In this article, we will talk about the famous Randoseru [ランドセル], the standardized and durable backpacks used by elementary school students in Japan that have become popular in the West. Are they indestructible?
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The origin of Randoseru
The name “Randoseru” is derived from the Dutch word “Ransel,” which means backpack. It emerged during the Edo period alongside the Westernizing reforms of the Japanese Armed Forces, where soldiers used it to carry their belongings.
In 1885, the Japanese government, through the Gakushūin school, proposed the use of a backpack as ideal for elementary school students. These backpacks were rigid, durable, and lasted 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 soldiers to carry grenades. This is not true! The metal clip was introduced in the post-World War II period as a means to carry obentos, clothes, etc.
What are Randoseru like?
Even today, randoseru are usually handmade and have a quite complex process. The manufacturing of this backpack involves the use of various materials, with more than 200 accessories, and besides sewing, it involves riveting, gluing, drilling the shoulder straps, riveting, etc.
Backpack manufacturers are so confident in their durability that they offer a 6-year warranty to consumers. The most common colors are black for boys and red for girls. However, currently, other colors are becoming popular. Many children receive the backpack from their grandparents when they start school.
The backpacks usually measure about 30 cm in height, 23 cm in width, and 18 cm in depth, weigh about 1 kg, 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. Their sides are reinforced with an internal layer that also helps 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 can be higher and reach up to 3,000 reais.
There are cheaper randoseru made from synthetic materials like clarino. Additionally, those who want to save 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 new randoseru made of 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 make it an excellent item to obtain.
Where to buy a Randoseru?
In Japan, you can buy them at department stores like Takashimaya, Kintetsu, Mitsukoshi, Sogo, Seibu, and others. If you want to get a high-quality backpack, we recommend Tsuchiya Kaban, a Japanese retail chain that is completely handmade and elaborate.
A quality randoseru needs to be handmade and can only be easily found in Japan. When it comes to a made in china, you can buy your own in blue, black, and red through various online stores.
Even being an industrialized version, the backpack still exceeds expectations and is significantly superior to any traditional backpack that Brazilian students usually use in their schools. 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 helps you find your ideal backpack!
Randoseru for adults
Although it is used exclusively by elementary school children, recently various different models aimed at adults have emerged. Many have a modern design while remaining robust, practical, and elegant.
Many Japanese companies like Tsuchiya Bag Co have made 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 worksheets, randoseru for adults tend to be thinner, designed to carry tablets, laptops, and work documents.
The Otona Ransel models from the company cost an absurd 100,000 yen. Of course, these are not the only ones on the market. Some adults also prefer to use traditional randoseru models that usually have details instead of a simple color.
Make a randoseru out of origami
You can make your own Japanese backpack through origami. In the past, these backpacks were made similarly at home by families without means. 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 significant place in Japanese culture, and since 2001 even grown women tend to use these backpacks. Outside of Japan, randoseru are gaining fame and sparking curiosity among kawaii girls.
In 2014, actress Zooey Deschanel posted photos of herself using a randoseru on social media. To conclude the article, we will leave some videos showing a bit about this backpack and its manufacturing. If you liked it, share and leave your comments.
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