THE JAPAN NEWS



 

TOKYO (Jiji Press) — Backpacks that look like “randoseru” schoolbags have emerged as favorite commuting gear for Japanese businessmen.
Randoseru, box-shaped bags made of leather or leather-like synthetic materials, have traditionally been an essential item for elementary school children in Japan as they are designed to carry textbooks and notebooks as well as stationery.

A growing number of men now find randoseru-type bags suitable for bringing notebook computers and document files while commuting.
The popularity of the backpacks has soared since Tokyo-based leather bag manufacturer Tsuchiya-Kaban launched carefully crafted randoseru for adults called “Otona Randoseru” in November last year.

The maker has so far sold a limited number of Otona Randoseru for ¥100,000 per bag on several occasions and seen them sold out instantly.
“The bags have been purchased by adults in a wide range of generations,
from 20s to 70s,” a public relation official of the company said.

Sogo & Seibu Co.’s flagship Seibu department store in Tokyo’s Ikebukuro district also offers randoseru-derived high-end backpacks. It sell glossy bags using bull leather for ¥86,400 apiece and those made of soft leather for ¥70,200. Customers can also choose from black, navy blue and brown models.