Japanese minimalist backpack

If you are looking for one particular gear that the Japanese designers have perfected through the years, it is the backpack. In this article, we are aiming the spotlight at some of the top brands that have become popular through their top-notch quality and arresting designs.

Here are the top ten brands that we have shortlisted to help you make the best choice.

Quite simply, the two main features of these backpacks that have allowed it to emerge as a favorite choice for all age groups are comfort and functionality. With the right blend of Japanese craftsmanship and superb design, these backpacks are great choices for daily use or even as a souvenir. Here we present a range of Japanese backpacks that will be perfect for the urban terrain as well as for weekend adventures.

Makavelic

If you want something functional and stylish, this is one of the best options that you will get from a Japanese brand. Headquartered in Tokyo, the brand combines style and durability through its trendy designs. The best thing is, their hybrid design is good for city use as well as for use in the outdoors. The brand uses top quality materials that are water-resistant to make sure that they are sufficiently durable.

Makavelic portrays itself as a crossover brand that stylishly fuses street culture with a sporty feel. They have a wide variety of designs to suit the needs of a wide range of users. So if you need a backpack for a fast and light trip you can surely check out their collection. As our favorite, we have picked the Trucks Weatherproof backpack that ticks all the right boxes.

Tsuchiya-Kaban

Have you heard about Japanese Randoseru? Even though these backpacks were made for schoolchildren, the product has become extremely popular even among adults all over the world. Moreover, being designed for kids, these bags are not only colorful but almost indestructible. Founded by veteran designer Tsuchiya Kunio, this brand’s mission is to craft the best Randoseru without a single defect in any of the products.

These backpacks are also made from leather-like synthetic materials but the sturdy built and functional design remains the common factor. Tsuchiya-Kaban has been around for almost half a century and has blended its style with the finer elements of Japanese culture. At the same time, their Tokyo workshop brings together some of the best leather-workers who manufacture these bags with a touch of love.

Founded: 1965

Website: https://tsuchiya-kaban-global.com

Recommended product: Randoseru

Master-Piece

Master-Piece is one brand that has earned a fan-base all around the world because of its superb quality and functionality. The brand was launched in 1994 and has its headquarters in Osaka. While drawing inspiration from daily life, the team of designers also focus on the exact customer requirements. The three words that compose the philosophy of the brand are – functionality, aesthetics, and craftsmanship.

The backpacks use of water repellent light fabrics and top-class parts that are sourced both domestically and internationally. While the highlight is on casual bags ideal for daily use, there are also bags that focus on specific user needs. Master-Piece takes pride in its Japanese identity and considers each product as a symbol of their brand philosophy. In addition, it has also joined hands with various other international partners to expand outreach.

Founded: 1994

Website: http://master-piece.co.jp/

Recommended product: Dura

and wander

If you are looking for a backpack that is more adventure-friendly, this is a Japanese brand that you can trust. Most of their products are crafted especially for adventurers heading for the mountains. However, these bags do not look out of place while riding through the city either. And wander was launched during the spring/summer of 2011 and within a few years, they have made a name for their trail-friendly designs.

The designers draw inspiration from nature and obviously, from the mountains. They use high-quality materials like PU-coated Cordura nylon that offer great durability for rough outdoor use. Then again, they are also resistant to the elements. Apart from backpacks, the brand also develops outdoor wear for mountain lovers.

Founded: 2011

Website: https://www.andwander.com

Recommended product: X-Pac 30 L backpack

hobo

This brand started with handcrafted bags that would blend seamlessly into the daily flow of life in Japan. With the urban-friendly design, hobo has presently expanded into head-wear, footwear, and other forms of accessories.  The backpacks combine eye-catching design elements with top-notch functionality for daily use or overnight travel.

The brand has also introduced a lot of innovation in order to make their backpacks weather-resistant. The design philosophy is a blend of East and West with special attention towards using high-quality materials and sturdiest parts. Also, you get the authentic touch of Japanese craftsmanship that makes every item special in its own way.

Founded: 2004

Website: https://thathobo.com/

Recommended product: SPECTRA®︎ X-GRIDSTOP

F/CE.

Even though this is one of the newest brands in this list, the quality of its backpacks is superb. With a foundation based on Japanese culture, the brand has also incorporated themes from other countries into its design philosophy. At the same time, it has delivered excellent products both in terms of quality and functionality to its customers. The best part is, their backpacks come with a fresh look and a unique element of design.

In fact, the designers visit the country from which they derive a theme for their products. They experience the culture, colors, and flavors of the nation in detail before placing their concepts on board. There is a whole range of bags that are made from the finest materials that offer superb durability. Moreover, there is also the use of special features like a “floating bag” seal, to make the backpacks completely waterproof.

