Ai-tsumomen (Ai-tsumomen)
The HARAPPA mini tote bag was created with the idea of "things that can be used for a long time." The fabric uses traditional material Ai-tsumomen (Ai-tsumomen) from the Ai-tsumomen area, which has been passed down for over 400 years.
Ai-tsumomen is a sturdy fabric developed to suit the harsh climate of the Ai-tsumomen basin. The more you use it, the softer it becomes, and you can enjoy nurturing it.
Perfect for everyday use, a mini tote with a patch
A compact and practical size that fits your lunch box and water bottle snugly.
The patch measures about 12cm (4.72in), making the interior easy to see at a glance and providing a sense of stability.
Lightweight and easy to carry, it’s perfect for a quick outing or as a sub-bag.
A simple mini tote bag to add to your everyday use.
Blending traditional techniques into modern daily life
A deep indigo color that evokes a nostalgic feeling.
While it has a retro atmosphere, it naturally blends into contemporary casual wear.
A color that adds warmth to your coordinates.
[Product Details]
Size: 15cm (5.9in) × 35cm (13.7in) × 12cm (4.72in)
[Handling Precautions]
Due to the characteristics of the material and the handmade production process, slight discrepancies in the stated size may occur. Please understand this in advance.
Passing down the traditional “Ai-tsumomen” to future generations
This mini tote bag uses Ai-tsumomen (Ai-tsumomen), a traditional craft from the Ai-tsumomen area located in the western part of Tokushima Prefecture, which has been handed down for over 400 years.
Developed to suit the hot summers and harsh cold winters of the Ai-tsumomen basin climate, this fabric has been cherished since ancient times as casual wear (work and everyday wear). In addition to its sturdy texture, the manufacturing process incorporates many air pockets, giving it excellent moisture absorption, water absorption, and heat retention properties. It stays cool and refreshing in summer and warm in winter. Also, because of its thickness, it is durable and resistant to shrinkage even after washing.
This Ai-tsumomen is the only workshop in Ai-tsumomen that handles everything from dyeing to weaving, the Harayama Textile Workshop, which has been protecting the tradition for over 120 years.
To protect the technology and will of the Harayama Textile Workshop, the company “Hirappa Co., Ltd.” was established in March 2015 as a form of continuing the workshop. It was established by Nana Yamazoe, the designer of the apparel brand “YAMMA,” which used Ai-tsumomen from the Harayama Textile Workshop in Ono City, her hometown.
The spirit of craftsmanship that the Harayama Textile Workshop has carefully protected, supporting casual wear and workwear until now, spanning 500 to 600 years, is incorporated into the Ai-tsumomen used in this product.
Supporting the spirit of craftsmanship that values “careful use”
Ms. Nana Yamazoe, the representative of “Hirappa Co., Ltd.,” who took over the Harayama Textile Workshop, has valued the apparel brand “YAMMA” from before taking over and has cherished the following ideas.
Without being swayed by trends or mass production, creating clothes that can be loved and worn for a long time.
“The experience of continuing to use one item carefully connects to the wearer’s confidence,” is her philosophy.
Ai-tsumomen, which can be used comfortably regardless of summer or winter and lasts a long time, is a material that perfectly embodies Ms. Yamazoe’s philosophy. Based on this idea, both YAMMA and HARAPPA adopt a made-to-order style that allows customers to use their clothes with love.
However, as the number of orders increases, we have faced the challenge of keeping up with customer demand. Therefore, Ms. Yamazoe proposed “items that can be used comfortably regardless of age” and “simple designs that are not swayed by trends,” and is continuing to shape items that fit well over time.
One of those items is this mini tote bag. While not flashy, it can be loved and used for a long time without being affected by trends or age factors.
Also, although the material is initially stiff, the more you use it, the softer it becomes, and you can enjoy using it for a long time.
