
Ikea’s iconic blue bag becomes the hip new accessory for all comic-book character figurines this season.
Ever since luxury fashion brand Balenciaga released a US$2,150 tote bag that looked uncannily like a US$1 blue Frakta shopping bag from Ikea, the cheap blue tote has become something of an icon around the world, with people using it to create everything from shoes to masks and even underwear.
Here in Asia, the oversized Ikea shopping bag has been honoured with a miniature version of itself, and while it was previously only available in stores around Hong Kong and Singapore, the tiny tote is finally available in Japan as well!
The Knölig, as it’s known, has the same shape and long handles as the Frakta, but it’s a fraction of the size, measuring just nine centimetres (3.5 inches) in width and seven centimetres in height.
▼ The Knöligs are so tiny you’ll find thousands of them in one crate at the store.
Like many Ikea products, the Knölig also comes with an oversized tag containing the barcode and other product details, and the small bags come with a zipper that keeps the contents from falling out.
Designed to hold small items like keys, coins, and lipsticks, each bag comes with a keychain so you can attach it to a larger bag for ease of access.
However, in Japan people have found another use for these entirely, as the size makes them ideal for anime figurines. Slinging it over the shoulder of a Spider Man figurine, for example, shows how the tiny bag instantly transforms, taking on the appearance of the oversized Frakta, thanks to the proportions created in this new context.
▼ Spider Man heads out to search for justice… and household goods in the web of displays at his local Ikea.
For 99 yen (US$0.90), the Knölig is one of the cheapest figurine accessories out there at the moment, and makes a great addition to the miniature lockers and tiny food we already have in our collection.
Now all we need is for Ikea to bring out a lineup of miniature household goods, and maybe even a little fukubukuro lucky bag, so our characters can enjoy a celebratory haul like the rest of us at New Year!
Photos ©SoraNews24
● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
[ Read in Japanese ]






Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Move aside, convenience store egg sando – there’s a better version of the iconic sandwich in Japan
Pikachu to cuddle with kimono-clad beauty on Tokyo street as part of flower art event
Almost all Japanese women say they dislike random gacha/blind-box toys in survey
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Move aside, convenience store egg sando – there’s a better version of the iconic sandwich in Japan
Pikachu to cuddle with kimono-clad beauty on Tokyo street as part of flower art event
Almost all Japanese women say they dislike random gacha/blind-box toys in survey
Police in Japan warn of scam artists posing as cops to collect fines for breaking new bike rules
One Piece creator has hidden secret of anime treasure’s identity in chest at bottom of real-world ocean
We followed Tokyo’s mystery walking map and ended up creating our own bar-hopping adventure
New Japanese KitKats come in sakura flavour, with poetic symbolism for success
“Denki Anma”: The Japanese traditional torment that you’ll be glad stays in Japan
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Injuries on stairs in Tokyo highlight an overlooked design flaw
Lawson convenience store at popular tourist site is one of the most unusual in Japan
Japanese trains in Sapporo might be better than those in Tokyo, thanks to one special feature
Japanese government wants overseas anime market to roughly triple in 10 years, but are they crazy?
Starbucks Japan releases FIVE new Frappuccinos in a day, and we try them all in 90 minutes
Japanese bento shop sells croquettes for 13 cents, but are they any good?
Final version of Sanrio: Beginning of Kawaii exhibition opens in Tokyo[Photos]
Japan’s popular bead bonsai kit is as beautiful as it is gruelling to make
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Mt. Fuji decorated with a 500,000-flower pink carpet is Japan’s ultimate spring view
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Police in Japan warn of scam artists posing as cops to collect fines for breaking new bike rules
One Piece creator has hidden secret of anime treasure’s identity in chest at bottom of real-world ocean
We followed Tokyo’s mystery walking map and ended up creating our own bar-hopping adventure
New Japanese KitKats come in sakura flavour, with poetic symbolism for success
“Denki Anma”: The Japanese traditional torment that you’ll be glad stays in Japan
Secret Tokyo night view spot is also a great meeting place away from the crowds
Japan’s popular bead bonsai kit is as beautiful as it is gruelling to make
Uniqlo Pokémon T-shirts coming to Japan this summer, in 24 crazy designs
The mystery of the phantom “sake pass card” at Japanese alcohol vending machines
Town destroyed by 2011 earthquake and tsunami creates anime based on stories of residents
61-year-old Japanese fisherman falls off boat and defies odds to swim to safety
Sakura Festival in Chiyoda mixes illuminations, boats, music, and Rilakkuma in the heart of Tokyo
Fading Tokyo – Horikiri Station, the Arakawa River, and Kinpachi-sensei[Walking course]
Half-Japanese woman hands card to people who ask tiresome questions about her race