Recently, our designer, José, embarked on an exciting trip, trading the familiar silhouette of the Seattle skyline for the dazzling and bustling streets of Tokyo, Japan. What started as a birthday getaway quickly evolved into a deep dive into Japan’s carry culture, offering fresh insights on how people move through their day, one bag and egg sandwich at a time. 

José returned not just with souvenirs, but with pages of observations. His notes, “Musings on Japan Carry Culture,” offer a peek into the bags, brands, and behaviors shaping how Tokyo-ites move through their day, and how that sparks ideas for future TB designs.

Notes From the Train: Musings on Japan’s Carry Culture

One thing was immediately clear: people in Tokyo carry with intention. Most folks spend the bulk of their day away from home, which means their bags have to do a lot of work: holding essentials, being comfortable enough for long days, and not taking up too much space on crowded trains.

Here are some trends I noticed:

• Slim backpacks are a common choice, especially ones with a more structured profile that didn’t protrude too much—likely due to train etiquette.

• Briefcase-style bags were a go-to for many Japanese businessmen, often versatile enough to be carried by hand or worn as a backpack à la The Trinity.

• Crossbody bags and slings were everywhere. These ranged from small, essentials-only styles to medium-sized bags big enough to hold a laptop and daily gear.

• Across all styles, bags seemed to prioritize efficiency, easy access, and compactness.
  
  

I’m glad I had my Bantam with me. It fit right in—small, light, and easy to swing around when I needed something.

A Designer’s Eye

While exploring shops in Harajuku and Shibuya with a fellow bag designer, we visited shops filled with everything from rare vintage pieces to experimental new designs. 

During this trip, I ran into a few interesting brands I had never heard of:

• AS20V - They had some interesting-looking bags with outdoor aesthetics. They reminded me of a mash-up between Porter Yoshida and Visvim.

• Ramidus - They had a shop in Harajuku with some cool-looking nylon bags. They also had a Tanker bag dupe–this style is very popular.

• One Third Research - My favorite new find. They had just opened in a tiny shop in Harajuku, and their bags caught my eye. They had some clever designs; their Boston-style bag was really neat. I ended up buying a pair of shoes just because they were so unique and cool.

I also saw a few standout themes emerge: 

• Soft-structured totes designed for everyday errands, but not overly padded or tech-specific..

• Crossbodies with flaps that made accessing essentials feel intuitive and secure.

• Technical materials like X-Pac being used in fresh, street-savvy ways.

This adventure really got my attention and I started to think of gaps, inspirations, and opportunities that could be explored in our own factory in Seattle.

Carrying It Forward: Design Reflections

My time in Tokyo sparked several new ideas for new bags. Rather than a “what’s next” list, think of this as a gathering of creative threads: 

• A helmet bag-style tote, adapted for everyday use but rooted in functional heritage.

• A mid-sized crossbody with a flap, designed for quick-access essentials and all-day comfort.

• A Boston Bag/compact weekender, small enough to fit under a plane seat but spacious enough for spontaneous detours. (This was the bag I wish I had most during my time on the plane.)

• A lightweight tote, unpadded and minimal, built from materials like X-Pac—perfect for everyday errands or weekend markets.

I’m excited to see where this inspiration will lead us, so stay tuned!

Jose’s Travel Tips & Essentials

Some practical takeaways from my time in Japan:

• Bring Cash

• I made the mistake of not bringing cash with me. Many stores, restaurants, and cafes accept credit cards or Apple Pay, but Japan is still very cash-forward, so it is a good idea to keep cash on hand for the independent shops (and vending machines!).

• Pack Light

• I wish I had packed a bit lighter for my week in Tokyo. I purchased a lot of clothing and souvenirs while I was there, and, in the end, I had to purchase another bag just to bring all the stuff back. 

• Try the Egg Sandwich from Family Mart

• Just do it. It will change your life. I still dream about it. 

And don’t forget to pack:

• Comfortable Walking Shoes

• I did a lot of walking in Tokyo. On average, I walked 2-4 hours a day while checking out different neighborhoods, parks and shops. I wore my Salomon Xt6 in Gore-Tex, which worked great because they are comfortable, waterproof and easy to take off. 

• Reusable Hand Towel

• I did not pack one and had to buy one while in Tokyo. Paper towels are not available in all bathrooms, and I learned this after visiting a few. I found a Super Mario one at the Nintendo Store in Shibuya, it's small, fit in my bag well, and is now a keepsake!

• The Right Bag

• I don’t know what the perfect bag for Japan is, but I knew I didn’t want to carry a backpack. I wanted something that I could access quickly and wouldn’t be obtrusive while commuting on the train, for me that was the Bantam.

Until Next Time, Tokyo

José’s trip may have started as a birthday getaway, but it ended up offering us a thoughtful look into how design, culture and daily life intersect–especially through the lens of what people choose to carry. From compact crossbodies on crowded trains to niche brands tucked away into the streets of Harajuku, Tokyo revealed that bag enthusiasts, no matter the geographic location, all value the same qualities when it comes to an everyday carry: functionality, accessibility, style and size.

Whether you’re a designer, a traveler, or someone just as obsessed with bags as we are, we hope José’s reflections sparked some inspiration for your next adventure–or your next carry. And you never know, maybe these insights will bring a bit of Tokyo’s carry culture into our designs. 

Arigato gozaimashita, Tokyo. We’ll be back!