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3 Ways to Shop Online from Japan and Buy Japanese Gear
…hionable aesthetic. As the Carryology team said in our roundup of favorite Japanese brands, master-piece “places high value on superior craftsmanship, creating each of their bags by hand in their BASE OSAKA workshop and taking great pride in showcasing the skills of Japanese artisans to the world.” They’re worth the effort to get your hands on one. 5. Resistant How to buy: Directly through their website. Born in the back of a bike shop in the earl…
GORUCK x Carryology GRXC2 | The Samurai Rises
…’m also a massive denim-head, owning several pairs of brutally heavyweight Japanese denim. If you’re not familiar, I warn you to be careful about going down this rabbit hole. From my experience in denim, I know the names of dozens of high-quality denim mills in Japan… but that’s it. And Japanese denim mills are widely known for being incredibly secretive to protect their unique processes and methods. So getting in touch with a great mill, let alon…
Our Favorite Japanese Backpacks Right Now
…utdoor-inspired looks and playful colorways. So we wanted to celebrate the Japanese brands nailing it, stepping up strong with new releases worthy of our collections. Discover our favorite Japanese backpacks right now… MAKAVELIC x GO OUT Lo Tech Daypack (~US$143) Technical materials? Check. Simple, classic daypack lines? Tick. MAKAVELIC delivers with this collab pack, teaming up with GO OUT Magazine to create the Lo Tech Backpack. The pack feature…
Our Favorite Japanese Bags in 2024
…351-fd3 (US$227) This eye-catching pack stems from a collaboration between Japanese carry brand master-piece and Japanese brand FDMTL, known for their denim garments. The pack features a combination of materials such as specially manufactured Konbu ®-N 320D nylon twill, 1000D Cordura, and 1680D Cordura Ballistic® Nylon, with FDMTL’s printed denim patchwork pattern. The backpack boasts a variety of useful features including a flexible drawcord clos…
Our Favorite Japanese Bags Right Now
…e Rising Sun too, Japan’s shoulder bags, totes and slings, in our favorite Japanese bags instalment. And hey, if you’re curious about how to get your hands on Japanese carry, check out our guide to buying from Japan. Enjoy! hobo Quilted Polyester Tote Bag Small (~US$95) hobo’s signature blend of utility and urban style is well displayed in their Quilted Polyester Tote Bag. Ideal for stashing in a larger backpack, luggage, or when you simply need t…
Carry History :: Antique Japanese Bags
…? Sri Threads is a by-appointment textile gallery specialising in antique, Japanese, indigo dyed cotton boro fabrics, the patched and mended folk textiles of old Japan. Sri’s extensive collections of Japanese utilitarian fabrics include a rich variety which are hand made of hemp, ramie and other natural fibres in the form of work clothing, farm bags, rustic netting, wrapping cloths and futon covers. Sashiko, shibori, katazome, sakiori and other te…
The 8 Best Small Japanese Brands You Should Know
…h premium quality and timeless design in mind, featuring materials such as Japanese vegetable-tanned leather and Japanese heavy-weight waxed cotton canvas. Manabu learned how to craft quality goods through working at his father’s sewing factory, creating products for the racehorse industry. When the factory had to close, they took it upon themselves to continue making equestrian products, eventually introducing bags to their offerings which opened…
Furoshiki: hands-on with Made on the Moon
…ischarge-printed in the USA, and 27″x27″). Remember, it doesn’t have to be Japanese to be a furoshiki, so we didn’t necessarily limit ourselves to Japanese fabric only. Plus, frankly, this brand seemed like a lot of fun. A quick email exchange, and they were on-board with the idea of a Carryology furoshiki experiment. Though they sell these beautiful fabric squares to be used as bandanas (I always keep a bandana in my back pocket, daily…FWIW), the…
One Under-the-Radar Japanese Brand You Need to Know
…n, now 25 years old, is the original and crafts supreme carry in line with Japanese heavyweights such as Porter and MSPC. Beginnings It all began with denim. The year was 1995, and Harvest Corp’s CEO and founder Tatsuya Hige had just launched a bag made out of denim fabric, at the time considered a very new and revolutionary carry material. Meanwhile, revered designer Koichi Yamaguchi – brains behind the iconic and still super popular Tanker seri…
master-piece (MSPC) Japan Exhibit
…ration with Seiko was also brilliant. MSPC partnered with the world-famous Japanese watchmaker after coming to the realization that they share similar values about Japanese craftsmanship. The collaboration has kicked off five models in total. Two of them are Seiko limited edition X MSPC branded, and the other three are regular Seiko branded. Wrapping Up I’ve known of MSPC for a while but I have never had the opportunity to take a close-up look at…
The Best Urban Daypacks and Backpacks
…n any urban setting. But take a closer look and you’ll also find top-notch Japanese craftsmanship, simple organization and the versatility to move smoothly from work to play. Haerfest Arch Backpack (US$ 295) The slim, stylish profile of the Arch Backpack delivers an instant hit of street suaveness to your carry setup, backed up with a durable build featuring Japanese jacquard cotton, leather detailing and brass hardware. But there’s more than just…
Why You Should Know About Japanese Leather Brand, i ro se
What do you get when you combine art, science and Japanese precision craftsmanship? A collection of luxury bags and leather goods that are waiting to delight at every turn, whether it’s the discovery of a complex construction artfully incorporated into an elegant exterior, the strict attention to detail or simply a pop of color to brighten up your day. i ro se is a Tokyo-based brand brought to life by two brothers, Gen and Dai Takahashi (the bran…
Our Favorite Japanese Carry Brands
…We love Japanese carry. Why? For starters, the impeccable craftsmanship – some of the best in the world. With many artisans spending years honing and perfecting their skills, top-notch Japanese brands truly do create works of carry art….
