Interview with someone who loves clasp backpacks

Interview with a user of the "Gamaguchi Backpack"

Japlish's "Gamaguchi Backpack" has been gaining popularity since its release.

This time, we interviewed Nagashima, the creator of this backpack and the representative and craftsman of Japlish, who is also a regular user of the L size.

Don't miss the recommended usage from the perspective of both craftsmen and users!

(※This article is a 2024 remake of an interview with Porco Rosso.

Q1: What is your favorite size, color, and how long have you been using it?

I used the large chocolate for about two years.

I also took it with me on trips to Hong Kong and Tokyo.

I'm currently using the medium size camel.

I use it regularly to commute to work after my child goes to nursery school.

Q2: What inspired you to create it?

I have produced many leather backpacks both at Japlish and at my previous workplace, HERZ, and have used them many times.

However, I also felt that it lacked functionality and comfort in many areas compared to backpacks from outdoor brands.

Especially when it comes to larger sizes such as those used for travel, the lack of storage capacity and difficulty in opening and closing can be stressful.

The reason we created this backpack was to eliminate the inconveniences that come with genuine leather backpacks.

Q3: How did you solve it?

We've added more pockets to increase storage space.

First, I attached a zipper pocket that was roughly the same size as the main body.

There are also pockets on both sides.

In the future, we will also be increasing the options available so that you can add custom pockets to the inside.

A zipper has been attached to the back so that items can be taken out of the main compartment without opening the clasp.

Although it leads to the main storage, it is usually hidden at the back, so you don't have to worry.

Q4: How does it feel to use?

The best thing about it is that it doesn't hurt your shoulders.

Shoulder straps made entirely of leather can cause shoulder fatigue and damage your clothes.

Therefore, we used PP tape, which is highly durable and gentle on clothing.

By attaching leather to the surface of the PP tape, we have succeeded in increasing comfort without compromising the feel of a leather backpack.

In particular, we knew that the L size would be heavier due to its larger storage capacity, so we made the shoulder straps 3.8cm wider than the 2.5cm shoulder straps of the S and M sizes, which proved to be a great idea.

I feel that the wide straps have significantly reduced the strain on my shoulders.

The part that fastens the purse to open and close is a one-touch fastener, so I don't feel stressed even though I don't have to use the zipper on the back that connects directly to the main body.

The act of opening and closing a purse is something I don't experience in my daily life, so I still find it fun.

Q5: What is your favorite part?

The strap is attached to the side instead of the bottom, making it easier to use.

Many genuine leather backpacks have this base at the bottom, but this causes the body to bend in an "U" shape.

If I did that, it would no longer fit my back, so it was a good idea to attach it to the side.

This method has become a common design for all Japlish backpacks.

Also, the shoulder strap is not a snap hook type.

With the snap hook type, the shoulder straps rotate when you carry the bag, so it's stress-free, and I like the current system.

Q6: Are there any customizations you would recommend?

Change the zipper opening and closing to open from bottom to top.

Normally, the pull tab is at the top when the zipper is closed, but it may fall down for some reason.

This can be prevented by changing the handle so that it lifts from the bottom up when opening.

It also makes it easier to operate the back zipper while wearing the bag.

Other options include adding an internal pocket and adding studs to the bottom.

We would be happy if you could customize it in various ways to make it your own backpack!

View the product page for the Gamaguchi Backpack

Examples of use

Size: M Color: Camel Fits women 152cm tall

My wife loves the medium size.

Size range

From the left: S size, M size, L size

Left: Large chocolate Right: Medium camel

We recommend M or S size for women, and M or L size for men.

View the product page for the Folding Bag Backpack ▶