The Ultimate Randoseru Guide

Founder Kunio Tsuchiya started his bag company in 1965 in Tokyo, Japan, focusing on a singular style, the “Randoseru”.
In the last 50 years, Tsuchiya Kaban has obsessed the details, construction, materials of Randoseru, considering every stitch, to create a bag that is functional, comfortable and made to last a lifetime.

What is Randoseru?

A “Randoseru” is a backpack traditionally used by Japanese students for their entire academic career. On average students use the same bag for 6 years, but it is made to last a lifetime.
The name originated from the Dutch word "ransel", which means rucksack. It’s said that the randoseru was first used as early as the Edo era (1603-1867) by Japanese soldiers. In the 1880s, students at elite Japanese private schools began using their military rucksacks to carry their school supplies. The use of the backpack spread to elementary schools across Japan after 1955. The randoseru has been continuously improved by craftspeople over the years, but the basic form remains. It is a bag that Japan is proud to share with the world.

How we make our Randoseru?

Tsuchiya's Randoseru is made by hand by highly trained craftspeople in Japan.
The production process includes over 150 parts assembled in over 300 individual steps about 50 craftsmen work to make just one Randoseru. Each bag is then inspected and subject to strict quality control before it’s declared finished. Our craftspeople also consider the needs and feedback of users and continuously tweak the design. These are the reasons why the Randoseru has become such a timeless product.

Distinctive design

The design of our Randoseru has several distinctive elements.
One is the side profile, which has a double structure of resin and sponge glued together, helping to maintain its signature boxy shape. Another element is the back cushion pad, which is soft and has excellent breathability. A third element is the shoulder straps, adjustable to eight different lengths, making it suitable for both children and adults. The bag also features movable strap attachment rings, uniquely shaped side rings that can be used in a variety of ways, and a manual magnetic fastener.

Waterproof leather

Our Randoseru uses water-resistant leather that is easy to maintain and clean.

Durability

We conduct a comprehensive range of tests, such as bending tests, light resistance tests, and friction tests. During these tests, we assume the number of times the product will be used and under what conditions it will be used over a six-year period. We focus on the core material, metal fittings, and the opening and closing of the lid to ensure that the product meets our high standards.

3 main materials

All types of leather undergo processing to make them water-resistant.

Cowhide

Our cowhide has a natural leather texture, making the surface durable enough for the wear and tear of daily life.

Cordovan

Our Cordovan is a premium-grade leather tanned from the hide of a horse rump. It is known for its incredibly smooth hand feel.

CLARINO®️ F

Used in our Randoseru Lite Collection, is our premium synthetic leather, specially developed to be both durable as well as incredibly soft and flexible.

Longer-Strap Model

- Global site exclusive -

We've scaled the strap length to 1.3 times longer than traditional Randoseru straps, creating a model "Lauderdale Randoseru" that fits more comfortably for a broader range of sizes. Our designers and craftsmen collaborated, experimenting for over two years. The result is not just a simple length adjustment but a masterpiece of a Randoseru that minimizes strain on the back and shoulders while ensuring a perfect fit for those who want a little more strap length.

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