When it comes to handbag brands, people might think of internationally renowned names like Prada, Gucci, and Kate Spade. However, Japan itself boasts many high-quality handbag brands that are no less prestigious! These “Made in Japan” handbags are known for their premium materials, meticulous craftsmanship, stylish designs, and diverse styles, with a guarantee of quality. OneMall introduces you to 9 top Japanese handbag brands where individuals of all ages and genders can find the perfect handbag!
The following list is not ranked in any particular order:
1. Classic Durability: TSUCHIYA KABAN
Established in 1965, TSUCHIYA KABAN started as a small workshop producing school bags for elementary students. Over time, it expanded to manufacture a variety of leather goods for adults, including wallets, backpacks, briefcases, and travel bags. TSUCHIYA KABAN insists on local production of all leather goods in Japan, creating comfortable and durable leather products for customers with the meticulous craftsmanship of artisanal spirit. TSUCHIYA KABAN’s designs are elegant and diverse, with a significant feature being the use of high-quality leather that becomes more beautiful and lustrous over time, making it popular among customers of all ages.
2. Sweet and glamorous choice: Samantha Thavasa
Samantha Thavasa may sound like a foreign brand, but it is actually a Japanese brand that has captured the hearts of many Japanese girls with its sweet and glamorous designs. The brand has now introduced different sub-brand series of bags targeting young women from high school students to working professionals, such as the sophisticated and elegant Samantha Thavasa Deluxe, the casual Samantha Vega, and the ladylike Samantha Thavasa Petit Choice.
3. Minimalist and refined style: Aniary
The name Aniary comes from “An ideal and reality.” Similar to TSATSU, Aniary has been committed to “Made in Japan” for many years, with precise craftsmanship and even the use of proprietary tools to ensure that every detail of the bags is done to perfection. Aniary’s designs are simple and elegant, using soft leather in a variety of colors, typically offering over 5 (sometimes even 10) color options for each bag.
4. Royal Warrant: Hamano
Founded in 1880, Hamano is dedicated to the design philosophy of “creating beautifully crafted bags for Japanese women.” Their products are known for their mature and textured style, loved by not only the Japanese royal family but also royal families around the world. Their most popular item is a work bag that can store A4 files while remaining lightweight, along with bags suitable for formal occasions such as weddings and funerals.
5. Pursuing Individuality: HERGOPOCH
HERGOPOCH is an original brand established in 2005 by KIYOMOTO, a company with over 70 years of experience in bag manufacturing. The name is derived from the combination of “ERGONOMICS” and “EPOCH.” HERGOPOCH’s bags are crafted from high-quality durable leather that becomes more beautiful with age. The brand is known for its bold use of colors such as red, green, and yellow, appealing to individuals who value both uniqueness and quality.
6. Showcasing Intellectual Beauty: Sazaby
“Sazaby’s design philosophy focuses on three key elements: ‘closeness to daily life, high quality, and practicality.’ Targeting women in their 20s to 40s, Sazaby offers bags that are both textured and suitable for daily use, showcasing a sophisticated and intellectual beauty. Sazaby’s bags are frequently featured in major fashion magazines, making them must-have fashion accessories.”
7. Handcrafted Bags: HERZ
HERZ, meaning “heart” in German, embodies the idea of artisans pouring their passion and dedication into creating each handcrafted bag. Known for its durability, HERZ products are meticulously crafted by skilled artisans through processes like leather dyeing, cutting, and stitching. Each bag is unique due to variations in color tones and leather thickness even if the design is the same. Most HERZ bags are made to order, so it takes 6 to 7 weeks from order placement to delivery.
8. Timeless Classic: Yoshida Kaban
When it comes to selecting a classic men’s bag brand, Yoshida Kaban are sure to receive overwhelming support. Their flagship brand, Porter, offers the iconic “Porter Tanker” classic series, inspired by the MA-1 flight jacket of the U.S. Air Force. The design is sleek and minimalistic, lightweight, durable, and highly functional, making it suitable for men of all ages. Since its launch in 1983, it has remained popular. Additionally, the PORTER HEAT line utilizes ballistic nylon material used in car airbags and bulletproof vests, known for its heat resistance and abrasion resistance, making it perfect for holiday excursions.
9. Chic Adult Charm with a French Casual Style Twist: Jolie Joli
Although Jolie Joli, a bag brand born in 2016, quickly gained popularity and has been frequently featured in major fashion magazines such as InRed, VIVI, and GIRL. Jolie Joli focuses on a theme of “Chic Adult Charm with a French Casual Style Twist,” utilizing materials like denim, nylon, and canvas for most of their bags. The designs are cute yet elegant, suitable for both dates and friend gatherings. Additionally, Jolie Joli’s bags are priced at around 4000-7000 Japanese yen, making them budget-friendly options.