Aizu cotton (aizumomen)
The shoulder bag, created with the idea of "something that can be used for a long time.", uses Aizu cotton (aizumomen), which has been loved in the Aizu region for over 400 years.
Aizumomen is a thick, durable fabric developed to suit Aizu's harsh basin climate. It softens the more you use it, offering the enjoyment of 'growing' the fabric.
The design is classically inspired by British gentlemen, but the stripe widths are adjusted so they also suit traditional Japanese clothing, allowing the bag to blend naturally with many outfits.
A shoulder bag that inherits old techniques while fitting into modern everyday life.
Just right for everyday use
Height and width are approximately 35cm (13.7in), depth approx. 15cm (5.9in).
Not too small and not too large, it's a shoulder bag sized to hold what you want to carry.
The shoulder strap is an ideal length, so you can carry it like a tote or wear it crossbody to suit the occasion.
Because it has a lining, you can use it daily without worry and safely carry plenty of items (the lining features the HARAPPA logo).
It has two inner pockets, making it convenient to quickly retrieve small items like your smartphone or keys that tend to get lost.
There are no closures such as zippers, so the bag remains open, but that ease of quickly taking out what you need is perfect for everyday use.
A design suitable for any style
The "Hanafusa stripe" used in this shoulder bag features stripes of white and mustard on a deep navy base.
The kanji for "hanafusa" is "英", evoking the classic patterns of British gentleman suits. The stripe widths are adjusted to also suit traditional Japanese clothing, so it works well with both Western and Japanese styles.
[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 handmade production, there may be slight discrepancies from the stated sizes. Please understand this in advance.
Passing the traditional "Aizumomen" on to future generations
The Aizumomen used in this shoulder bag is a traditional craft that has been passed down for over 400 years in the Aizu region, located in western Tokushima Prefecture.
This material developed to suit Aizu’s basin climate—hot in summer and severely cold in winter—has long been familiar as noragi (workwear/everyday clothing). Its thickness and the nature of its manufacturing process trap a lot of air, giving it excellent moisture absorption, water absorption, and heat retention properties: cool and fresh in summer, warm in winter. Its thickness also makes it durable and resistant to shrinkage when washed.
Harayama Textile Factory has preserved tradition for about 120 years as the only Aizu factory that handles Aizumomen consistently "from dyeing to weaving."
To preserve Harayama Textile Factory's techniques and spirit, Harappa Co., Ltd. was established in March 2015 to take over the factory. It was founded by Onoichi, a cousin of the former president, and Nana Yamazaki, designer of the apparel brand YAMMA, which had long used Harayama Textile Factory's Aizumomen.
Aizumomen used in this pouch embodies Harappa Co., Ltd.'s desire to continue the Aizumomen that supported daily life as workwear and the "craftsmanship spirit" Harayama Textile Factory has cherished for 500 or 600 more years.
Aiming for craftsmanship that supports "using things with care"
Before taking over Harayama Textile Factory, Harappa Co., Ltd. representative Nana Yamazaki ran the apparel brand YAMMA and has valued the following points:
Making clothes that can be worn for a long time with affection, without being swayed by trends or mass production
The idea that "the experience of continuing to carefully use one thing leads to the owner's confidence"
Aizumomen, which can be used year-round, is durable and long-lasting, matching Yamazaki's philosophy perfectly. Based on this thinking, both YAMMA and HARAPPA adopt a made-to-order style so items are used with affection.
However, the increase in order numbers led to the challenge of keeping customers waiting. Yamazaki has therefore proposed "items that remain pleasant to use as you age" and "timeless designs not influenced by trends," continuing to create items that can be kept for a long time.
One of those items is this shoulder bag. It is not flashy, and precisely because of that it can be loved for a long time without being constrained by trends or age.
Also, because it is made of a sturdy material it is initially somewhat stiff, but it softens the more you use it, allowing you to enjoy using it for a long time.
