreneurship Idea Realization Project)
- Second Life Business Plan Contest 2016 Grand Prize (2016, Ginza Second Life Co., Ltd.)
- 5th Women’s Business Grand Prix 2016 in Shinagawa – Rissho University Faculty of Business Administration Award, Special Award
- 2018: Selected for the 3rd Tokyo Metropolitan Women’s Venture Growth Promotion Project APT Women
- March 2019: Approved for membership in the UN’s Business Call to Action (BCtA)
- Best Sustainable Handbags Manufacturer – Japan (Best in Business Awards 2023 – THE BUSINESS CONCEPT.)
- October 2025: Received the Shinagawa Business Merit Award, Environmental Contribution Category
Left: Elisa Sulci, Director, Sulci Handicrafts, Inc.
Received a plaque in recognition of highly valued knitting instruction provided to incarcerated women at Carcar City Jail.
Center: Satomi Sekiya, CEO and Representative Director, Sulci Handicrafts, Inc.
Right: Em-em, Director, Sulci Handicrafts, Inc.
Awarded in the Philippines as BEST QUALITY HAND-CROCHETED BAG EXPORTER. Received a certificate and plaque.
Company
| Company Name | Surcy Co., Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Establishment | November 11, 2011 |
| Office | 〒141-0032 304, 4-2-49 Osaki, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo |
| TEL | 03-3494-0073 |
| FAX | 03-3494-0073 |
| sulci@sulci.co.jp | |
| Chief Executive Officer | Takayuki Shimura |
| Director and Chief Operating Officer | Hiroko Yamazaki |
| Business Activities | Development, manufacturing, and sales of environmentally friendly products in developing countries Planning, design, quality guidance, and technical guidance for fair trade products Operation of raffia handicraft workshops and sales of teaching materials |
| Major Clients | Mitsukoshi Isetan Co., Ltd. Takashimaya Co., Ltd. Tokyu Department Store Co., Ltd. Hankyu Hanshin Department Stores, Inc. Sogo & Seibu Co., Ltd. |
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