New Backpack that Further Embodies the Charm of Leather: A New Challenge for Tsuchiya Kaban

The softness and luster of leather makes you want to touch it. One of the charms that catches the eye of the new backpack announced by Tsuchiya Kaban in June is the visual aspect of high-quality leather.

“We made this backpack as a declaration of our commitment to share with the people of the world. As well as being a culmination of our technology up to this point, this has been an ambitious work that has taken on new methods aimed at the future,”​​ says Kanako Mochimaru, Manager of the Sales Promotions Department at Tsuchiya Kaban.

Tsuchiya Kaban began with the sale of Randsel school bags in 1965. As the company prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary of continuous manufacturing, this year the decision was made to take a step further and share that with the world. The logo and brand colors of the company were renewed, and new bags were released. Particular attention was given to backpacks.

“It is our mission and aspiration as a manufacturer to ‘make products that are loved over time.’ For this reason, there are certain things that we have cherished since our founding. These are “CRAFTSMANSHIP” (fine craftsmanship and attention to detail), “CREATIVITY” (a search for materials, function, and design), and “TIMELESS” (design and durability that can be used timelessly). This new backpack is an embodiment of these three elements of our identity.”

As with prior products from Tsuchiya Kaban, this is a new type of backpack that has been handcrafted by craftsmen. The first thing that catches the eye is a unique and beautiful form line that blends straight lines and curves. The bag’s clean form line and narrow bottom makes it usable in any setting, for both men and women of any age. Contrary to its look, it has plenty of storage capacity, with a three-layer structure. In addition to holding laptops or A4 files, there are several pockets with zippers that are convenient for storing gadgets and small items, and shallow pockets that make it easy to get things in and out. It is also extremely comfortable to carry, with a back and shoulder straps made of soft leather using technologies cultivated for the production of Randsel.​​

“We have taken on this new challenge of embodying the charm of leather,” says Mochimaru. One of the two models of the new backpack features a special “signature raised” technology with a design that makes the pattern stand out on the leather. The original pattern of the continuous “T,” the first letter of Tsuchiya Kaban, has been processed into a three-dimensional design with age molding.

“T is not only the first letter of Tsuchiya, but by stacking it up it can also represent ‘accumulation.’ This has come to represent the accumulation of past technologies. At first, the uneven texture stands out, but we hope that you will also enjoy the way this changes as you use the bag, feeling increasingly softer and more familiar.”

Available in black and brown. A blue version will also be available at the newly renovated Kyoto store, which opened in June.

The Kyoto store also has a new Craftwork Stand for repairs, etc., where people who visit the store can directly see the craftsmen at work.

“We want as many people as possible to see it in Kyoto, where there are so many customers from around the world. We hope that this can be an opportunity to share the value of “courtesy” which is at the root of Japanese manufacturing with the rest of the world,” says Mochimaru. We also hope to share in the future the progress with our repair and adjustment plan to ensure that these leather products that have been carefully crafted by craftsmen can continue to be used for many years. Tsuchiya Kaban continues to challenge itself.