Experience nature, chat with friends, and play to your heart’s content. For adults who enjoy all of this, FOLBOT—a kayak and outdoor brand—began its journey in Japan in 2021.
In particular, the kayaks—which have become synonymous with the brand—boast a history of over 50 years and are all reliable products packed with the expertise of Fujita Canoe, based in Kasagi Town, Kyoto Prefecture. How are these kayaks—built around the philosophy of “quality products that last a lifetime”—created? What makes SUP boards, renowned for their design and durability, so appealing? The true value of , which continues to set new standards in the outdoor world, lies in its commitment to craftsmanship.
The Story of How Forbot and Fujitaka Canoe Met.
Founded in London in 1933, *Forbot* expanded into the U.S. and remained active there until 2016. After deciding to relaunch in Japan, the company was searching for a factory when it partnered with , a company in Kasagi Town, Kyoto Prefecture, that has been honing its craft exclusively in foldable kayaks for over 50 years.
The deciding factor was that designer Junji Setsuda was a longtime fan of *Fujitakano* kayaks and had fallen in love with their appeal. He also explained that this was the only manufacturing facility capable of combining the “foldability”—a key feature of the *Forbot* brand—with meticulous craftsmanship.
Apparently, his proposal wasn’t readily accepted at first, but Mr. Setsuda couldn’t bring himself to give up and paid another visit. Impressed by his enthusiasm, Fujitakanoo agreed to take on the production of “Forbot” kayaks.
Why Folbot kayaks are the top choice.
Our factory is more than just a production facility; it is a place where our deep passion for kayaks and our care for the people who will use them take shape. Every product we send out into the world is carefully crafted, one by one, using the skilled craftsmanship of our artisans.
On the first floor of the factory, workers are machining the frames that form the skeleton of the kayaks. Different types of aluminum are used depending on the part of the frame, and the new “SNIPER” model also incorporates lightweight, impact-resistant, and highly elastic fiberglass in certain sections.
Once the pipe is complete, it is cut, deburred, and bent. The craftsman uses his keen eye to identify subtle differences between batches and shapes the pipe while making adjustments.
The bent parts are aligned with a special wooden jig and rigorously inspected to ensure they meet the design specifications. Once the inspection is complete, the process moves on to assembling the frame.
In addition to the aluminum frame, all the plastic parts used for the seat backrest and the coaming (the rim of the cockpit) are also cut and manufactured by hand. This is how the kayak’s frame is constructed.
Next, after cutting the fabric that covers the kayak’s frame, we screen-print the logos one by one. After that, we sew the pieces of fabric together.
The kayak’s deck (top) and bottom (bottom) are sewn together so that only the parts that become damaged over time can be removed and replaced. For parts that come into contact with water, a technique called “fusion bonding” is used, in which a machine called a high-frequency welder melts the fabric to join the pieces together. This prevents needle holes from forming, which helps keep water from seeping in.
The finished kayaks move on to the final stages of assembly and inspection. After passing a meticulous quality check down to the finest details, they wait quietly on a gondola for shipment.
The “Forbot” kayaks manufactured by Fujitakanoo embody the philosophy: “We want you to enjoy using a quality product for many years to come.” Each kayak comes with a repair kit, and even if it sustains a major scratch, repairs—such as applying a patch at the factory—are possible. While wear and tear and breakdowns are inevitable when facing the elements, the company provides comprehensive after-sales support.
SUP boards, too—with Forbot.
By the way, in addition to kayaks, the product lineup also includes SUP boards. Their biggest strength is durability. The main fabric features a two-layer construction, and the sidewalls are reinforced with heat-sealed tape. The inclusion of an air pressure adjustment valve helps prevent the air inside the board from expanding under intense heat, thereby reducing the risk of bursting.
Since it’s an inflatable model that’s entirely air-filled, it’s a breeze to carry around. After use, simply let it dry, deflate it, and roll it up—so you won’t have any trouble finding a place to store it. It’s also designed to be easy for beginners to handle, offering outstanding maneuverability and responsiveness. The appeal of the SUP board lies in its ability to balance both fun and stability.
“〈Forbot〉 products are crafted with great care, with the ”adventurer” in mind. We recommend this brand to anyone looking to choose reliable gear from among the many brands available.
Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding—where you can relax and cruise along on the water—are perfect activities for the coming season. Why not step away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a while and enjoy a break from the everyday?
