A backpack from Europe has become a cultural asset in Japan. The Randoseru backpack regularly appears in animes, mangas, and films, where characters are shown starting school. But what lies behind the backpack that sells for more than 500 Euros?
What kind of backpack is it? The “Randoseru” is a backpack traditionally used by Japanese students and even university students for their entire academic career. The name comes from the Dutch word “ransel,” which means backpack (via sicoba.de).
With its rigid, rectangular structure, equipped with various pockets and compartments, the Randoseru backpack appears in animes, mangas, and films whenever a school-age character is depicted. By now, this backpack has become a part of Japanese culture. However, the “Randoseru” did not originate in Japan.
Military modernization brings European backpack to Japan
Where does the backpack come from? It is said that the Randoseru was already used by Japanese soldiers in the Edo period (1603-1867). In the 1880s, students from Japan’s elite private schools began to use their military backpacks for carrying their school supplies as well.
How the backpack came to the military is due to a modernization of the army at the end of the Edo period. Among the numerous adaptations was the introduction of a new uniform that was modeled after the Ransel backpacks of Dutch soldiers and included the Randoseru as one of the clothing items issued to the troops.
After World War II, the school system was once again changed and modernized in March 1947 and corresponds roughly to what is in use in Japan today. After 1955, the use of the backpack spread in Japan’s elementary schools.
Today, these backpacks are available in a variety of colors and embroidery, ranging from anime characters to more modern designs. However, the core of the backpack, including its shape, has remained identical. To this day, the backpack is closely associated with Japanese culture.
What does the backpack cost? Prices start at around 500 Euros but can exceed the 1,000 Euro mark significantly depending on the level of detail and workmanship. The argument often cited for the high prices: Such a Randoseru lasts a lifetime and is often used not just by one generation, but often by several.
Japan is also special in other school matters: Some elementary school students in Japan have the opportunity to experience One Piece as part of their school curriculum. They learn with the program to figure out their own dreams and express them artistically: Children in Japan have the opportunity to experience One Piece as a school subject