Founded: 2010

Website: http://fce.tools/

Recommended product: SEAMLESS ZIPLOCK

MR PORTER

This is a brand that has been a renowned name in the domain of Japanese backpacks for years. These bags are entirely crafted in Japan and the brand takes pride in its Japanese heritage. The brand was established in 1962 by Yoshida & Co and still carries forward the heritage that was built on top-class quality.

With their high quality, the bags from Mr Porter have earned the reputation of lasting for a lifetime. The main feature of the backpacks is a clean and simple design that is balanced by a range of practical features. Add to that the superb craftsmanship and the best quality materials and you have a backpack that will serve you for years. Our pick is the Tanker backpack that is a part of the special “travel series with a military look”.

Founded: 1962

Website: https://www.mrporter.com

Recommended product: Tanker Padded Shell Backpack

narifuri

This is a Japanese brand that was originally established around the theme of bicycle riding. Obviously, that leads to eye-catching designs with a sporty touch and superb functionality. The design of the backpacks also makes sure that they are perfectly in harmony with a modern urban lifestyle. In reality, the words “nari” and “furi” mean “appearance” and “behavior” respectively.

So, while the products are designed for casual wear, they can also fit into everyday events without a problem. The two main priorities of the design are functionality and durability in every step. This ensures that you can use the backpacks not only for city rides but also for long rides in the outskirts.

Founded: 2007

Website: https://www.narifuri.com

Recommended product: Tactical back pack

Paago Works

This is a Japanese outdoor brand based on the theme “Let’s Pack And Go.” The interesting thing is, the brand has the logo of the origami of a shuriken (a traditional Japanese weapon). While the origami symbolizes creativity, the shuriken represents a highly functional tool. Also, the brand follows in a unique design pattern that does not follow any existing standards.

In addition, the brand also believes that its products will encourage the users to spend some more time amidst nature. Our choice from their range is from the “Rush” series. This is the special trail running backpacks that are designed for the best levels of comfort and functionality.

Founded: 2011

Website: https://www.paagoworks.com

Recommended product: Rush 28

Southern Field Industries

Located in the Saitama region of Japan, the small manufacturing facility of Southern Field Industries specializes in handcrafted products. As a result, you get timeless designs with the best levels of attention to the details. Manabu Okada, the founder, started his career in the production of equestrian products in his father’s factory. He developed the brand to highlight the best aspects of Japanese design.

Each product is designed with high standards of quality to ensure that the customer gets years of service. Beyond that, the brand uses full-grain vegetable-tanned leather that is specially prepared by Tochigi Leather, one of the finest tanneries in Japan. As a result, you get an exceptional finish and a unique feel from each of their backpacks.

Founded: 2008

Website: https://southernfieldindustries.com

Recommended product: Olive and black backpack

So these are some of the foremost Japanese backpack brands that offer the best possible design and quality. Now it is your turn to make a choice.

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The internet has expanded access to various forms of media. YouTube in particular is providing a platform for creators to share content each day. Over the years, we’ve been entertained, and in most cases, tickled by funny videos all over the internet. Well, Japan has its fair share of funny videos too, and here are 20 of the best. 

Japanese Bike Video

Imagine sitting in a room in front of a large TV watching a bike race. And all over a sudden, the bikers jump right out of your screen. Sounds scary right? Well, but for the rest of us watching its pure comedy. This crazy Japanese biker video pushes the boundaries of pranking. It will surely get you laughing like never before. Just wait for it until the end.

Mob Prank

When it comes to pranking the Japanese just know how to make it scary and funny enough for us to enjoy. Mob pranks are just perfect for that criterion. Think of it this way. You are on the street minding your own business. And boom! a mob of what looks like angry people starts running towards you. The reactions in this video are just priceless. Just take a look and enjoy it.

Cruel and Funny Water Fountain 

Water fountains are common in parks around Japan. After hiking for the best part of the day, there is nothing more soothing than a little cold water. However, in this messed up fountain in a park somewhere in Japan, the water is not nearly as soothing as you’d expect. The video is a bit cruel but hilarious too. Check it out.

Portable Toilet Video 

A lot of the videos that we’ve covered in this post are a little disturbing. But we just can’t stop laughing, can we? Here is another one and it is as weird and funny as they come. How about this? You enter into a portable toilet. And as you begin doing your business, a timer starts. If you stay there for more than 10 seconds, the toilet just opens up and whisks you to the air. Sounds unreal right? But not in Japan.

The Falling Elevator 

Just get this, you step into an elevator may be heading to the fifth or wherever floor. And just before you settle in to hit the button, the elevator’s cuts in half and you fall into the shaft, down towards the abyss. Is there a more scary thought than that? Well, just check out this video you will enjoy it.

