Kaijimoku-hijiri (Aizumomen)
The shoulder bag, created with the idea of "things that can be used for a long time," uses Kaijimoku-hijiri (Aizumomen), a fabric loved in the Kaiji region for over 400 years.
Kaijimoku-hijiri is a sturdy fabric developed to suit the harsh climate of the Kaiji basin. The more you use it, the softer it becomes, and you can enjoy nurturing it.
The design of the "Hijiri stripe," where multicolored threads are woven, has a simple appearance at first glance but exudes a charm that feels profound.
While inheriting ancient techniques, it is a shoulder bag that blends into modern daily life.
“Just the right size” for everyday use
The dimensions are approximately 35 cm (13.7 in) vertically and horizontally, and 15 cm (5.9 in) in depth.
It’s neither too small nor too big, fitting perfectly what you want to carry—this is the size feeling of the shoulder bag.
The shoulder strap is also perfectly long, so you can carry it like a tote bag, hang it diagonally, or wear it in a way that suits your scene.
Since the lining is attached, you can use it daily without worry, and even if you put in a lot of items, it’s secure (the HARAPPA logo is included on the lining).
There are two inner pockets, which are convenient for quickly taking out small items that tend to get lost like smartphones or keys.
There are no closures like snaps, so the bag's opening remains open, but this lightness is just right for everyday use.
A design suitable for any style
The "Hijiri stripe" used in this shoulder bag is a new product of the company Harappa Co., Ltd., which manufactures the fabric, and has become a highly popular design.
At first glance, it looks like a simple design, but in reality, pale pink, green, and yellow are woven into the gray parts. This subtle color combination naturally blends into wide-ranging wardrobes, both Japanese and Western styles.
【Product Details】
Size: 35 cm (13.7 in) × 35 cm (13.7 in) × 15 cm (5.9 in) (Shoulder strap length 77 cm (30.3 in))
【Handling Precautions】
Due to the nature of the material and handmade production, there may be slight discrepancies in the listed size. Please understand beforehand.
To pass down the traditional “Kaijimoku-hijiri” to future generations
The Kaijimoku-hijiri (Aizumomen) used in this shoulder bag is a traditional craft product from the Kaiji region located in the western part of Tokushima Prefecture, which has been passed down for over 400 years.
It is a material developed to suit the harsh hot summers and cold winters of the Kaiji basin, and has been cherished as a traditional workwear and daily wear since ancient times. The fabric is thick and, combined with its manufacturing process, contains many air pockets, giving it excellent breathability, water absorption, and heat retention, making it cool in summer and warm in winter. Also, because it is thick, it is durable and does not easily wear out even after washing.
This Kaijimoku-hijiri is the only factory in Kaiji that is dedicated to "from dyeing to weaving" and has preserved the tradition for over 120 years. This is the Harayama Weaving Factory.
And to protect the technology and will of the Harayama Weaving Factory, Harappa Co., Ltd. was established in March 2015 as a company that inherits the factory. It was founded by Nana Yamazoe, a designer of the apparel brand "YAMMA" from Konan City, who had been using the Kaijimoku-hijiri of the Harayama Weaving Factory.
The Kaijimoku-hijiri, which has supported workwear and everyday wear until now, and the spirit of craftsmanship cherished by the Harayama Weaving Factory, have been intertwined for 500 to 600 years — this is the thought embraced by Harappa Co., Ltd., and this Kaijimoku-hijiri is used for this pouch.
Supporting the spirit of craftsmanship that "uses with care"
Nana Yamazoe, the representative of Harappa Co., Ltd., has been involved with the apparel brand "YAMMA" before inheriting the factory, and has valued the following points.
Without being swayed by trends, producing in small quantities, and making clothes that can be worn for a long time with love.
"The experience of continuing to use one item carefully connects to the wearer’s self-confidence."
Kaijimoku-hijiri, which can be used throughout summer and winter without question and lasts a long time, is exactly the material that fits Nana Yamazoe’s philosophy. Also, based on this philosophy, both YAMMA and HARAPPA have adopted a style of made-to-order production that allows customers to use the items with love.
However, as the number of orders increases, there has been a challenge of keeping customers waiting. Therefore, Nana Yamazoe proposed "a generally accepted design that can be used comfortably regardless of age and is not swayed by trends," and continues to shape items that fit this ideal.
One of these is this shoulder bag. It may not be flashy, but precisely because of that, it can be loved and used for a long time without being restricted by trends or age.
Also, although the material is initially stiff, the more you use it, the softer it becomes, and you can enjoy nurturing it over a long period.
