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Stitching the padded back panel.
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(Left) The leather at the bag’s corners is worked by hand into tiny “chrysanthemum folds” designed to minimize damage from scuffing. (Right) The sturdy, finely crafted clasp displays the maker’s logo.
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The machine-sewing process.
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Tsuchiya talks shop with one of his skilled leatherworkers, a machine-sewer with five years’ experience in final assembly.
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A senior leatherworker attaches the reinforced side panels, which prevent the rigid backpacks from collapsing.
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Tsuchiya Kunio, 78-year-old founder of Tsuchiya Bag.
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Choosey parents inspect Tsuchiya Bag’s lineup of randoseru for the school year beginning in April 2017. They can choose from 60 style-and-color combinations.
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Samples of Tsuchiya’s limited “Karuizawa” randoseru collection, manufactured in the famous resort town of Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture.
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A family watches the assembly process from the special observation area.
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Tsuchiya’s Otona Randsel (adult randoseru) were an instant hit in Japan. Photo Courtesy of Tsuchiya Bag.
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