PRODUCT EVOLUTION

For over 100 years since our founding, we have continued to make bags that have a purpose, rather than following trends.
Even now, bags are carefully made by the hands of our craftspeople. Some of them have never changed, others have been developed relative to the times or customer’s requests.
  • CRAFTSMEN'S TOOL BAG
  • MILKMEN'S DELIVERY BAG
  • BAG FOR ICE BLOCKS
  • BAG FOR SAKE BOTTLES
  • CRAFTSMEN'S TOOL BAG
    PROTOTYPE
    The “tool” bags were originally made for craftspeople about a hundred years ago. At the time, they had shorter straps to better hang off the bicycle handlebars, the then main mode of transportation. Pharmacies and plasterers ordered them for their employees or customers and had their telephone numbers or addresses printed on them as advertisement.
    Expanding to various sizes
    Customers have often requested for a wider range in bag size and we have been happy to comply.
    • 17
      No.17 is simply shaped with a front pocket. They come in five sizes from size C which holds A4 paper horizontally, to size G which can hold items such as large drafting boards.
      The mouth of the bag (sizes E to G) close with an eyelet and cotton fastening.
    • H-05
      The same in design as No. 17 but made of thinner canvas and having different details such as metal parts and sewing on the bag mouth. They are available in three sizes (01 to 03).
    Expanding the patterns
    Currently there are 10 types of patterns such asKigi(seasonal colors of trees) andMidori Mizutama(green polka dots). Not only as a tool bag for craftsmen, it is widely used as a day bag for use with everyday attire.
    • N-05 [Large]
      The pocket has been sewn inside instead of outside, the design makes use of the textile.
    • N-06
      The bag also makes use of the textile and is made of thicker canvas than N-05 [Large]. It is available in three sizes.
    MILKMEN'S DELIVERY BAG
    PROTOTYPE
    Milkmen’s Delivery Bags were made to carry milk bottles as they went around town delivering them on their bicycles. The bag’s bottom was rounded to accommodate the bottles, and the sections that would become frayed by friction against bicycle parts reinforced with extra material. If a milk bottle were to break within the bag, there was a hole at the bottom of the bag to let out the liquid and prevent it from accumulating inside.

    Long ago, many milk stores in Kyoto used this bag. However, as of 35 years ago, people have found other uses for this bag in their everyday lives.
    The reinforcements have been replaced with pockets
    268
    A takeoff on the bag originally used for milk delivery in response to customer's request.

    The reinforced part of the original milk delivery bag (for 20 bottles) has been exchanged for pockets for convenience of use. The bag is used in various ways, such as organizing books or accessories in the room, and toiletries when going to a public bath.
    The shape remains as easy to use as ever
    68
    The handles are made from canvas instead of rope and there are two outside pockets.
    There is also a zippered inside pocket which remarkably improves usability.
    Round bottom has been reshaped to an oblong for better convenience
    168
    The oval bottom makes it easier to keep the bag close to the body and a zippered inner pocket has been added for valuables. The mouth is tied with a string.
    Bags with patterns
    N-07
    The same type as No. 68, except made with a patterned canvas. There are three patterns of seven colors:Sekai(world),Midori Mizutama(green polka dots), andastroboy[monogram].
    Two tones
    H-04
    H-04 gave No.168 a special flair through using two colors. In addition, N-04 is available in patterned canvas.
    BAG FOR ICE BLOCKS
    PROTOTYPE
    People used iceboxes to keep their food cool before the refrigerator appeared on the market in the early Showa period. This bag was used by the icemaker for carrying ice blocks. He cut ice at the shop and delivered it to homes, transporting them in a cart which he pulled behind him.
    A large size and a small size with drawstring
    93
    The large size can hold 8 ice blocks (about 32 kg) and the small size can hold 4 ice blocks (about 16 kg). The bag can close at the opening with a cotton string.
    Some people used it to carry outdoor equipment, etc., or as a children's toy case.

    In the old days, ice shops would often use the large ice bag. Now, mostly the smaller size is used.
    Improved daily-use size
    H-22
    The H-22 is a reformed version of No.93 for daily use. The width has been narrowed and the bag made smaller. Dark colors have been used for the handle and bottom as they dirty easily.
    BAG FOR SAKE BOTTLES
    PROTOTYPE
    The “sake bag” was used for delivering a bottle of sake or vinegar. In the old days, sake breweries put the name of the liquor on the bag and distributed it to liquor stores etc. This also became a way to advertise while out on a delivery run.
    Durability enhanced with bottom support and studs
    Durability and user-friendliness have been enhanced with heavy-duty plastic bottom support and studs on the bottom.
    Not only popular with sake shops but today, with the general public as well, as a bag for everyday use. Some craftsmen even use it to carry their lunch boxes.
    • 57
      The bottom is reinforced with a thick plastic sheet and outfitted with studs. The rope handle can be lengthened and the bag hung from the shoulder.
    • 18
      A size larger than No. 57, but just the right size for two large sake bottles. In the old days, sake bottles could not be hermetically sealed and the contents easily spilled. As a result, the opening of the bag was made so that the neck of the sake bottles would stick out.
    Expanded range of patterned bags with optional divider
    • N-10
      Same as No. 57 but made from patterned canvas and large enough to hold two wine bottles.
      A cushioned partition (sold separately) and an A-10 partition [Small] can be used to carry even tall bottles stably.
      The position of the partition can be freely adjusted.