In this article, we will discover the best randoseru brands.
You can see that nearly every Japanese student carries this school bag on their way to school.
What makes these backpacks are so popular? Isn’t it just a simple school bag?
The Japanese backpack has a rich history, symbolic importance.
In addition, occasionally, its price can make you have to double, triple, or quadruple-check the tag.
We answered a lot of questions about these traditional Japanese school bags below.
We also provided a list of some best brands you can consider if you want to buy one.
Let’s take a closer look to see!
The Top-Rated Randoseru Brands (Recommendation)
#1. SEMI AUTOMATIC JAPANESE SCHOOL BAG
#2. RANSEL RANDOSERU UPSCALE SATCHEL
#3. UPSCALE SATCHEL JAPANESE SCHOOL BAGS
#4. AUTOMATIC LOCK JAPANESE SCHOOL BAGS
#5. SENIOR PU LEATHER AUTOMATIC SCHOOL BAG
#6. LIGHT WEIGHT PU LEATHER RANSEL
#7. WATERPROOF PU SCHOOL BAG FOR KIDS
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What Is Randoseru?
1. History
In Japan, randoseru bags are square backpacks made of strong materials such as leather.
It is most typically worn by elementary school students.
It is around 30 cm high, 23 cm wide, and 18 cm deep.
The unique thing is a softer grade of leather or substance on the surfaces that come into contact with the body.
The average product weighs about 1.2 kg when empty.
The randoseru meaning is derived from the Dutch word “ransel,” which means “backpack”.
Some people say that it was first used in the Netherlands about 200 years ago.
From the past, the Japanese leather backpack has been known as a more durable option to the cloth or fabric ones.
Anyway, despite their functional advantage, not many children use these bags to school.
Back then in the countryside, most students used to carry their books in a cloth bag.
Some advantages of using a randoseru instead of normal school bags:
- Reduce weight for the children’s back thanks to its special design. Randoseru has cotton pads with a thick and strong back to distribute weight evenly. The shoulder straps help the shoulders and the back not hurt even when used for a long time.
- Durable and long life expectancy. It can take up to 5 – 6 years.
- Various colors and textures to help kids choose their right tastes easily.
2. How Heavy A Japanese School Bag Is?
Normally, a randoseru is heavier than a normal backpack. It weighs between 1.2 to 1.5 kilograms.
Moreover, some high-quality and luxury randoseru brands only weigh around 700 grams.
Additionally, when you put the books in, the bags will become much heavier.
Notebooks and textbooks likely add 1 to 2 kgs to the total weight.
Usually, lunch boxes and umbrellas are typically carried separately.
One advantage of this Japanese school bag is that it spreads the weight on the user’s shoulders very well.
Therefore, using Japanese backpacks instead of normal ones can support children in improving their good body shape.
It helps their backbone as well.
3. Japanese Primary Students’ Uniform
In most Japanese middle and high schools, students have to wear uniforms.
However, some private schools may have uniform rules for primary school students.
There are two different uniform styles that you can see in schools.
These outfits have a distinct look for both girls and boys.
- The first one is a traditional uniform. The most common colors for these outfits are navy, green, black, and white.
- The second one is a modern outfit, which is based on the formal dress and navy uniforms.
Famous Brands In Japanese Market
Two best randoseru brands in Japan are Seiban and Hashimoto Fit Chan.
1. Seiban
This company has been founded for almost a century since 1919. It is one of the leading randoseru backpack manufacturers in Japan.
The Seiban randoseru has been widely known for a child-friendly design that is tough, reliable, light, and easy to use.
It can last up to six years if being cared properly.
The backpacks are designed with a lot of unique features, such as “Angel Wings” feature to make them feel light to the kids. The shoulder belts have a special built into them to distribute the weight of the school supplies it carries. Therefore, it makes the children’s shoulders feel lighter.
The high function of Seiban (Source: Seiban.co.jp)
2. Hashimoto Fit Chan
This brand is famous for its traditional décor and trendy details on the design.
It makes the backpack looks great no matter your age or clothing.
Besides, they are also famous for the safety reflective straps for nighttime use, water-resistant back padding, strong shoulder straps, and convenient side hooks.
These are the things that make them stand out.
Fit Chan’s endurance (Source: fit-chan.com)
Also, there are many other manufacturers you may know before such as Tonari, Itoki, Fuwari, etc. Some famous sports brands like Nike, Puma, Converse, etc. have also stepped into this market.
