In this article we are going to talk about the famous Randoseru [ランドセル], are the standardized and resistant backpacks used by elementary school students in Japan that became popular in the West. Are they indestructible?
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The origin of the Randoseru
The name “Randoseru” is derived from the Dutch word “ Ransel ”, which means backpack. It emerged in the Edo period along with the Westernizing reforms of the Armed Forces of Japan, where soldiers used it to carry their belongings.
In 1885, the Japanese government, through the Gakushūin school, proposed the use of a backpack as an ideal for elementary school students. These backpacks were rigid, resistant and lasted for many years.
It was also designed not to stress the spine as students walked in groups to school. Despite the high cost, these backpacks became fashionable, and are mandatory in some traditional schools.
There is a saying that the metal clip on the side of the backpack was used by military personnel to carry grenades. This is not true! The metal clip was introduced in the post-World War II period as a means of transporting objects , clothing, etc.
How are the Randoseru?
Even today, the randoseru is usually handmade, and has a very complex process. The manufacture of this backpack involves the use of various materials, with over 200 accessories, in addition to sewing, involves riveting, gluing, shoulder strap perforation, rivet setting, etc.
The backpack manufacturers have so much confidence in its durability that they offer a 6-year warranty to the consumer. The most common colors are black for boys and red for girls. But currently, other colors are becoming popular. Many children receive the backpack from their grandparents when they start school.
Backpacks usually measure around 30 cm in height, 23 cm in width, and 18 cm in depth, weigh about 1kg, and have a softer grade of leather or other materials on the surfaces that touch the body.
Some are waterproof, covered with soft material to ensure comfort. Its sides are reinforced with an inner layer that also helps to provide more storage space.
How much does a Randoseru cost?
The durability of the backpack will depend on the material, and this will determine its price. A leather randoseru usually costs over 30,000 yen (947 reais), but prices are higher and can reach up to 3,000 reais.
There are cheaper randoseru made from synthetic materials like clarinet. In addition, those who want to save money look for made-in-china versions on internet sites. On the internet it is possible to find cheaper versions for around 300 reais.
With over 100,000 yen you can buy a brand new randoseru made from horse leather. On Amazon the most popular backpacks cost around 7,000 to 30,000 yen.
The straps are attached using metal to provide freedom of movement and to help distribute the weight of the backpack evenly. Its sleek, minimalist design and robust construction is an excellent piece to get.
Where to buy a Randoseru?
In Japan you can buy it at department stores like Takashimaya, Kintetsu, Mitsukoshi, Sogo, Seibu and others. If you want to pick up a top quality backpack, we recommend Tsuchiya Kaban, a Japanese retail chain that is totally handcrafted and elaborate.
A quality randoseru needs to be handmade and can only be found easily in Japan. If it is a made in china , you can buy your own in blue, black and red through several online stores.
Even though it is an industrialized version, the backpack still exceeds expectations and manages to be far superior to any traditional backpack that Brazilian students usually use at their school. What do you think about giving one as a gift to your child? Or for yourself?
At the Japan Trend Shop, I found a pink Barbie Randoseru for sale for about 1000 dollars. If you want to take a look click here. I hope this helped you find your ideal backpack!
Randoseru for adults
Despite being used exclusively by elementary school children. Lately, there have been several different models aimed at adults. Many with a modern design, but still robust, practical and elegant.
Many Japanese companies like Tsuchiya Bag Co have created randoseru for adults with a sophisticated enough appearance to be used in formal and business situations.
While traditional backpacks are made to carry books, texts and spreadsheets, the randoseru for adults is usually thinner, suitable for carrying tablets, notebooks and work documents.
The company's Otona Ransel models cost a whopping 100,000 yen. Of course, these are not the only ones on the market. Some adults also prefer to use the traditional randoseru models that tend to have details rather than a simple color.
Make an origami randoseru
You can make your own Japanese backpack through origami. In the past these backpacks were similarly made at home by poor families. The image below explains well how you can create this backpack with simple paper:
Randoseru is a Cultural Icon - Videos
These backpacks have gained a huge foothold in Japanese culture, and since 2001 even grown-up girls have used them. Outside of Japan, randoseru have been gaining fame and sparking curiosity among girls kawaii.
In 2014, actress Zooey Deschanel posted photos wearing a randoseru on social media. To finish the article, let's leave some videos showing a little bit about this backpack and its manufacturing process. If you liked it, share and leave your comments.