Aizu Momen (Aizu Cotton)
This mini tote bag by HARAPPA was created with the desire to make something that can be used for a long time. The fabric used is Aizu Momen, a traditional material that has been passed down for over 400 years in the Aizu region.
Aizu Momen is a thick, durable fabric that developed to suit the harsh basin climate of Aizu. The more it is used, the softer it becomes, allowing you to enjoy the process of nurturing it.
A Perfectly Sized Mini Tote with a Gusset for Everyday UseIt has a practical size that comfortably fits a lunch box and water bottle. Despite its compactness, it features a gusset of approximately 12 cm (4.72 inches), making it easy to see the contents from above and providing stability.
Lightweight and easy to carry, it is suitable for casual outings or as a sub-bag. This simple and reliable mini tote bag is designed to complement everyday life.
Carrying on Traditional Techniques While Blending into Modern Daily LifeThe "Wakakusa" color scheme is based on a gentle green that evokes the feeling of spring. The stripes woven with multiple colored threads give a light and gentle impression. It blends naturally with casual outfits and serves as a subtle accent.
【Product Specifications】Size: 15 cm (5.9 inches) × 35 cm (13.7 inches) × 12 cm (4.72 inches)
【Handling Precautions】Due to the characteristics of the material and the handmade nature of the product, there may be slight deviations in the listed size. Please understand this in advance.
Preserving the Traditional "Aizu Momen" for Future GenerationsThe Aizu Momen used in this mini tote bag is a traditional craft that has been passed down for over 400 years in the Aizu region, located in western Tokushima Prefecture.
Developed to suit the basin climate of Aizu, with hot summers and harsh winters, it has long been used as workwear and everyday clothing. Its thick fabric contains a lot of air due to the manufacturing process, giving it excellent moisture absorption, water absorption, and insulation properties—keeping cool in summer and warm in winter. Its thickness also makes it durable and resistant to shrinking even after washing.
The only factory in Aizu that handles the entire process from dyeing to weaving of Aizu Momen is Harayama Orimono Factory, which has preserved this tradition for about 120 years.
To protect the skills and spirit of craftsmanship at Harayama Orimono Factory, 'HARAPPA Co., Ltd.' was established in March 2015, inheriting the factory’s techniques and aspirations. It was founded by Mr. Yamasaki Nana, a designer of the apparel brand 'YAMMA,' and Mr. Ono, a cousin of the former president, both of whom have long used Aizu Momen from Harayama Orimono Factory.
Aizu Momen, which has supported daily life as workwear for centuries, embodies the "spirit of craftsmanship" carefully preserved by Harayama Orimono Factory. This fabric is woven into this pouch with a desire to connect 500 and 600 years of tradition.
Aiming for "craftsmanship that supports the careful use of items"Nana Yamasaki, the representative of HARAPPA Co., Ltd., has been involved in the 'YAMMA' apparel brand even before inheriting Harayama Orimono Factory. She values the following principles:
- Creating clothing that is not swayed by trends, avoiding mass production, and encouraging long-term attachment and wearability.- The belief that "continuously valuing one item leads to confidence in the owner."
Aizu Momen, which can be used year-round, is sturdy and long-lasting, perfectly aligning with Nana’s philosophy. Under this concept, both YAMMA and HARAPPA adopt a made-to-order style to foster a sense of attachment.
However, as order volumes increased, there was a challenge in making customers wait. In response, Nana proposed items that can be enjoyed comfortably regardless of age and designs that are timeless and not influenced by fleeting trends, creating products that can be long-term companions.
One such item is this mini tote bag. It is not flashy, but its simplicity allows it to be loved for many years, free from the constraints of fashion or age.
Additionally, because of its sturdy material, it may feel stiff at first, but it will soften with use, providing the pleasure of enjoying its long-term use.