12 Streetwear Sling Bags Perfect for EDC
…water-resistant coated canvas, the bag takes inspiration from traditional Japanese breastplate armor and can be worn across the chest, back or around the waist. It fits a 9.7” tablet in the main compartment, with exterior pockets also on hand to store smaller essentials within easy reach. nanamica Waist Bag (US$189) Looking for timeless style, durable construction and everyday functionality in a sling? Japanese brand nanamica deliver with their W…
Best Work Backpack Finalists – The Eighth Annual Carry Awards
…eye-catching backpack, crafted with a durable and handsome combination of Japanese heavyweight waxed cotton canvas, Japanese vegetable-tanned leather, and solid brass hardware. Expertly balancing a refined form with useful organization, the pack provides two exterior side flap pockets with magnetic closures, an interior 15″ laptop sleeve and a small interior pocket. Bellroy Classic Backpack Premium Edition Your work bag is one of the most used pi…
Traveller Denim Co. shop visit :: Austin, TX
…ne Denim Mills selvedge from North Carolina in several weights and styles, Japanese 13.5 oz “pink line” indigo selvedge, 16 oz Japanese Nihon Menpu dark indigo raw unsanforized selvedge, and plenty more. Client’s choice. But the real star of the show is the mighty roll of NOS (new old stock) U.S. Cone Mills 13.5 oz indigo selvedge produced in the year 1968. This roll must have been uncovered in a forgotten airtight time capsule, as it is in immacu…
Design Heads :: master-piece Japan
…ifferent silhouette, different shape of parts, or way of sewing. There are things that are small details. We hope people notice those things. What’s next for MSPC? We will continue to create products with passion about “made in Japan” and to disseminate the quality of Japanese products. We hope master-piece will be a representative of Japanese bags. Update: we’ve had a few queries from crew keen to get their hands on some MSPC gear. If you’re in t…
How & What to Put in your Minimalist Travel Capsule Wardrobe
…signs of wear. All that lulu-love is well earned. Muji Best for: Sweaters Japanese brand Muji has received acclaim for their affordable travel pillows, eye masks, and travel slippers, but did you know they also make clothing? Although not specifically designed for travel, their clothing line is almost entirely basic, essential items you can pair with anything. In other words, perfect for a travel capsule wardrobe. When colder weather rolls around…
Best ‘Buy It For Life’ Brands | Snow Peak
…from every part of their range, we’ve picked some of the top gear from the Japanese powerhouse. Apparel Minimalist Japanese style married with innovative fabrics and design features, what’s not to love from Snow Peak’s apparel collection? Takibi Weather Cloth Jacket (US$459.95) The Takibi Weather Cloth Jacket is a loose-fitting workwear jacket that lends itself to various urban and outdoor pursuits, from running errands in town to kicking back at…
Benchmade Culinary | Bringing EDC Into The Home
…n, chipping, and more. I learned the difference between high-carbon steel (Japanese) and low-carbon steel (European) and the fine balance between corrosion resistance versus hardness. Benchmade landed on 440C and CPM-154 because of the amount of carbon and alloy elements in the steel. This allows the Cutlery line to reach high hardness levels while the carbides help resist the wearing down and dulling of the blades. If you’ve been following the br…
October 2024’s Must-Have Gear | From Minimal EDC Backpacks to Travel Collections
…s something for every taste and occasion. Take for instance the Dress Navy Japanese Jungle Cloth N-1 Deck Jacket. It’s a modern take on the USN deck jacket and is cut from the same sturdy cloth as original WW2 flight suits. A durable cousin of corduroy, the Jungle Cloth material is woven in Japan and tailored for a classic fit. Corduroy accents on the collar and cuffs and Bemberg lining are some of the subtle features you’ll notice. Lastly, a zip…
Global Exploration Summit Packing List
