Even in an era dominated by fast fashion, Japanese bag and handbag brands are still highly regarded around the world. Their popularity comes not only from a commitment to craftsmanship, but also from their constant pursuit of design and material innovation in response to changing times. Alongside their exceptional quality, they combine design, durability, functionality, and elegance, while evolving classic styles to meet modern trends like sustainability, business travel, and the shift to cashless lifestyles.

Osaka’s Umeda area is a shopping mecca, and a place where shops from many of these top tier brands are concentrated. You’ll find everything from prestigious leather goods makers, where the spirit of craftsmanship is alive and well; to equestrian brands favored by the Imperial Household, to practical business bags and unique eco-friendly shopping brands. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the Japanese bag trends you should know about, and what items you need to check out!

Masterworks Made When Premium Leather Meets Japanese Craftsmen

TSUCHIYA KABAN: A top Japanese leather goods brand that got its start with school bags

TSUCHIYA KABAN is a Japanese leather brand that values traditional craftsmanship. Founded in Tokyo in 1965, the brand began by making randoseru (Japanese school backpacks, traditionally made from leather) and has continued to refine artisan techniques, core to the brand’s identity. It uses carefully selected materials like British bridle leather and cordovan, often called the “diamond of leather.” Over time, the more they’re used, these materials become richer in luster and character.

Using these materials and this artisan work, TSUCHIYA KABAN offers a wide range of leather goods, from bags to small accessories. Popular items include the Clarte 2-Way One-Handle Shoulder, known for its soft texture, and the waterproof Plota Smart Briefcase, designed with functional beauty in mind.

With the shift toward cashless payments, the Cordovan Bifold Wallet 002, made from premium cordovan leather, is gaining popularity, too.

Inspired by traditional Japanese rice sacks, this roll-top backpack is a piece from the Japan Motif Collection, a series themed around the distinctive "forms" of Japan. It elevates traditional Japanese imagery into a contemporary silhouette, featuring an adjustable opening that allows for a variety of expressive looks. In an era dominated by fast fashion, Tsuchiya Kaban continues to prove the enduring value of true artisanship, crafted with an unsparing investment of both time and skill.

SOMÈS SADDLE: Masterpieces From An Equestrian Gear Maker Favored By the Imperial Family

Hokkaido-founded SOMÈS SADDLE is Japan’s only manufacturer of equestrian equipment and a prestigious brand that has even produced the horse-related gear used in imperial ceremonies. Since its founding in 1964, the company has successfully translated the exceptional durability required in the worlds of horseback riding and horse racing into leather goods designed for everyday use. SOMÈS SADDLE products are robust yet supple enough to conform to the body, and their distinctive studs and stitching evoke an elegant, chivalric refinement.

The brand may have gotten its start in equestrian gear, but in recent years it’s become very popular with 20 somethings through social media, in addition to its traditional fan base of people in their 40s and 50s. At this point, its cross-generational appeal is well-established.

From shoulder bags and totes to wallets, every item conveys a sense of nobility and delicacy. In particular, the saddle-inspired Dressage and Ilza series are must-haves for horse riding and racing enthusiasts.

Wallets from the Pirouette series, featuring vivid colors and horseshoe charms, are also extremely popular as travel mementos and souvenirs.

Business Bag Brands That Bring Together Functionality and Individuality

PORTER: The Functional Beauty of “Made in Japan”

No discussion of Japanese bags is complete without mentioning PORTER. The brand has long symbolized high quality and functional beauty. Since its founding in 1935, it has remained committed to “Made in Japan” craftsmanship: the spirit of putting one’s soul into every stitch, pursuing durability and precision down to the smallest details. PORTER bags balance both function and design, making them suitable for everything from urban style to business and everyday use.

PORTER’s enduringly popular TANKER series underwent a complete renewal in 2024, evolving to feature 100% plant-derived, bio-based nylon. This innovation has attracted attention not only from its strong fan base in Asia but also from environmentally conscious customers in Europe and the United States.
If you’re making your first PORTER purchase, you can’t go wrong with choosing a TANKER. For international visitors to Japan, the sling bag has also become a must-have item to grab while you’re here, combining fashion with travel practicality.

MONOLITH: The Ultimate Practical Backpack for Urban Commuting

Beautiful, comfortable to carry, and designed to reduce fatigue: MONOLITH has earned high praise in the practical backpack market. Launched in 2020 with a commitment to “practicality, functionality, and durability,” the brand is backed by the renowned schoolbag manufacturer Seiban and maintains extremely strict quality control standards. Constructed from rugged nylon and featuring a design that adjusts the center of gravity to significantly reduce strain on the shoulders and lower back, MONOLITH bags offer a stable, comfortable fit.
The flagship “BACKPACK PRO” series is designed for business professionals who travel frequently and rely on their laptops. In addition to a variety of storage pockets, it features a quick access laptop compartment on the back, so you can easily retrieve your laptop during airport security checks or when you need to work on the fly.