Not all people like the classic style of the traditional randoseru.
Thus, they prefer sports brands’ products to show off their personalities.
Take a look to see how popular this bag is in Japan:
Why Are Randoseru So Expensive?
You may have heard about the expensive price level of a Japanese backpack.
This is not a cheap purchase, with prices ranging from around $300 to $1200 for a super-luxury brand name.
However, there are reasonably cheap randoseru prices range from $50 to $150.
Even when the prices seem high, a lot of people still buy it.
The reason is this kind of school bag is designed to last a child’s entire elementary school path, from 1st to 6th grade.
Even so, if properly cared for, these products can last well, from primary school into adulthood.
Especially, some of them can be handed down to the next sibling.
Almost all of these backpacks are handmade. The materials are durable and long-lasting. The traditional black and red bags are still available.
But in today’s world, more and more kids are choosing new colors or textures to show off themselves.
Best Randoseru Brands Shortlist (Updated List)
*Please notice that the reviews and ratings of the following products were recorded on the writing date by the editor. Ratings can be changed over time.
International best Randoseru brands: Which One To Choose
BAOBAB’S WISH – AMAZON’S BEST-SELLER
This brand has gained a lot of popularity on Amazon recently.
Their products are lightweight and durable to make children feel comfortable while wearing them.
Focusing on children’s health is the goal of every maker, as well as the brand’s original aim.
#1. SEMI AUTOMATIC JAPANESE SCHOOL BAG
See Latest Price
Key features:
- 13 inches shoulder drop
- Size: 13 x 9.8 x 6.7 inches
- Weight: 2.83 pounds
- Main material: PU
- Metal front cover
- Compact design
This bag has enough space for every daily necessity of a primary student, from school supplies to bento boxes, water bottles, and even an umbrella.
To protect children’s health, it helps to relieve the pressure on their shoulders, backs, and hips. It also protects and supports the spine.
The randoseru’s front cover is made of metal, makes it strong and durable.
Simply twist it lightly and the backpack will automatically open.
Besides, the 5 cm extra broad should strap can rotate 360 degrees to fit the child’s shoulder at a more comfortable angle.
Overall, it is a great bag and is easy to carry among the best randoseru brands.
Pros:
- Kid-friendly material
- Not easy to deform
- Rainproof
- Has reflective strips on the front and sides
Cons:
- Too small for Western people
#2. RANSEL RANDOSERU UPSCALE SATCHEL
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Key features:
- Size: 13.38 x 10.2 x 7.48 inches
- Weight: 2.83 pounds
- Main material: PU
- Metal front cover
- Compact design
Just like the above one, this product will also give you a high-quality experience.
It should be noted that with the size upgrade, your children now can put more things into their bags to bring to school. Its high-quality PU leather offers a good feeling, tension and not easy to be deformed.
Moreover, it is also rainproof and anti-scratch keeps the school supplies inside safe even on rainy days.
Furthermore, this large size is suitable for more people as well.
It has received a lot of positive comments about it on Amazon, which ensures its good quality.
However, the shoulder straps are reported to be very small and short for an adult.
Frankly speaking, this is a product for kids, isn’t it?
Pros:
- Kid-friendly material
- High quality
- Waterproof
- Has reflective strips on the front and sides
Cons:
- Tight shoulder strap
#3. UPSCALE SATCHEL JAPANESE SCHOOL BAGS
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Key features:
- Size: 13 x 9.8 x 6.7 inches
- Weight: 2.83 pounds
- Main material: PU
- Metal front cover
- Beautiful pattern detail
The product comes with a surprisingly high price in comparison to others.
This series has beautiful customized patterns all over the backpack.
It offers 5 color options for you to pick, depending on your kids’ preferences.
This version is made from high-quality PU leather, giving the best performance and advantages.
Although it is a little bit pricey, it is totally worth the value.
If you take care of it properly, it can last for many elementary years, from 1st grade to even high school.
Pros:
- Strong and durable
- High Japanese quality
- Waterproof
- Beautiful design
- Offers a 2-year backpack protection plan
Cons:
- Small shoulder strap
- Small size to Western people
DREAM FLY – COLORFUL CHOICE
Dream Fly is a manufacturer that specified in making school bags from PU leather.
Along with the compact shape, they are also famous for their fashionable design with lots of color options for you to choose from.
