Product Number: no243
Product Name: Azuma Bag Small
Pattern: Chrysanthemum, Maple Leaf, Hexagon Pattern with Phoenix (Hōō)

The phoenix (Hōō) is a legendary bird passed down from ancient China. It is considered a symbol of peace and happiness because it appears in this world along with the arrival of the sacred emperor who governs the world under divine mandate.

Fabric Colors: Gray, Brick Red, Light Wisteria
Handle Colors: Gray, Yamabuki Yellow
Fabric Type: Obi (Kimono Belt)
Size: 27 cm (height) × 25 cm (width)
Weight: Approximately 100 g
Country of Origin: Japan (Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture)

This unique bag is inspired by the traditional Japanese "Azuma Bag" and is made by upcycling old obi. The beautiful Japanese patterns are preserved, giving it a handmade warmth and individuality. The handle features a obi-jime (decorative cord), highlighting delicate details.

Inside, there is a convenient magnet for secure and safe storage of belongings. Additionally, by aligning the handles, the bag can transform into a three-dimensional form, creating a different appearance each time you use it. This design makes it resemble an art piece that shows a different expression with every use.

Despite its compact size, the bag is designed to hold everyday items securely, and it is lightweight and easy to carry. The traditional Japanese patterns blend seamlessly with modern fashion, adding a touch of elegance to simple outfits.

Ideal for those who value ethical fashion or are looking for a special accessory. Enjoy the beauty of Japanese tradition with a one-of-a-kind bag that adds color to your daily life.

About the Fabric:
The fabric is made from vibrant kimono and obi worn on celebratory days during the Showa era. Some materials and weaves are rare and have already ceased production.
The patterns include auspicious floral motifs, birds, gold thread, embroidery, and Nishijin weaving, collected from all over Japan.
Because the raw materials are high-quality, this remade product is only possible through recycling and upcycling.

About the Sewing:
Manufactured in Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan’s largest bag production area.
Produced by skilled bag artisans at a company that sells necessary bag materials and owns its own YKK zipper factory.
Pattern placement, orientation, and the front/back of the obi-jime handles are decided in Tokyo.
Subsequently, molds are created at a factory that produces molds based on these instructions, and fabric is cut and sewn accordingly.
Kimono and obi fabrics vary in embroidery, weaving, thickness, and texture, making each piece unique and sometimes challenging even for experienced artisans.
In Toyooka, traditional techniques such as willow basket weaving from the "Kojiki" legend have been passed down through the centuries, including the craft of making "Kago" (baskets).
Under strict quality control cultivated over a thousand years of tradition, the products are carefully made.

Precautions for Purchase:
Fabric: The kimono, obi, and obi-jime used are previously worn or stored items. As a result, there may be creases, small stains, dirt, damage, or deterioration. While efforts are made to remove these, some may remain. Please understand that this product is a recycled, upcycled item from older materials.

Color:
While every effort is made to display accurate colors, differences may occur due to monitor settings on your computer or mobile device. Please note that the actual product may vary slightly in hue.

Size:
Cut uniformly with molds and sewn by skilled artisans. However, since each kimono and obi varies in thickness and embroidery, some items—especially thicker obi—may have slight size differences or become a bit smaller. Please understand this potential variation.

Handling:
The kimono, obi, and obi-jime are presumed to be made of silk, but due to their used condition, this cannot be guaranteed. (The Consumer Affairs Agency states there is no obligation to specify this on the product.)
Please wash with a silk-specific detergent or consult a professional kimono cleaning service.
Be cautious of color bleeding or transfer caused by water, sweat, friction, or rain.
Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause discoloration or hardening, so avoid direct sunlight.
Store in a well-ventilated, dark place, away from high humidity and other items.
Be careful to prevent snagging or friction from nails or protrusions.
The magnetic clasp may affect medical devices such as watches, IC cards, or pacemakers; please use with caution.