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Maybe Zooey Deschanel was on to something after all. Last year, pictures surfaced of the Hollywood actress wearing a randoseru, the type of Japanese backpack that for decades has been exclusively used by elementary school kids.

This had many in Japan chuckling, but when you think about it logically, the randoseru is a sturdy, practical, and elegant design. What’s more, ones that are made to quality standards can last for years, so this Japanese company has decided to release a line of randoseru for adults, which it says are sophisticated enough for formal business situations.

Tsuchiya Bag Co. has been in business for 50 years, producing a variety of leather pouches and carryalls. Among its products are a line of randoseru in the orthodox boxy form that kids in Japan have been shouldering for generations.

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But while randoseru have traditionally been used to transport textbooks and worksheets, Tsuchiya says that thanks to its subtle redesign, they’re also ready to store your business contracts, project pitch notes, or design portfolio.

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Pictured here is Tsuchiya’s new Otona Randsel line (otona being the Japanese word for “adult” and randsel being a corruption of ransel the Dutch word for “backpack” from which randoseru is derived).

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Two different models are available. The first, the Otona Randsel 001, is made with tannin-tanned cow hide and comes in either black or brown.

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Open the flaps and you’ll find a number of compartments, with the central section large enough to store A4-size documents (8.27 x 11.7 inches), as well as most 13-inch notebook computers.

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In contrast to the smoother 001, the Otona Randsel 002 has a textured surface.

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▼ The under-flap pocket’s design and zipper placement are also different from the 001’s.

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Made from untreated Italian Vachetta leather, the 002 model is the more likely of the two to take on a weathered look with extended use.

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▼ Tsuchiya also offers the 002 in black and brown.

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Both models are listed at 100,000 yen (US$840), carrying on the tradition of children’s randoseru as premium-priced items. Tsuchiya will begin taking orders through its website (001 here, 002 here) on November 3, with shipping scheduled for December 16.

Source: Fashion Press via Hachima Kiko
Top image: Tsuchiya Bag Co. (1, 2) (edited by RocketNews24)
Insert images: Tsuchiya Randoseru, Tsuchiya Bag Co. (1, 2, 3) (edited by RocketNews24)