Our Favorite Japanese Bags in 2024

The Japanese carry scene boasts some of the world’s top carry brands, offering thoughtful blends of functionality, fashion-forward styling, and excellent quality and craftsmanship. But with so many great options available, where do you start? Well, we’ve got you covered with our selection of favorite Japanese bags in 2024 as a helpful starting point. So whether you’re new to Japanese carry or already a firm fan looking for an enticing new piece to add to your collection, these bags are all worthy additions to your setup.

hobo Azuma Shoulder Bag L (~US$153)

Taking inspiration from the Japanese Azuma bag, this is a versatile piece that can be used for carrying groceries, everyday essentials, gym gear, and more. It’s made with a blend of water-repellent cotton and nylon that’s lightweight but durable. The unique dyed finish adds distinctive style, while functional features include a quick-access pocket for small essentials and a gusset for flexible storage space.

MAKAVELIC Double Line 3 Backpack (~US$161)

The MAKAVELIC Double Line 3 Backpack is the third iteration of the brand’s popular Double Line Backpack. It features handy top and front zippered pockets, a side water bottle pocket, and dedicated storage for a 13″ laptop. The bag is made with lightweight, strong, and water-repellent Cordura® EcoMade Canvas and can be used on commutes, at campus, on weekend adventures, and beyond.

THE PX WILD THINGS × hobo Play Soft Cooler Container Bag (~US$169)

hobo and THE PX WILD THINGS (an outdoor gear line from WILD THINGS) have teamed up to create a practical and stylish soft-sided cooler. Suitable for everyday and outdoor use, the cooler bag has a 45L capacity and includes a front zippered pocket and a carabiner. Additionally, the bag can also be folded down compactly for space-saving storage when not in use.

Hender Scheme Pig Waist Pouch Bag (~US$171)

Hender Scheme is a footwear and accessories brand founded by Japanese designer Ryo Kashiwazaki. While the brand is predominantly known for its leather shoes, it also creates enticing carry pieces such as this leather waist bag. Sleek and minimalist in style, the pig leather bag comes in four understated colorways and is equally handy for day-to-day or travel use.

FDMTL x master-piece BackPack No.02351-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 closure with a top flap, side zipper access to the main compartment, front and top quick-access pockets, and side bottle pockets.  

master-piece CIRCUS 2WAY Tote Bag No.310081 (~US$257)

master-piece’s CIRCUS 2WAY Tote Bag No.310081 brings their signature functional style to a two-way tote bag that can be carried by hand or over the shoulder using the removable strap. The thoughtful inbuilt organization provides plenty of easily accessible pockets for daily essentials, with a fun use of magnetic Fidlock closures to reveal an additional concealed pocket on the front. Versatile for casual work settings and day-to-day use, this is a great option for those seeking something a little different in the tote department.

rofmia Boston Bag M “Vegetables” (~US$267)

The limited-edition rofmia Boston Bag M “Vegetables” was created for rofmia’s 2023 Color exhibition and is part of a five-piece collection. The collection features photographs taken in Paris and London that were subsequently transferred onto 5oz thick DCF. Lightweight and packable, the bag can be stored inside a larger travel bag to be used as a day bag at your destination or alternatively as an everyday bag. Grab handles and a shoulder strap provide flexible portability, while an interior pocket offers storage for small valuables.

PORTER Ride Waist Bag (~US$279)

Launched under Porter’s sub-label POTR, the Ride series offers dependable carry options for people on the go, whether by foot or vehicle. The Ride Waist Bag features a padded 11″ tablet pocket in the main compartment, while the front compartment offers useful storage for frequently accessed EDC or travel items. External carry straps provide additional flexible carry for bulkier items and the included front chain nods to the theme of bicycle movement and can be used as an accessory or additional carry option.

11 BY BORIS BIDJAN SABERI × SALOMON Sports Backpack (~US$286)

Showcasing that fashion and function can work together in harmony, the 11 BY BORIS BIDJAN SABERI × SALOMON Sports Backpack is a collaboration between menswear brand BORIS BIDJAN SABERI and sports brand SALOMON. Designed for active use such as hiking or running, the 40L pack’s Flex Sensi Fit System enables a dialed-in fit to the body. The roll-top closure provides adaptable storage capacity and two soft water flasks are also included.

master-piece potential messenger bag No.01756-v3 (US$286)

Exuding master-piece’s quality craftsmanship and practical design, the potential messenger bag No.01756-v3 is a multifunctional addition to your carry arsenal that can handle daily commutes, weekend excursions to your local cafe, and travel needs with tech in tow. The wide-opening main compartment makes it easy to pack and retrieve gear, with dedicated space for a tablet inside. Additionally, a top zipper on the flap also provides access to the main compartment for extra convenience. A wide padded shoulder strap and stabilizer strap keep the load stable on the go, while a variety of colorway options let you add a little flair to your carry setup.

Porter Shea Daypack (~US$300)

Porter’s Shea series focuses on casually chic pieces that can function equally well in day-to-day and work settings. One such piece is the Shea Daypack, crafted with a nylon polyester twill fabric that is lightweight and available in three understated colorways to suit a variety of different settings. The pared-back exterior gives the pack a clean and professional feel, while the dedicated exterior-access laptop compartment makes it easy to get to your tech throughout the day. Additionally, the 15L pack also comes with a detachable ID holder for added work or travel convenience and is a good option for smaller frames or minimalist carry load requirements.

Hender Scheme Double Pocket Pack (~US$393)

Hender Scheme offers a creative and flexible approach to carry capacity and organization with the Double Pocket Pack. The two front pockets on the pack offer convenient storage for quick-access items. However, they can also detach from the main pack body and double as small shoulder bags, making this a multifunctional carry system that adapts on the fly depending on changing carry needs. The pack comes in two colorways and is made with a Cordura polyester exterior and leather detailing.

GOOPiMADE × master-piece Backpack No. 02050-GO (~US$418)

For those seeking carry that stands out from the crowd, this collaborative pack certainly ticks the box. A collab created by master-piece and Taiwan-based clothing brand GOOPiMADE, the backpack offers a striking aesthetic thanks to its playful take on exterior pocketing. The backpack also offers a rear externally accessible 13″ laptop compartment, while the main compartment is accessed through a central front zipper.

Porter × M/M Paris Backpack (~US$440)

The Porter × M/M Paris Backpack is a special collaborative piece celebrating Yoshida&Co.’s 80th anniversary. For the collab, Porter teamed up with French design partnership M/M Paris who have been influential in the fashion and art spheres since 1992. The backpack features the graphic “WORLD OF M/M” across the exterior and has a zippered quick-access pocket in the top lid for easy access to smaller items.

Porter Crag 2Way Boston Bag L (~US$462)

The Porter Crag 2Way Boston Bag L is a functional 48L travel bag that also gets creative on the textile front, featuring an environmentally friendly, two-bath dyeing process that results in a unique texture. An assortment of interior and exterior pockets make it easy to organize smaller items and quick-access essentials for your travels and you also benefit from two carry options thanks to the grab handles and shoulder strap.

master-piece FORCE LEATHER Ver. Backpack No.43270-L (~US$646)

master-piece offers a refined take on functional luxury with their FORCE LEATHER Ver. Backpack No.43270-L. This classy piece exudes long-lasting quality with its durable leather and 1680D CORDURA Ballistic® nylon construction. The main compartment secures with a drawstring closure and top flap but can also be accessed through a side zipper. Inside you’ll find storage for tech devices, while the exterior of the pack offers a host of pockets to keep quick-access essentials readily available.