Aizome Hemp (Aizome Hemp)
HARAPPA's mini tote bag was created with the idea of "things that can be used for a long time." The fabric uses traditional material Aizome Hemp (Aizome Hemp) from the Aizu region, which has been passed down for over 400 years in the Aizu area.
Aizome Hemp is a sturdy fabric developed to suit the harsh climate of Aizu's basin area. The more you use it, the softer it becomes, and you can enjoy the process of nurturing it.
Just right for everyday use, mini tote with a handle
It comfortably fits your lunch box and water bottle, offering a compact yet practical size.
The handle is about 12 cm (4.72 in), making it easy to see inside from above and providing a sense of stability.
Lightweight and easy to carry, it is also useful for a quick outing or as a sub-bag.
It’s a simple mini tote bag that you can add to your everyday use.
Incorporating traditional techniques into modern daily life
At first glance, it is a simple striped design in beige.
The beige section is interwoven with raw silk-colored and white threads, and the expression changes depending on the viewing angle. You can feel the depth even when worn, making it a signature piece of HARAPPA.
[Product Details]
Size: 15cm (5.9in) × 35cm (13.7in) × 12cm (4.72in)
[Handling Precautions]
Due to the nature of the materials and the handmade production process, there may be slight discrepancies in the listed size. Please understand this in advance.
Passing down the traditional "Aizome Hemp" to future generations
The Aizome Hemp used in this mini tote bag is a traditional craft product from the Aizu region located in the western part of Fukushima Prefecture, which has been passed down for over 400 years.
The fabric developed to suit the harsh hot summers and severe cold winters of the Aizu basin climate has been cherished since ancient times as workwear or everyday wear. In addition to the sturdy fabric, its manufacturing process includes many air pockets, making it excellent in breathability, moisture absorption, and heat retention. It is cool and refreshing in summer and warm in winter. Also, due to its sturdy fabric, it is durable even after washing.
Harayama Weaving Factory, the only workshop in Aizu that consistently handles everything from dyeing to weaving, has preserved this tradition for about 120 years.
To protect the technology and spirit of Harayama Weaving Factory, a joint company called "Kabushiki Kaisha Harappa" was established in March 2015. It was founded by Mr. Nana Yamazoe, a designer of the apparel brand "YAMMA," which used Aizome Hemp from Harayama Weaving Factory in Kouno City, and Kanetaka Harayama, a former president's nephew of the weaving factory.
The spirit of craftsmanship that has supported Aizome Hemp as workwear and casual wear until now, and the spirit of craftsmanship carefully preserved by Harayama Weaving Factory for 500 to 600 years—such thoughts are woven into the Aizome Hemp used in this product.
Supporting “craftsmanship that values careful use”
Mr. Nana Yamazoe, representative of "Kabushiki Kaisha Harappa," has been involved with the apparel brand "YAMMA" long before taking over Harayama Weaving Factory, always valuing the following principles.
Without being swayed by trends or mass production, creating clothing that can be loved and worn for a long time.
"The experience of continuing to carefully use one item connects to the wearer’s confidence" is the way of thinking.
Aizome Hemp, which can be used comfortably throughout summer and winter and last a long time, is exactly the material that fits Mr. Yamazoe’s philosophy. Based on this idea, both YAMMA and HARAPPA adopt a made-to-order production style that allows customers to love and use the items for a long time.
However, as the number of orders increases, there have been challenges in meeting customer expectations. Therefore, Mr. Yamazoe has proposed "clothing that feels good to wear even as you age" and "ordinary designs that are not swayed by trends," and continues to shape items with long-lasting appeal.
One of these is this mini tote bag. It is not flashy, but it can be loved and used for a long time regardless of trends or age.
Also, although the fabric is initially stiff, it becomes softer the more you use it, allowing you to enjoy the process of nurturing it.
