HAMAMATSU--An unusual collaboration between a newspaper delivery shop and an eyewear accessory company here led to the development of "randoseru" school backpacks that can be used as makeshift ...

The latest trend to adorn the backs of celebrities wasn’t born on the runway, but rather in the halls of Japanese elementary schools. That’s right: the ubiquitous randoseru is now a coveted fashion ...

For more than a half-century, Tsuchiya Bag has been handcrafting sturdy, comfortable, and timelessly appealing elementary-school backpacks designed to satisfy the pickiest parents and stand up to six ...

For 150 years, the bag has been a symbol of childhood. It is handcrafted and used throughout elementary school. The most luxurious models can cost over $1,000 The Japanese school year begins in April.

TOKYO -- Getting a "randoseru" school backpack just before entering grade one is a major childhood milestone in Japan, and choosing just the right one to last the entire six-year span of elementary ...

As Japanese junior school children start the new academic year, they will all be carrying a piece of equipment that has its roots in Europe but is now a rite of passage. Julian Ryall reports from ...

Even after six years of hard wear, Japanese elementary school backpacks have a lot left to give, and they are giving it to the children of Afghanistan. Since 2004, the Japanese have donated more than ...

Nearly every elementary school student in Japan carries a book bag known as a randoseru, a staple of Japanese childhood for close to 150 years. No one mandates that students use these backpacks, but ...

Elementary school backpacks in various colors are seen at the "Isetan Randoseru Festival 2026," held at the Isetan department store in Tokyo's Shinjuku Ward between May 2 and 7, in this photo taken on ...

TATEYAMA, Toyama Prefecture--A leading outdoor gear maker has developed an affordable, light and durable backpack for elementary school children that is an alternative to the heavy, pricey “randoseru” ...

Sturdy leather bag known as randoseru can weigh 4-10kg when full, leaving students in pain and wanting something lighter It’s a familiar sight every weekday morning and afternoon all over Japan: ...