What is Randoseru?
A randoseru is a traditional Japanese school backpack, originally designed for elementary school children. Its backpack style that leaves both hands free is very convenient, making it a practical choice for everyday use.
But beyond that, with its boxy shape, durable build, and iconic look, the randoseru is more than just a bag—it’s a symbol of Japanese culture.
The meaning and origin of randoseru
It has a large capacity that can hold a lot of luggage, yet it is lightweight enough for a 6-year-old child to carry. Additionally, it is durable enough to be used every day for at least 6 years. Made with waterproof leather (the bag is not completely waterproof), it requires no special care and is easy to maintain.
この象徴的な通学鞄は、単なるリュックサックではなく、日本の学校文化において重要な位置を占めています。日本では、小学校への入学は記念すべきことであり、ランドセルはこの重要なライフステージに素敵な思い出を添えてくれます。
Why do Japanese people use school bags?
It is not just a habit; there are unique reasons specific to Japan that have been passed down through years of functionality, cultural significance, and educational meaning.
【Reason 1】The randoseru has high functionality as a bag!
The randoseru is a very practical school bag for Japanese elementary school students who carry a lot of belongings every day.
Since it is worn on both shoulders like a backpack, it allows for free use of both hands, enhancing safety during commutes. Additionally, it has the advantage of being able to walk safely while holding an umbrella, even in busy areas or on rainy days.
Furthermore, in recent years, improvements in shoulder straps and lightweight materials have been made to ensure that growing children can use them more comfortably. Many randoseru are also treated with waterproofing, providing peace of mind in sudden rain. They are designed to be durable, capable of withstanding daily use for six years.
The randoseru is a functional school bag unique to Japan, combining three key points: "durable, safe, and easy to use."
【Reason 2】It fosters a mindset of valuing belongings!
In Japan, it is common for children to use the same randoseru throughout their six years of elementary school. This is seen as part of an education that nurtures a mindset of valuing possessions. Giving a randoseru that is sturdy and long-lasting to a child naturally instills the value that "if used carefully, things will last."
Such habits reflect a sustainable lifestyle rooted in Japanese culture, characterized by a "mindset of valuing belongings" and a "spirit of not wasting things."
【Reason 3】Japanese artisans have improved the randoseru to meet the needs of the times!
The randoseru has a long history but continues to evolve.
While maintaining its traditional rectangular shape, it has been improved for modern needs, such as weight reduction and better fit to the body.
Additionally, colors that were once standard, like "black" and "red," now come in a rich variety of colors and designs, allowing children to choose according to their individuality and preferences.
Japanese randoseru are carefully crafted by artisans, representing an "evolving tradition" that combines years of skill with modern innovations.
【Reason 4】The randoseru is a precious gift!
In Japan, giving a randoseru to a child entering elementary school has become a rooted custom.
Particularly, it is common for grandparents to gift a randoseru to their grandchildren, making it an important gift that deepens family bonds.
This gift carries wishes such as "May you go to school energetically for six years" and "May you learn well and grow up."
In recent years, the term "ran-katsu (randoseru activities)" has emerged, highlighting that the time spent choosing a randoseru as a family has become a memorable and special event.
The randoseru is also a heartfelt gift that celebrates a child's and family's "new start."
Why are school bags so expensive?
A randoseru is a special school bag designed to be used every day for the six years of elementary school.
Using lightweight, durable materials, the product is carefully finished through over 300 steps, most of which are done by hand.
Therefore, the price of domestically produced randoseru is approximately 210 to 350 US dollars for artificial leather, about 350 to 630 US dollars for cowhide, and can exceed 700 US dollars for the highest quality material, cordovan.
The randoseru we make cannot be said to be "cheap" in Japan. The average price is about 525 US dollars, and some can reach as high as 1,500 US dollars.
Nevertheless, we are committed to delivering the "best randoseru" with a focus on durability, ease of use, and beautiful finishing, without any compromise, and we face the challenge of manufacturing every day.
Our commitment to quality and sincere attitude towards manufacturing are our pride and confidence.
We have nothing to hide from our customers, but would rather be happy to show you the process.
In fact, the workshop is open for visits at any time, and you can see the craftsmen finishing each backpack by hand.
In Nara, a place surrounded by nature and history, a little away from Japan's four major bag production areas, we create each school backpack with care and dedication.
