Aizu Cotton (Aizumomen)
The shoulder bag, created with the idea of "something that lasts a long time," uses Aizu Cotton (Aizumomen), a fabric cherished in the Aizu region for over 400 years.
Aizumomen is a thick, durable fabric developed to suit Aizu's severe basin climate. It softens the more you use it, offering the pleasure of "growing" the fabric over time.
"Hade-jima" (bright stripes) uses four colors but keeps the tones restrained, creating a design that is both striking and calm. Though multi-colored patterns might seem hard to match, that wide range of hues actually makes the bag easy to harmonize with clothing of any color.
This shoulder bag inherits old techniques while blending into modern daily life.
Just right for everyday use
Dimensions are approximately 35cm (13.7in) height and width, with a depth of approximately 15cm (5.9in).
Not too small and not too large, this shoulder bag has a size that comfortably fits what you want to carry.
The strap length is also just right, so you can carry it like a tote or wear it crossbody over your shoulder, depending on the occasion.
With a lining, you can use it every day without worry, and it's safe even when you pack it full (the lining features the HARAPPA logo).
It also has two inner pockets, which is convenient for quickly accessing small items like your phone or keys that tend to get lost.
There is no zipper or other fastener, so the bag remains open at the top, but that ease of quickly taking out what you need is perfect for everyday use.
A design suited to any style
The "Hade-jima" pattern used on this shoulder bag is a classic design carried on from the weaving mill era that Harappa Co., Ltd. inherited when producing the fabric.
As the name suggests, the pattern is vivid, but its subdued tones give it an attractive balance of being eye-catching without standing out too much.
Because it uses multiple colors, it pairs easily with a variety of outfits and expands the range of ways you can style it.
[Product Specifications]
Size: 35cm (13.7in) × 35cm (13.7in) × 15cm (5.9in) (shoulder strap 77cm (30.3in))
[Care Instructions]
Due to the characteristics of the material and the fact that it is handmade, there may be slight discrepancies from the listed sizes. Please understand this in advance.
Passing the traditional "Aizu Cotton" on to future generations
The Aizu Cotton (Aizumomen) used in this shoulder bag is a traditional craft that has been handed down for over 400 years in the Aizu region, located in the western part of Tokushima Prefecture.
This material developed to suit Aizu's basin climate—hot in summer and severely cold in winter—has long been used as workwear and everyday clothing. In addition to being a thick fabric, its manufacturing process traps a lot of air, giving it excellent moisture-wicking, water-absorbing, and heat-retaining properties: cool and dry in summer, warm in winter. Its thickness also makes it durable and less prone to shrinkage when washed.
Harayama Weaving Mill has been the only factory in Aizu to handle Aizumomen "from dyeing to weaving" consistently, preserving the tradition for about 120 years.
To preserve the techniques and spirit of Harayama Weaving Mill, Harappa Co., Ltd. was established in March 2015 to take over the mill. It was founded by Onoichi, a cousin of the former company president, and Nana Yamazaki, designer of the apparel brand YAMMA, which had long used Harayama Weaving Mill's Aizumomen.
Aizumomen used in this pouch carries the hopes of Harappa Co., Ltd.: to connect the Aizu Cotton that has supported daily life as workwear and the craftsmanship Harayama Weaving Mill has carefully preserved for 500 or 600 more years.
Aiming for craftsmanship that supports "using things with care"
Before taking over Harayama Weaving Mill, Nana Yamazaki, representative of Harappa Co., Ltd., had been running the apparel brand YAMMA and has valued the following:
Making clothes that aren’t swayed by trends, aren’t mass-produced, and can be worn for a long time with affection
The idea that "the experience of continuing to use one item carefully leads to the owner’s confidence"
Aizumomen, which can be used year-round, is durable and long-lasting—making it the perfect material for Yamazaki’s philosophy. Based on this thinking, both YAMMA and HARAPPA adopt a made-to-order approach so customers can use their items with affection.
However, as order numbers increased, they faced the challenge of making customers wait. Yamazaki therefore proposed "items that feel good to use as you age" and "timeless designs not tied to trends," continuing to create pieces that can be kept for a long time.
One of those items is this shoulder bag. It isn’t flashy, which means it won’t be constrained by trends or age and can be cherished for years.
Also, because it’s made from substantial material, it may feel stiff at first, but it softens the more you use it, letting you enjoy the process of wearing it in over time.
