ランドセル

A is a firm-sided backpack made of stitched firm leather or leather-like synthetic material, most commonly used in Japan by elementary schoolchildren. Traditionally it is given to a child upon beginning their first year of school, whereupon the child uses the same bag until grade 6. The term is borrowed from the Dutch '' ransel'' or German ''Ranzen'' meaning "backpack".

A similar system is used in Western schools. However, compared to Japanese randoseru, such as from Germany and from the Netherlands, many of them are simpler and lighter in material.

File:Going to school P5140621小学生通学.jpg, Two sisters wearing pink randoseru. One of them with a yellow plastic cover worn by 1st graders.
File:Randoseru-red-walkinggirls-feb14-2019.jpg, Two young girls with red randoseru, 2019.
File:Akihabara Station - public phone and kid with randoseru- Nov 08 2018.jpeg, Boy with black randoseru, 2018.

Design

In more conservative schools the color, brand and design is mandated, typically with red as the traditional color for girls and black for boys. More colorful versions such as pink, brown, dark blue, green, blue and even two-tones are also available. These varieties have existed since the 1960s but sold poorly due to the lock-step mentality of the education system that gradually began changing in the early 2000s. The increased variety of colors is partly as a compromise for parents to retain some tradition within modernized schools which no longer require the use of traditional uniforms or the ''randoseru''.

A typical ''randoseru'' measures roughly 30 cm high by 23 cm wide by 18 cm deep, and features a softer grade of leather or other material on those surfaces which touch the body. When empty, it weighs approximately 1.2 kilograms (2.6 pounds). However, due to demand for a lighter, more robust ''randoseru,'' as of 2004 approximately 70% are made from the synthetic leather Clarino. The backpacks have hard leather sides and divided compartments inside. They close with a long flap that goes over the entire length of the bag and clips at the bottom. Manufacturers usually offer "randoseru" in two sizes, with a slightly larger one sized to hold modern A4 flat files.

To increase traffic safety for children commuting to and from school, many communities have begun working with to distribute yellow plastic covers that drape over the back of the ''randoseru'' to increase its visibility.

History

The use of the ''randoseru'' began in the Edo era. Along with a wave of western reforms in the Japanese military, the Netherlands-style rucksack called was introduced as a new way for the foot soldiers to carry their baggage. The shape much resembled the ''randoseru'' bags used today. In 1885, the Japanese government, through the elementary school Gakushūin, proposed the use of a backpack as the new ideal for Japanese elementary school students. At Gakushūin, the practice of coming to school by cars and rickshaws was banned, promoting the idea that the students should carry their own equipment and come to school on foot. At this time, the bag looked more like a normal rucksack. This changed, however, in 1887. The crown prince of the time was given a backpack upon entering elementary school (at Gakushūin). To honor the soldiers of the country, the shape of the backpack resembled the backpacks used in the military. This quite immediately became the fashion, and the shape has continued to become the ''randoseru'' used today. However, at that time most of the Japanese people could not afford such an expensive bag. Until the dramatic rise of economy in Japan in the post-World War II period, the main school bags in Japan were simple shoulder bags and ''furoshiki'' (square folding cloths).

It is a popular saying that the metal clip on the side of the ''randoseru'' was used in the military to carry grenades. However, this is not true. The metal clip was introduced in the post-World War II period, as a means to carry lunch boxes, change of clothes for P.E., etc.

Production

Most ''randoseru'' production is carried out by hand. A ''randoseru'' is constructed of a single-piece body and around 200 fittings, a combination of die-cut materials and polyurethane backing plates. Assembly involves crimping, machine-sewing, walnut-gluing, drilling each shoulder strap, and riveting. The bag's materials and workmanship are designed to allow the backpack to endure the child's entire elementary education (six years). However, the care usually given to the ''randoseru'' throughout that time and afterwards can extend its life and preserve it in near-immaculate condition long after the child has reached adulthood, a testament to its utility and the sentiment attached to it by many Japanese as symbolic of their relatively carefree childhood years.

The ''randoseru''s durability and significance is reflected in its cost. A new ''randoseru'' made of genuine or synthetic leather can carry a price tag of around 30,000–40,000 yen at a chain store/supermarket. Typically ''randoseru'' from department stores or traditional workshops will be priced in the region of 55,000–70,000 yen, with some models (particularly those branded with logos) reaching over 100,000 yen. Clarino, a synthetic material frequently used as a substitute, reduces the cost somewhat. Often ''randoseru'' are available on auction sites in new or used condition at much lower prices, particularly after the start of the Japanese school year in April. As of January 2012, the five top ''randoseru'' in order of popularity at Amazon.co.jp are in the range of ¥8,280–16,980.

See also

* Culture of Japan
* Japanese words of Dutch origin
* '' Recorder to Randoseru''

References

External links

Manufacturing process of a randoseru (1998)
(movie) (Japanese)

Video of randosel manufacture (2024)
from Process X

{{Japanese clothing

Education in Japan
Culture of Japan
Japanese fashion
Bags (fashion)
Leather goods