#4. AUTOMATIC LOCK JAPANESE SCHOOL BAGS
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Key features:
- Size: 13 x 9.5 x 5.9 inches
- Weight: 3.4 pounds
- Main material: PU
- Includes reflective strip
- Includes a rain cover
This is definitely a good pick if your child likes a colorful backpack.
Dream Fly offers up to 15 different colors, from bright to dark ones, suitable for all types of kids.
It is very simple with plain colors, does not have any design pattern.
However, nowadays’ the trend is minimalism, simple designs are more preferable somehow.
With the side hanging hook, children can hang on to their favorite accessories or a safety buzzer.
The bag has a reflective strip on the front and side so that they can walk home at night with more protection.
Their parents also have more peace of mind.
The shoulder strap’s width is 5cm, and it can rotate around the child’s body.
This allows them to choose a better posture to use the shoulder bag.
Pros:
- Adjustable shoulder strap
- Water-resistant
- Various color choices
- Cheaper than other brands
Cons:
- Small size
- Heavier than other brands
#5. SENIOR PU LEATHER AUTOMATIC SCHOOL BAG
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Key features:
- Size: 13.8 x 10.23 x 7.87 inches
- Weight: 3.4 pounds
- Main material: PU
- Includes reflective strip
- Includes a rain cover
With $150, you can not deny that Dream Fly is one of the best randoseru brands.
You will get a large school bag that can fit your A4 notebooks and other daily stuff such as mobile phones, thermos, etc.
Additionally, it also has a side hanging buckle for your kid to hang his or her favorite accessories.
Similar to other products, this bag also has reflective lines around it, so that children can walk home at night safer.
Especially, this version has a beautiful design on the front and sides, which makes it stand out from the others.
Thus, the product is more suitable for girls than boys.
It is also an automatic lock bag, with a metal lock that will automatically open when you twist it.
One more bonus is that it comes with a rain cover, double protection in the rainy seasons.
Pros:
- Form design
- Well made quality
- Water resistant
- Cheaper than other brands
Cons:
- Heavier than other brands
MILWORLD – BASIC OPTION
Although they are a Chinese manufacturer, Milworld still meets high-quality expectations at an affordable price range.
#6. LIGHT WEIGHT PU LEATHER RANSEL
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Key features:
- Size: 13.4 x 10.2 x 7.5 inches
- Weight: 2.64 pounds
- Main material: PU
- Made from anti stretching PU leather
- Automatic lock
- Reflective safety strap
Personally, we really like the design of this randoseru backpack.
It is simple but still attractive with simple colors and some highlights on the edges.
It gives an aesthetic and fashion feeling.
These series come in blue, pink, rose, red, purple, and black colors.
It is a good choice for those who are looking for something more budget-friendly.
Or do you want something with a few extra color choices?
Yes, among the best randoseru brands, MilWorld is ideal for you.
Pros:
- Unique design
- Different colors match with both boys and girls
- Reduces weights and makes kids more relaxed
- Waterproof
Cons:
- Not a Japanese maker
- No warranty
#7. WATERPROOF PU SCHOOL BAG FOR KIDS
See Latest Price
Key features:
- Size: 11.4 x 8.8 x 6.1 inches
- Weight: 2.26 lbs
- Main material: PU
- Made from anti stretching PU leather
- Automatic lock
- Reflective straps included
This randoseru may be suitable for girls rather than boys because it has some girly design on the front and the sides.
On the other hand, it has a kind of large capacity, maybe the largest on this list.
Thus, it has a lot of room for school kinds of stuff and even a bento box.
This school backpack offers a tough and durable quality with imported Japanese leather.
Therefore, you do not have to worry about it being deformed or stretched.
Pros:
- Cute pattern
- Different colors match with both boys and girls
- Reduces weights and makes kids more relaxed
- Waterproof
Cons:
- Not a Japanese maker
- No warranty
- Small
- Too cute for boys
How To Made A Randoseru?
Japanese bags were originally made of thick, long-lasting leather.
However, nowadays, people tend to use artificial leather to make up to 70% of bags on the market.
This material still looks like the original leather in appearance and feel.
It is also durable, but lighter, waterproof, and more resistant to scratches.
Generally, every manufacturer has their secret way of making it.
However, there is a common method of how to make a Japanese randoseru.
Usually, they make backpacks from more than 100 different pieces.
It is like playing a puzzle. It takes up to 300 steps to complete the final product.
