Aizu Cotton (Aidzumomen)
The shoulder bag, created with the idea of "something that can be used for a long time.", uses Aizu Cotton (Aidzumomen), which has been loved in the Aizu region for over 400 years.
Aizu Cotton is a thick, durable fabric that developed to suit Aizu's harsh basin climate. It becomes softer the more you use it, so you can enjoy 'growing' it over time.
The multi-colored yarns woven into the "Hijiri stripe" design appear simple at first glance but are attractive for the depth and character they convey.
While inheriting old techniques, this shoulder bag blends into modern daily life.
Just right for everyday use
Height and width are approximately 35cm (13.7in), gusset approximately 15cm (5.9in).
Not too small and not too large, it's a shoulder bag with a size that securely holds the items you want to carry.
The shoulder strap is also at an ideal length, so you can carry it like a tote or wear it crossbody over your shoulder depending on the situation.
Because it has a lining, you can use it every day without worry and feel secure even when packing it full (the lining features the HARAPPA logo).
The two inner pockets are also convenient for quickly retrieving small items that tend to get lost, such as your smartphone or keys.
There are no closures like zippers, so the bag's opening remains open, but that ease of quickly accessing what you want is perfect for everyday use.
A design suited to any style
The "Hijiri stripe" used on this shoulder bag is a new pattern by Harappa Co., Ltd., the company that produces the fabric, and it has become a highly popular design.
At first glance it looks like a simple design, but pale pink, green, and yellow are actually woven into the gray areas. That layered coloration is what allows it to naturally blend into a wide range of outfits, both Japanese and Western.
[Product Specifications]
Size: 35cm (13.7in) × 35cm (13.7in) × 15cm (5.9in) (shoulder strap 77cm (30.3in))
[Care Notes]
Due to the characteristics of the material and the handmade production process, 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 (Aidzumomen) used in this shoulder bag is a traditional craft that has been passed down for over 400 years in the Aizu region, located in the western part of Tokushima Prefecture.
It is a material that developed to suit Aizu's basin climate, with hot summers and severe cold winters, and has long been familiar as nora-ginu (workwear/daily wear). In addition to its thickness, the characteristics of its production process trap a lot of air, giving it excellent moisture absorption, water absorbency, and heat retention properties—cool and breezy in summer, warm in winter. Its thickness also makes it durable and resistant to shrinking when washed.
Harayama Textile Factory has been the only factory in Aizu to consistently handle Aizu Cotton "from dyeing to weaving," preserving the tradition for about 120 years.
And to preserve the skills and spirit of Harayama Textile Factory, Harappa Co., Ltd. was established in March 2015 to succeed that factory. It was founded by Onoichi, a cousin of the former company president, together with Nana Yamazaki, designer of the apparel brand YAMMA, which had long used Harayama Textile Factory's Aizu Cotton.
Aizu Cotton used in this pouch carries the feelings of Harappa Co., Ltd.: the desire to pass on the Aizu Cotton that has supported daily life as workwear and the craftsmanship spirit Harayama Textile Factory has cherished for 500 or 600 years.
Aiming for craftsmanship that supports "using things with care"
Nana Yamazaki, representative of Harappa Co., Ltd., had been leading the apparel brand YAMMA even before taking over Harayama Textile Factory, and has valued the following:
Making clothes that can be worn for a long time with affection, not swayed by trends and without mass production
The belief that "the experience of continuing to use one thing carefully leads to the owner's confidence"
Aizu Cotton, which can be used regardless of season, 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 style so customers can use and cherish their items.
However, as order numbers increased, they faced the issue of keeping customers waiting. So Yamazaki proposed "things you can use comfortably as you age" and "timeless designs not swayed by fashion," continuing to create items that can be companions for a long time.
One of those items is this shoulder bag. It isn't flashy, but precisely because of that, it can be loved for a long time without being bound by trends or age.
Also, because the material is substantial, it is initially stiff, but it softens with use, allowing you to enjoy using it for a long time.
