Kumihimo
Drawstring Bag for Tsuchiya Kaban Co., Ltd.
This bag reimagines Kumihimo, which is a traditional Japanese braiding technique from the Edo period. By replacing stitching with durable braided cords, the design achieves both structural strength and flexibility. The minimalist form highlights the craftsmanship, while the structure embodies Musubi, the Japanese philosophy of spiritual and physical connection. This piece seamlessly integrates historical beauty into modern daily life, celebrating the bond between the object and its owner.
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Kumihimo by Tsuchiya Kaban Co Ltd
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Drawstring Bag by Tsuchiya Kaban Co Ltd
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Tsuchiya Kaban Co Ltd Kumihimo
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Tsuchiya Kaban Co Ltd Drawstring Bag
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Tsuchiya Kaban Co Ltd Design Team Photo
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Unique Properties
Reinterpreting "KUMIHIMO" from the Edo period-a Japanese historical era (1603-1867), this bag features durability and flexibility through braiding. Minimalist design highlights the pure beauty of the technique. The structure symbolizes "MUSUBI," a concept signifying both physical links and spiritual bonds in Japanese. By joining leather parts with these cords, the design reflects this spirituality, delivering traditional beauty to daily life.
Tags
Traditional Crafts, Kinchaku, Kumihimo, Craftsmanship, Leather, Japan, Repairable
Production Technology
A work filled with our workshop's craftsmanship. Consisting of 20 precision leather parts, this bag uses hidden stitching and manual thread finishing to highlight the KUMIHIMO's beauty. Edge-painting on all 100 holes ensures both friction reduction and beauty. The cords were made by the craftsperson Ryuta Fukuda. The fusion of Tsuchiya Kaban’s leather craft and Fukuda’s expertise breathes soul into every detail, embodying the value of traditional craft.
Design Challenge
The challenge of this project was to integrate traditional Kumihimo into a daily bag, balancing harmony with leather and functional beauty. To resolve this, we adjusted the placement of parts by hand in millimeter increments. We strictly managed sewing precision and repeatedly verified knot types and hardware shapes. As a result, we realized a design that fits modern lifestyles, harmonizing two distinct products into a single craft.
Project Duration
Started in June 2022 at Tsuchiya Kaban in Tokyo. Mass production was completed at the Tsuchiya Kaban workshop in January 2024, marking the end of the project. It is currently not for sale.
Operation Flow
A versatile bag designed for diverse styles and occasions. This piece accents casual attire and functions as a sophisticated party bag for formal events. When paired with Kimono, it creates a modern look; its minimal yet deep design enhances any style. It offers two carrying options: a casual, relaxed style like a drawstring bag, and an elegant style using the original metal handle inspired by "Chagama" (a tea ceremony kettle), adding a unique touch to your movements.
Research
Integrating traditional design into modern life. By researching Kimono culture and modern bag usage, we identified "functionality, tactile feel, and visual balance" as key elements for daily integration. Through three prototyping rounds, we refined leather selection, hardware shape, and braiding to harmonize tradition with modern utility. This research-driven design creates a product ideal for daily use, effectively reaching audiences unfamiliar with traditional crafts.
Inspiration
A bag reinterpreting Japanese tradition for modern life. This work reconstructs Kimono culture's beauty into a functional bag, harmonizing traditional aesthetics with daily life. Instead of applying crafts as they are, we refined the design to blend into modern wardrobes, removing the distance felt toward traditional crafts. By integrating "KUMIHIMO" into the structure, we aimed to make craftsmanship feel accessible through a modern appeal that invites people to pick it up and experience it.
Project Overview
Kumihimo Drawstring Bag has been a Platinum winner in the Fashion and Travel Accessories Design award category in the year 2025 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Platinum A' Design Award is recognized for honoring designs that stand at the forefront of creativity and innovation. It is the highest accolade bestowed by the A' Design Awards, acknowledging works that blend remarkable innovation with impactful societal contributions. These designs not only showcase exceptional artistic and technical proficiency but also highlight their creators' commitment to advancing the boundaries of art, science, design, and technology. Recipients of this award are celebrated for their role in shaping the aesthetics and trends of our time, contributing significantly to the enhancement of quality of life and promoting sustainable development.
Image Credits
For design images and photos please credit Tsuchiya Kaban Co., Ltd..
Platinum Recognition
Tsuchiya Kaban Co., Ltd. was recognized with the coveted Platinum A' Design Award in 2026, a testament to excellence of their work Kumihimo Drawstring Bag.
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