…orm, and function with their overall build and design and the high-quality Japanese polarized and anti-reflective lenses. I had to pack wise and minimalist for a short three-day trip that could include rain or sun as well as the need to attend and therefore dress for an international conference. Two travel suit jacket options, the Veilance Spere Tech Wool Blazer (left) and the Bonne Gueule Breno Jacket (right). I therefore packed two “suit configu…
Taking Flight | The AXC Bomber Jacket
…had some big ideas. Immediately he suggested some fabrics from a favorite Japanese mill called Toray. Out of all the fabrics Cam presented, there was a clear winner we unanimously decided upon. An extremely technical fabric that isn’t produced often. Made from recycled post-consumer PET bottles to create a high-tenacity PET yarn with 7% Kevlar spun into the yarns for strength and durability. Yep, the same Kevlar used in bulletproof applications,…
Performance Meets Style with Alchemy Equipment
…nough of Japanese denim? Alchemy Equipment has you covered with the AEM237 Japanese Denim Jeans. Made with Japanese 14oz Ringspun selvedge denim, the jeans feature a straight leg with a 33″ inseam and a 16″ cuff opening. A double layer of fabric in the back pockets and riveted front pockets enhance the burly build quality. The jeans also offer five pockets for storing your essentials close at hand. Note, these jeans will need to be worn in but den…
Best Sling Bag – The Seventh Annual Carry Awards
…job of fusing eye-catching aesthetics with a nod to tradition. The expert Japanese carry crafters team up with a brand renowned for their Japanese denim clothing to create this boro-inspired sling bag. The enticing textured fabric showcases a digital print of an antique cloth pattern. The easy-access main compartment is complemented by quick-access pockets for smaller items so you can easily reach frequently used items on the go. ________________…
Best New Gear | August 2021
…dura® nylon twill fabric with a DWR coating and is made in Harvest Label’s Japanese factory. The catch? It was available in Japan only…until this month. So global fans of Code of Bell and Harvest Label can now make this sleek and functional collection their own. nunc 9th Collection Japanese brand (and sister to MSPC), nunc steps into leather with the release of their 9th collection. New additions include the STORM series, featuring new shapes and…
Best New Gear: September 2018
…m up with wings+horns, a designer and manufacturer with a refined blend of Japanese and Canadian design experience, and you’re in for a treat. This collaborative daypack is based on Porter’s Tanker series and is crafted by Porter in Japan using ripstop taffeta and nylon satin side panels. Functional storage complements the pared-back style including external zip pockets, side pockets with snap closures, and a padded sleeve with a Velcro closure. B…
IGNITION Reports :: the Randoseru
…he Pacific, our Japanese collaborators, IGNITION, dig a little deeper into Japanese backpack culture and fix their focus onto the humble schoolbag, the randoseru… Celebs with randoseru Randoseru schoolbags are an iconic box-like backpack synonymous with elementary school kids in Japan. But these high quality bags are becoming increasingly popular overseas. This spring, the media were abuzz when actress/singer and style icon Zooey Deschanel (from N…
Drive By :: Barrett Alley Reuben Wallet
…ics. The lining options offered are antique Japanese solid indigo, antique Japanese indigo plaid, antique Japanese furoshiki, antique French toile de jouy, and antique American red and white stripes. On the outside, the Reuben is available in the following vegetable tanned cowhide leather: natural, russet, and Barrett’s brand new tobacco color. Barrett was generous enough to send out one of his first Reuben wallet creations, still hot off of the w…
HERZ shop visit | Japan
…y enough, Jon and I met through Instagram. He offered to nab me a pair of Japanese-made Kapital Century Denim sashiko denim jeans direct from the source, and mail them to me here in the USA. A few weeks later, they’re easily the single favorite piece of clothing I’ve ever owned. In our email exchanges, we began discussing high-end Japanese carry, and he brought up the idea of a Herz shop visit. We love learning about brands that are new to us a…
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