It's not just a school bag. It's an irreplaceable item that will accompany you for six years.
We believe that a school bag is a child's first item that lasts a lifetime.
What is the difference between a school bag and a backpack?
On one hand, the randoseru is primarily made of natural leather or synthetic leather, designed to be used every day for six years, and it possesses high durability as a special school bag. It is structured to resist deformation and is strong against external impacts, with a weight of approximately 1000 to 1600 grams.
Randoseru are often more expensive than regular backpacks, but in addition to their longevity, they can be transformed into leather goods such as wallets and key cases through "remake" after use, which enhances their value over time.
Both randoseru and regular backpacks have their own advantages and disadvantages.
どちらを選ぶかは、ご自身のライフスタイルや使い方に合わせて、しっかり考えてみてください。
Can adults also carry school bags?
The answer is yes. School bags are no longer just for children.
The randoseru, which combines traditional Japanese culture with modern design and functionality, has become a stylish and practical bag option for adults as well.
The randoseru, originally created for elementary school students' school use, has recently gained attention as a fashion item for adults both domestically and internationally, due to its high durability and beautiful form.
[Perfect for business occasions]
The randoseru, thanks to its self-supporting structure and design that resists deformation, can safely carry items such as laptops, documents, and tablets.
It has excellent storage capacity, making it reliable even on days with a lot of luggage. The shoulder straps are wide and easy to carry, making it a comfortable bag for business people who are frequently on the move.
[Combining fashion and individuality]
The randoseru is a bag that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern style. In recent years, there has been a rich variety of colors and shapes, and an increasing number of models feature simple and elegant designs that appeal to adult sensibilities.
The beautiful texture and structure of the leather stand out, and it is highly popular among fashion-conscious people.
5 reasons why Yamamoto Bag Workshop is different from other brands
Over the years, we have continued to improve our shoulder straps and back cushions.
重さを分散する素材と構造を採用することで、背中への負担を軽減し、6年間毎日快適に背負えるランドセルを実現しています。
School bags can be broadly divided into "workshop-made" and "mass-produced" types.
Our workshop-style brand, like ours, is characterized by the use of high-quality natural leathers such as cordovan and cowhide, meticulously finished by hand one by one. We prioritize quality over quantity, combining durability, beauty, and warmth.On the other hand, mass-produced products use artificial leather and are attractive because they are light, affordable, and easy to handle.
We are supported by the craftsmanship and pride of artisans, and we openly share everything about our manufacturing process in the workshop. Factory tours are always welcome, and you can see the manufacturing site with your own eyes.
High-quality materials such as cordovan and cowhide are not only beautiful but also very durable. However, they require advanced skills due to their difficult handling.
Furthermore, we pay attention to the fact that these leathers are by-products of the meat industry, and we use them with the intention of not wasting precious lives.
そしてその背景を子どもたちに伝え、動物由来素材の責任ある使い方について考えるきっかけとなるよう願っています。
In 1994, the second-generation craftsman president made a navy blue school bag for his son, which became the starting point for pursuing heartfelt craftsmanship.
大切な人のために本当に良いものをつくりたい。その想いが、今もすべてのランドセルに息づいています。
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Our workshop and head office are located in Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture, an area steeped in history and culture.
This place is also known as "the land of Japan's beginnings," surrounded by beautiful nature and shrines and temples, attracting many tourists.
Although it is far from the four major bag production areas in Japan (Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Toyooka),
This is why we can focus on creating products that are truly our own style, without being obsessed with distribution or efficiency.
In this historic land, we cherish tradition while honing our skills to create a one-of-a-kind randoseru for the world.
How do I care for my school bag?
The long-lasting value of school bags
A school bag is not just a bag.
For Japanese people, it symbolizes child development, education, and Japanese cultural traditions.
In recent years, not only for children but also for adults, randoseru have emerged, evolving into versatile bags that blend tradition with modern design.
Investing in a quality school bag will pay off in the long run.
Durable and long-lasting, it also features a sophisticated design and a nostalgic charm that is passed down through generations.
A backpack that is easy to carry and can securely store all the necessary items will surely become a reliable partner that supports you every day.
Shop List
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Nara Main Store/Workshop -
Tokyo Ginza store -
Osaka Umeda store -
Kanagawa Yokohama store