Our Favorite Japanese Bags Right Now

Jumping off yesterday’s article on Japanese backpacks, we thought we’d celebrate the other categories hailing from The Land of the 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 to carry smaller loads, it’s made from polyester ripstop. Plus it packs down small inside its own pocket for space-saving storage.

hobo Basic Series Shoulder Bag (~US$124)

The Basic Series Shoulder Bag is designed with timeless utility in mind. A bag you can turn to year after year regardless of current trends. It’s made with lightweight polyester and leather zipper pulls and makes a good grab-and-go bag for urban use.

Porter Hexaria Shoulder Bag (~US$124)

Porter gives you a pouch and shoulder bag in one with the Hexaria Shoulder Bag. Sling it over your shoulder when you’re roaming with essentials or simply remove the shoulder strap to convert it into a standalone pouch. The three-layer construction offers cushioning and protection from the elements, while multiple colorways let you go bold or keep things subtle.

narifuri Hatena Stem Bag (~US$168)

narifuri is a bike-focused fashion brand that cleverly blends cycle-ready functionality and urban-friendly aesthetics in their designs. The Hatena Stem Bag shows this versatile design in action, doubling as a bag for use both on and off the bike. The multifunctional design serves as a stem bag, saddle bag, or handlebar bag but also includes a shoulder strap to double as a small shoulder bag. The question mark-shaped zipper provides great access, while the water-repellent build protects your gear from the elements.

hobo Nylon Tussah Shoulder Pouch (US$175)

hobo takes inspiration from outdoor gear but delivers an urban twist with the Nylon Tussah Shoulder Pouch. The nylon construction includes pigskin suede trim and rope-like zipper pulls, while the clean silhouette fits easily into a range of urban settings.

Porter Tanker Shoulder Bag (~US$186)

Porter’s iconic Tanker series has been around since 1983, inspired by US Air Force flight jackets. And it’s still going strong with pieces such as the Tanker Shoulder Bag. Available in three colorways with a signature contrasting rescue orange lining, the bag combines an appealing curved silhouette with a mix of interior and exterior pockets for organization.

Granite Gear Mission Tote (~US$189)

Granite Gear brings their rugged American craftsmanship to the Japanese market with their Mission Tote. The versatile bag carries as a tote, backpack, or shoulder bag. Quick-access exterior pockets complement the zippered main compartment, keeping gear secure yet close at hand on the go.

narifuri Dazzle Camouflage Frame Bag (~US$189)

narifuri’s multifunctional design is well showcased again with the Dazzle Camouflage Frame Bag. As the name suggests, it’s an eye-catching frame bag but its adaptable design also allows it to convert to a shoulder or cross-body bag for off-bike use too. And their cycle focus gets a subtle nod in the styling too, with a pattern that offers a geometric take on a bike wheel.

Porter PS Camo Waist Bag (~US$191)

Porter merges military and street wear influences in the PS Camo Waist Bag. The piece features a striking orange Woodland camo pattern, along with a flexible design that can be worn around the waist or cross-body. Multiple pockets keep esssentials well organized for easy access on the go too.

Porter Foldable Sacoche Shoulder Bag (~US$205)

Porter’s Foldable Sacoche Shoulder Bag is sure to appeal to those who appreciate Japanese bags with thoughtful flexibility. Essentially two bags in one, the design allows you to maximize your carry space for large loads or just use one of the bags for smaller loads. The packable design also makes the combo easy to store compactly.

And Wander Three-in-One X-Pac Tote Bag (US$280)

Tokyo brand And Wander deftly blends outdoor and urban influences in their Three-in-One X-Pac Tote Bag. And you guessed it, this bag offers three carry options including tote, shoulder bag, and backpack modes. Add in the weatherproof X-Pac construction and you’re good to go whatever the weather brings.

master-piece x Rebirth Project Tote (US$305)

Like your Japanese bags sleek, understated, and sustainable? This collaboration between master-piece and Rebirth Project ticks all three boxes. The tote uses recycled polyester and recycled nylon from vehicle airbags. It features top carry handles and a removable shoulder strap. All in a versatile design for the working week and downtime use too.

nanamica Water Repellent Helmet Bag (US$399)

Inspired by military helmet bags but served up in pared-back urban style, this nanamica Water Repellent Helmet Bag does double duty as a tote and a backpack. It features durable, water-repellent cotton twill and offers two front pockets along with a zippered main compartment.

master-piece Rogue Helmet Bag (US$425)

master-piece dishes up their take on the military helmet bag with the rugged Rogue Helmet Bag. Expertly crafted with Cordura nylon and leather detailing, it’s burly enough to handle the daily grind and more. Carry it by hand or as a shoulder bag to suit different settings, while quick-access items can find secure homes in the front and back exterior pockets.