Their especially popular BACKPACK PRO STORAGE M features a three-dimensional zipper and a wide opening, and works perfectly as a piece of carry-on luggage. The signature model of the BACKPACK PRO STORAGE M offers a 27L storage capacity, with a minimal, professional look that’s appropriate for any setting.

Playful & Creative Bags for Everyday Use

Ball & Chain: An Embroidered Eco-Conscious Shopping Bag Brand

Since its launch in 2020, Ball & Chain has sparked a major movement by proving that carrying an eco-conscious shopping bag can be stylish. With its vibrant colors and delicate, three-dimensional embroidery, the brand has transformed everyday shopping bags into fashionable accessories. Plus, its collaborations with famous brands and characters have generated significant buzz: new releases featuring Hello Kitty and Chacott, the well-known ballet apparel brand, have proven so popular that they consistently draw long lines and require lottery entries upon release.

Ball & Chain bags are made from lightweight, water-resistant, and durable nylon fabric, accented with tough parachute cord straps. When folded, the bags become compact enough to fit in the palm of your hand. Designer Hideyoshi Mihara launched the brand with the desire to reduce dependence on disposable plastic bags, and now, Ball & Chain is a staple on “must-buy in Japan” lists worldwide.

MOTHERHOUSE：Colorful Bags That Marry Japanese Design with Materials From Developing Countries

Since its founding in 2006, MOTHERHOUSE has carved out a unique path under founder Eriko Yamaguchi. Guided by the philosophy of “bringing out the potential of developing countries,” the brand produces items in its own factories in places like Bangladesh, combining local materials with refined Japanese design aesthetics.

If it’s your first purchase at MOTHERHOUSE, you should take a look at the Irodori series, inspired by Japan’s changing seasons. Its vibrant colors and unusual ombre effects are so beautiful, they’ll stop you in your tracks right in the store. The playful Animal series is also a staff favorite, and a great choice for an entry option.

Recent trends have shifted from large business-oriented totes to lighter shoulder bags and handbags. In particular, the Sora 2-way shoulder bag has become a popular model among international visitors, thanks to its unique shape and wide range of color variations.

FAQ｜Frequently Asked Questions About Japanese Bags

Q1: How should I pick the right brand for me?

A1: If you’re looking for the highest quality and craftsmanship, we recommend SOMÈS SADDLE or TSUCHIYA KABAN. If your priority is more functionality for business, and laptop storage, a classic PORTER or minimalistic MONOLITH bag would be a good choice. But if you want something more eye-catching, with embroidery, bright colors, or lightweight designs, Ball & Chain or MOTHERHOUSE should fit the bill.

Q2: Are all the brands listed here made in Japan?

A2: All the brands we’ve introduced are Japanese, and their design and oversight is conducted in Japan, but manufacturing locations vary by brand.

• Made entirely in Japan: TSUCHIYA KABAN, SOMÈS SADDLE, PORTER (with the exclusive of some collections), and MONOLITH. These brands are committed to domestic artisan production.
• Multinational manufacturing: MOTHERHOUSE manufactures its products in its own factories in countries like Bangladesh, using local materials. Ball & Chain is known for its original embroidery designs, and production locations vary by model.

Q3: Can I shop tax-free at shopping malls in the Umeda area in Osaka?

A3: Yes, you can! At malls like GRAND GREEN OSAKA SHOPS & RESTAURANTS, GRAND FRONT OSAKA SHOPS & RESTAURANTS, and HANKYU SANBAN GAI, purchases of 5,000 yen or more (excluding tax) on the same day are eligible for a 10% tax exemption when you present your passport.

HANKYU SANBAN GAI and GRAND FRONT OSAKA SHOPS & RESTAURANTS offer tax-free shopping counters.

• HANKYU SANBAN GAI: South Building 1F (10:30–21:30)
• GRAND FRONT OSAKA SHOPS & RESTAURANTS: South Building 3F (11:00–21:00)

Please be advised that some stores handle tax-free procedures individually. Please check with each store for details.

For more details on how to get to Umeda, see here.

For more information on Umeda, check out some of our Trip Ideas.

*Information in this article is accurate as of the date of posting. There is a possibility that details regarding these products and services have changed, or that some shops have since closed.