Fashionista NOW: How To Wear Japanese Randoseru Backpack Fashion Inspiration

We’ve witnessed how backpacks have joined the ranks of covet-worthy bag trends. Our focus is on the Japan-hail randoseru, so if you want a short summary on the cool school bags that even grown adults are mad about and tips on how to wear them, keep on reading!

A summary of facts about the rising backpack trend from Japan:

• A randoseru is a sturdy bag made of leather or leather-like material commonly used in Japan by elementary school children. The term derived its origin from a Dutch word ransel which means a backpack. This traces back to 200 years ago during the Edo era where the randoseru were used by foot soldiers to carry their belongings.
• The proposal for these backpacks to be used in schools was initiated in 1885 by the Japanese government via the elementary school, Gakush?in or the Peer’s School where children of the imperial aristocracy were taught. In 1887, the crown prince was the first person to be given a randoseru upon entering the elementary school.
• The shape of the backpack was made to resemble the military’s original version to honor them and this solidifies the iconic look of the Japanese backpack.
• Because these bags were so expensive, most people in Japan at the time could not afford them. They carried simple shoulder bags and square folding clothes instead. Post World War II after Japan’s economy improved dramatically, randoseru entered the elementary school scene.
• Initially, in the conservative school setting, black randoseru is for boys while red randoseru is for girls. A gradual change in gender stereotypes has given both genders the freedom to use other colors including bright pink, dark blue, brown, soft blue, green and even dual tones.
• The metal clips on the sides of the backpack were introduced post-war so the story that they were for carrying grenades is false. They are used for carrying lunch boxes or a change of clothes.
• The bloated price tag of these bags is due to their durability. They are made to last a whole 6-years of elementary school and more. For many Japanese, these backpacks are forever associated as a symbol of their childhood years.
• The randoseru entered popular culture when grown-ups who were into ‘kawaii’ fashion started carrying them too. Even Zooey Deschanel was spotted toting a bright red one herself last March.

What to wear with randoseru, you wonder? Check out the fashion sets we’ve curated below for a quick inspiration:

♥ | Liz

♥ | petpeeve

♥ | herimperialhighness

♥ | rowan

♥ | moedness

♥ | rose-flavour

♥ | merlina-m

Where to buy randoseru?

The randoseru backpacks from the first intro image of this piece can be shopped here:

orange Japanese backpack
blue jeans backpack
pastel blue backpack
deep red randoseru

What do you think of this Japanese backpack trend? Spill your thoughts below – I love reading them!

“It’s not what you spend but how you wear it that counts. The key is often to dress up inexpensive basics with accessories. Something like a beautiful designer bag or belt can make everything else look richer and more luxurious.” — Chloe Sevigny

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Here on Fashionista NOW, our one and very own Miss Reverie showcases the latest in fashion trends and its various social implications in our everyday lives. You may read more of her at REVERIE SANCTUARY.