When you see a Japanese elementary school student — whether it’s in person, in a photo, or in a video — they’re more than likely sporting a boxy, leather randoseru backpack. These ultra-durable bags, ...

In Japan, the so-called "Rankatsu" season for purchasing new school year backpacks called "Randoseru" has arrived. Rankatsu, a combination of Randoseru and the Japanese word "katsu (活)" meaning ...

Randoseru school backpacks are being made at Tsuchiya Kaban in Tokyo's Adachi Ward in time for school enrollment this spring. Craftsmen are combining about 150 parts and finishing them by hand in the ...

The start of the academic year in Japan's junior schools involves a host of new experiences for first-grade pupils. They need to get used to a piece of equipment that will be with them for every ...

Grade schoolers across Japan carry leather backpacks called “randoseru” (ランドセル). Traditionally, kids have carried one of two colors: black for boys, and red for girls. In recent years, however, that’s ...

When you see a Japanese elementary school student — whether it’s in person, in a photo, or in a video — they’re more than likely sporting a boxy, leather randoseru backpack. These ultra-durable bags, ...