Remodeled from a Randoseru Nearly 100 Years Ago｜“Classica,” a Leather Backpack for Adults
In Japan, children traditionally use a school bag called a “randoseru” during their elementary school years.
Unlike a typical nylon backpack, a randoseru has a sturdy box-shaped body made from cowhide leather or artificial leather, with a long front flap and firm shoulder straps, often made from the same material as the body.
Some children in Japan use nylon school bags, but many elementary school students still use a randoseru.
The randoseru is one of the iconic items of Japanese elementary school life.
A design inspired by randoseru from the early Showa period
Ikedaya’s “Classica” is a series of leather backpacks remodeled from the shape of a traditional Japanese randoseru for adults to use in everyday life.
The design of Classica, shown on the left in the photo, is inspired by an old randoseru actually used in the early Showa period, nearly 100 years ago, shown on the right.
Randoseru from that time were much smaller and simpler in structure than modern randoseru.
That modest, classic shape made it well suited to be remodeled as a leather backpack for adults today.
Classica keeps the details of old randoseru while adapting them into a practical bag for everyday outings.
A Japan-made leather backpack using Himeji leather
Classica is made with cowhide leather tanned by a tannery in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture.
The body leather combines the natural character of vegetable-tanned leather with the softness of chrome-tanned leather.
The more you use it, the more it gradually fits your hand, allowing you to enjoy the unique changes that only genuine leather can offer.
The shoulder straps are made from thick natural leather.
They feel firm at first, but gradually conform to your body with use, which is one of the charms of genuine leather.
Because natural leather is used, you may see grain marks, wrinkles, or slight differences in color on the surface.
These are natural characteristics of the leather and give each bag its own individual expression.
Compact, yet practical for daily use
The inside of Classica is divided into two compartments: a main compartment and a sub-compartment.
It can neatly hold everyday essentials such as a wallet, smartphone, pouch, and reusable shopping bag.
There is also a zipper opening at the top.
This allows you to access the contents without fully opening the flap, making it convenient to use while you are out.
Classica L, a larger size
The Classica series also includes a larger model, “Classica L.”
Classica L keeps the same overall atmosphere as the regular size while offering more storage capacity.
It can easily fit A4 documents and a laptop of around 13 inches, making it suitable not only for days off and casual outings, but also for commuting and work.
Classica is a Japan-made leather backpack that can be enjoyed even by those who are not familiar with randoseru culture.
You can view the product pages here.
About IKEDAYA
Founded in 1950, Ikedaya is a Japanese brand best known for its signature Ikedaya Randoseru. We create high-quality, Japan-made bags beyond randoseru, including exclusive Ikedaya designs.
