Tokyo nurtures different fashion trends. The true Tokyoite is sensitive not only about their clothes, but also their accessories. Japan has developed many local brands and has created masterpieces with their own characteristics. Let’s see the top Japanese purse brands!
Top Japanese Purse Brands: aniary:-
aniary:- focuses on simple, light-weight handbags in various colors. It has a number of product lines, each of which is categorized by the styles of leather used (wave leather, grind leather, antique leather and double emboss leather). If you love cool tones, you should go for the grind leather series. Or if you want to try something fresh and vivid, the antique leather series will be your all-time favorite! The aniary:- brand draws from an attractive palette of shades, from basic blacks, browns, and greys to mustard, dark green, beige, and even bright red.
Website (Japanese and English) ||| Online Store (via Google Translate)
Nearest Station: 5-min walk from Omotesando Station Exit B2 (plan your route at the link and click on the Google Map below for walking directions)
BAO BAO ISSEY MIYAKE
Issey Miyake is famous for his creative designs and innovative exhibitions. BAO BAO ISSEY MIYAKE was one of the accessories from Pleats Please Issey Miyake, a popular sub-brand. BAO BAO Japanese handbags are distinctive for their triangle-cut craftsmanship, allowing the handbag to take on many shapes. Parts of these handbags reflect sunlight, giving them the appearance of having different colors from different points of view.
Locations: Multiple locations across Tokyo and at Narita airport. Check their site for details and maps.
Genten
Genten is a world-famous Japanese purse brand, with boutiques in places as far off as China, Italy, and France. The company aims at three special goals in creating their products: care for the environment, treasure the limited resources on earth, and creating durable products. There is a wide range of products with simple designs which works for both men and women. Most of the purses are in single color, but some may have printing and leather collages. Every product in Genten is unadorned, allowing the quality of the craftsmanship to stand out. The refined flowers cut work series of purses are especially gorgeous. Ladies love the hollow-carved design.
Genten Location Information
Website (Japanese stores) ||| Facebook (Japanese only) ||| Online Store
Locations: 3 locations in Tokyo, 1 in Yokohama
Herz
HERZ is the place for custom leather handbags! All of their handbags are made on-site by their craftsmen. They also have a broad range of leather products. It’s the perfect place to pick up a gift for the man or woman in your life. Check out our article for more details!
Indenya (印傳屋)
Indenya has a long history for their own Koushu Inden handicrafts. Its first store opened during the Edo period, and their leather products like the Kinchaku-fukuro (a traditional purse that is made of cotton cloth) have been popular ever since. Indenya has applied their specialized knowledge to create modern flower-patterned purses, but with a wide range of styles suitable for both work and formal events!
Website (Japanese Flash site) ||| Facebook (Japanese) ||| Instagram
Nearest Station: 5-min walk from Gaien-mae Station Exit 1B (plan your route at the link and click on the Google Map below for walking directions)
M+
M+ is a young brand that started in 2001. Their designs have a brilliant quality, and they insist on only using natural leather. M+ has a basic tote leather bag in three sizes, and has other remarkable series such as “Armatura” and “Gagliardo.”
“Armatura” is designed based on armor. You will find the layering design very modish, and it provides extra storage space! Handbags of the “Gagliardo” series are for women only. They have a brass piping on the top of the bags as detailing, which adds a metallic effect to a leather bag. These Japanese purses close automatically when you lift them, making them convenient and easy to use.
M+ Location Information
Website (Japanese and English) ||| Facebook (Japanese) ||| Twitter (Japanese) ||| Online Store (via Google Translate)
Nearest Station: 2-min walk from Kuramae Station Exit A0/A2 (plan your route at the link and click on the Google Map below for walking directions)
Maekawa Inden (浅草前川印傳)
Inden is a Japanese traditional handicraft, which uses paints to create different patterns and images on deer leather. For inden, there must be some Wafu-u (和風; Japanese style) patterns that you will always see. Sakura is the national flower representing Japan. Seigaiha (青海波; sea waves) means that sea waves bring happiness to life. Dragonfly patterns are often seen in arms and armor of samurai.
The collage-checkered Japanese purse is the signature product of Maekawa Inden. Each checker shows distinct Wafu-u and geometric patterns, in designs you cannot find elsewhere. The colorful designs are a wonderful match for your lively and bright look! Or if you want to look mature, the dark blue and white design are the must-have item. Apart from the collage-checkered purses, Maekawa Inden has the cutest Hello Kitty handbags, which are also popular among visitors! The pink Kitty and Sakura patterns stand out on black leather, integrating a modern art character with traditional handicrafts.
Each of these purses is a handmade work of art. The patterns are always different from every other purse, making your purse truly unique.
Maekawa Inden Location Information (Two Locations in Asakusa)
Website (via Google Translate)
Multiple Locations; see here for details.
REN
The REN brand was established in 2005, and focuses on simple designs without any unnecessary decorations. The Japanese purse series “Goat Mesh” are made by knitting goat leather to a mesh frame. This takes a long time, as every step is handled by craftsmen without the use of sewing machines. REN presents you with three types of leather purses, as well as canvas and supple nylon purses.
REN Location Information
Website (via Google Translate) ||| Facebook (Japanese only) ||| Online Store (via Google Translate)
Locations: Three locations in Tokyo; see their Access page (via Google Translate) for location information.
Samantha Thavasa
Samantha Thavasa brand is THE iconic Japanese purse. These bags (and other Samantha accessories) are popular with celebrities from all over the world. Check out our article on locations where you can find these fantastic handbags!
Tsuchiya Kaban Seizou-sho (土屋鞄製造所)
Tsuchiya Kaban Seizou-sho, established in 1965, guarantees excellent quality products. They think of customers “like a friend or family member,” as the customer keeps using their purses. There are three main categories in Tsuchiya Kaban: men, women, and unisex.
For men, the “Vehicle” series consists of tough and stylish shoulder and tote bags. Show your manliness with these bags!
For women, the “Chiffon” series has three sizes to choose from. All the handbags in the “Chiffon” series are lightweight. These bags suit girls who always need lots of stuff but do not want their bags to become too heavy.
For unisex, Tsuchiya Kaban offers waterproof leather handbags in the “Plota” series! You do not have to worry about rain destroying your beloved bag! Handbags in “Diario” series are all in eye-catching red-brown color.
Tsuchiya Kaban Seizou-sho Location Information
Website (via Google Translate) ||| Facebook (Japanese only) ||| Instagram ||| Online Store (via Google Translate)
Nearest Station: 13-min walk from Hiro-o Station Exit 1/2 (plan your route at the link and click on the Google Map below for walking directions)
That’s all for this guide to the Japanese purse. Remember that the better you look, the more you will see!
Did we miss your favorite Japanese purse brand? Send us an email and let us know!