The Japanese Fake Floor 

So, let’s say you are walking down an alley or the hallway heading to your office or place of business. Everything looks good and normal. But all over sudden, you just fall into a ditch of water and get wet all over. This fake floor video will get you. It’s probably one of the funniest things you will see ever.

Funny Japanese Game shows

Japanese game shows are famous for their huge dose of weird. But sometimes they are so strange and outrageous that you can’t help but laugh. Well, we searched the depths of YouTube and finally found this 10-minute video. It features some of the craziest and funniest Japanese game shows you will ever see. Over 5 million people have already checked out this YouTube hit and it’s absolutely rib-cracking.

Takeshi’s Castle Epic Fails

So, by now you are aware of the famous Japanese show Takeshi’s Castle. Although this show aired in Japan over 30 years ago, it has inspired a lot of folks like you and me to try out some of its challenges. And let’s just say that it doesn’t go as planned for most of these guys. While there are some “ouch” moments in this video, you will get some really good funny gems in there too.

Sasuke Ninja Warrior Funny Montage

Speaking of game shows, Sasuke is quite popular in Japan. This obstacle challenge show brings in 100 participants. It’s always action-packed. But it’s also filled with outstanding fails that will crack you up big time.  Well, nothing captures this fails and funny moments better than this video. It is the ultimate montage of Sasuke fails you will find on YouTube.

Funny Japanese Commercials

I’m sure you’ve got enough of the game shows and the merry pranksters. Let’s now dig deep into the weird and funny Japanese commercials. It’s hard to imagine how these ads made it to TV, but we are glad they did. We found a ten-minute compilation video on YouTube covering some of the most outrageous commercials on Japanese TV. You will love them!

The contagious Laughter 

This one is not really about comedy or something funny, or is it? Have you ever laughed so hard for nothing other than listening to someone else laugh? This is exactly what this video is about. And don’t just pay attention to the guy laughing. The reaction of the rest of the room is also outstanding. Not the most viral videos you will ever see but hey, it should make your morning.

Fake Ghost video

By now you already know that the Japanese will go to any lengths to make a “got you” moment. Well, this one is just up there with the very best. Imagine this. You are in the showier whistling your way into a nice and relaxing bath. And as you cover your face with soap, a fake ghost suddenly appears on the ceiling. What do you do? The reaction here is just hilariously haunting it will stick in your mind all day.

More and More Funny Commercials

In case the ten-minute video above of funny commercials was not enough for you, don’t worry, we found another. This one is different from the clip you saw above. To be honest with you, it’s hard to say which of the two is funnier. I guess you should watch and decide for yourself.

Asia’s Got Talent’s Japanese Act

But what if you want a more refined form of comedy, performed at a grand stage? Ask no more, Just check out this video. The clip features a funny duo from Japan performing incredible acts. How can we explain this video? It’s not a comedy per se, but it’s just funny. Ok, we can’t. It would be better if you watched it. Spoiler alert, the duo get a standing ovation in the end and that should tell you it’s worth a view.

The Japanese T-Rex Prank

The T-Rex is an ancient dinosaur that roamed our planet millions of years ago. So, if you are walking through a hallway and it somehow reappears, you can be forgiven for running for your life. This Japanese T-rex prank is incredibly hilarious. The reaction of participants is absolutely epic.

How many game shows does Japan have really? Well, that’s a story for another day because we have another game show related video for you. This one features participants trying to climb up slippery stairs. I know it doesn’t sound like a funny thing. But wait until you check out the video. It is probably the most hilarious thing you will ever see!

The Japanese Try To Speak English

Japan has a very rich and globally accepted language. However, most people in the country speak Japanese for the rest of their lives. But a few try to learn a second language. English is a very common choice for Japanese citizens. Eventually, they get good at it. But that process from an English non-speaker to fluency can bring some funny moments. Check out the video here.

Japan’s Mascot Fails

We already know that Japan has a lot of funny and incredibly cute mascots. This is the country that brought you Chitan. So they know their way around a superb mascot. But some mascot fails are just too funny to ignore. We found one video and it is as good as they get.  Just check it out and enjoy it.

Americans and Japanese Swap Snacks

Japan’s cuisine has spread all over the world. But other than sushi and ramen, most people have no idea about Japanese food. The Japanese are also very wary of trying foods from foreign lands. It is these cultural differences that make this video so hilarious. Just watch the reactions as Japanese and Americans exchange snacks. It is incredibly hilarious!

Hilarious Japanese Inventions

Japan is a hub for science, technology, and innovation. The country is known for its major global tech brands in a wide variety of fields, including the auto industry, gaming, and others. But Japan also has a few weird and hilariously funny inventions that you probably didn’t know existed. They are all covered in the next video.