The making of randoseru (Source: Alice Gordenker)
To give the best comfort, most randoseru brands include a thick cushioned backside covered in soft, breathable fabric or leather.
The bag’s large side panels are usually strengthened with an inside layer of plastic.
This maintains its shape and provides maximum capacity.
It also evenly distributes the bag’s weight quite well.
Manufacturers use a metal lock for the straps to allow flexibility of movement.
Other hanging hooks and clips are added to the outside so that users can attach their bento boxes, water bottles, umbrellas.
They can decorate with keychains and nametags as well.
The making of randoseru (Source: Alice Gordenker)
Best randoseru brands: Buying Guideline
Below are 3 important factors you should keep in mind when buying a Japanese randoseru for your kid.
1. Size
This is the first factor you should consider when choosing a good school bag.
A lot of people complain about the small size of their Japanese randoseru backpack purchases.
They are surprised by the size of their bag and not being able to fit everything in.
This is more obvious in Western countries, where folder and notebook sizes are sometimes larger.
Traditionally, because this kind of Japanese bag is designed for elementary students, it can be quite small. However, it has become bigger over time.
An 11 cm one was once widely used, but many bags are now produced to a depth of 12 – 14 cm.
Others are using new designs that allow more space to put stuff in.
An important consideration in terms of size is if it can accommodate A4-sized files and books or not.
To accomplish so, the bag must have a width of at least 23 cm.
2. Material
The second thing you have to consider is its material.
People used to use cow skin as the primary material in the making process.
Yet, as mentioned above, a lot of randoseru sold nowadays are made of artificial leather called Clarino.
In general, fake leathers are lighter, while real material is heavier.
3. Comfort
Lastly, pay attention to the comfort feeling when using.
The bag’s shoulder belt and back cushion have an impact on how heavy it feels on the user’s body.
Even the kid has to carry heavy books, it can still feel lightweight if the design and construction of these two parts are good.
Above all, you should not choose manufacturers that do not care about carrying comfort.
When you add textbooks and other goods, the weight is transferred directly to the shoulders, which can be quite a heavy load.
These features take account for a large part of the pricing difference.
Best Randoseru brands: People Also Asked
1. Is the Japanese Backpack Good For Our Body?
Yes, it is. Thanks to the unique design, it has a good influence on posture.
Two key important features are: softback padding lowers the load on the spine, and adjustable straps adjust to the child’s body.
Because it reaches up to the waist, it is very easy for the child to move, sit, and even lay back in it.
The weight of best randoseru brands is distributed evenly so that a randoseru does not press them down like other normal bags.
2. What Are The Popular Colors Of Japanese School Bags?
It has traditionally been black for boys and red for girls in Japanese primary schools.
However, from the early 2000s, people start to choose various colors according to their personality and tastes.
There are a lot of colors available now, such as pink, green, blue, etc., or some design pattern.
The gender role of colors is fading gradually.
3. What Is A Randoseru Safety Alarm?
It is a popular safety device that gives Japanese feel secured when letting their children walking alone to school.
When the kids feel unsafe from strangers, they can press the device to make a loud alarm.
All randoseru are designed with metal rings or fabric hooks on the shoulder strap for these safety gadgets.
This product makes children and their parents stay safe while going to school.
4. Is it customary for Japanese elementary school children to wear uniforms?
In most elementary schools in Japan, students do not have to wear uniforms every day.
However, if required, boys usually wear white shirts, shorts, and caps.
Uniforms for girls are a grey pleated skirt and a white shirt.
They also wear sailor outfits occasionally.
5. Do High School Students Use Randoseru?
Randoseru is quite small and is not suitable when the kids grow older.
So, once they have graduated from elementary school, they will replace it with a conventional school bag.
While most school bags are sold in different styles, high school students begin to use big backpacks.
Conclusion
In the article above, we only suggest some backpacks for elementary students.
If you are looking for a long-lasting and cheap bag for your kid to go to school, AUTOMATIC JAPANESE SCHOOL BAG is not a bad option. Or do you want a bigger choice so that you can put in a lot of things?
Let’s take a look at WATERPROOF PU SCHOOL BAG FOR KIDS.
Nowadays, not only Japanese students wear randoseru backpacks anymore. It has become a fashion item all around the world thanks to its simple and trendy style. We hope you can find your best randoseru brands after reading our post.
Further Reading:
