#Japan #Tokyo #SALON DE ALFURD #Emergency Bag #Yoshiko Shimizu

Preparing for the Unexpected: The New 2WAY Bag

On September 1st, known as Disaster Prevention Day, a revolutionary 2WAY bag designed for emergency preparedness will emerge. This bag aims to integrate daily use with the readiness to respond to unexpected events, focusing on the concept of “0次避難” or “zero-level evacuation.” Developed by SALON DE ALFURD in collaboration with Yoshiko Shimizu, a certified disaster prevention consultant and organizational advisor, this bag promises to be both functional and stylish.

Understanding Zero-Level Evacuation

The idea behind “zero-level evacuation” emphasizes the importance of being prepared while out and about. Unfortunately, in emergencies, access to traditional disaster supplies may not be possible. The bag accommodates essential items that allow you to manage unexpected situations. The product is not positioned as an extraordinary emergency bag but rather as an everyday companion that offers peace of mind while blending seamlessly into daily life.

Through extensive feedback gathered from 29 interviews, including those from disaster survivors, corporate representatives, and the general public, common concerns regarding emergency readiness came to light. Many expressed anxieties regarding communications or power outages and the possibility of being trapped in situations like public transportation during an emergency.

People acknowledged the necessity of emergency supplies but voiced challenges in carrying specific emergency items regularly. The feedback highlighted a need for a bag that could serve dual purposes: functionality in daily life and capacity for emergency supplies.

A Bag for Every Day and for Every Emergency

The design philosophy for this 2WAY bag is centered around these insights. It needs to be lightweight, non-intrusive, and desirable enough that individuals want to carry it daily. The bag features ample room for everyday necessities such as a wallet, water bottle, smartphone, and additional space for compact emergency items like portable toilets, compressed towels, oral kits, and hygiene products, along with seasonal additions like portable fans or reflective blankets depending on the weather.

It’s about being prepared not just for major disasters but for everyday occurrences such as power failures or elevator outages.

Thoughtful Design and Usability

To ensure that the bag does not appear to be solely for emergencies, maintaining an appealing design was crucial. The bag’s versatility makes it suitable for various occasions, from commuting to casual outings. It includes a long shoulder strap and a chain handle, allowing it to fit both casual and slightly upscale outfits. The goal is to turn the perception of carrying an emergency bag from a burden into something enjoyable. Users should feel empowered to reach for this bag as they head out for the day.

Yoshiko Shimizu, who has been closely involved in the bag's development, has a profound connection to the concepts of prepared living. Having experienced the horrors of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake at a formative age, she is passionate about making preparedness a natural part of daily life.

Symbolism and Aesthetic Elements

Uniquely, the bag includes motifs inspired by Shimizu’s love for stars, symbolizing hope and protection. This connection was established during a serendipitous encounter with a wallet featuring a star design while shopping with her mother. The imagery has since been intricately woven into the bag’s design—including star-pressed cardholders and star charms—creating a comforting notion of carrying a small token of luck.

Shimizu and SALON DE ALFURD have blended practical necessity with design aesthetics, producing a bag enjoyable to have on hand. They aspire to reinforce the message that preparedness should be a daily consideration, not relegated to isolated emergency situations.

Product Launch and Future Vision

This innovative 2WAY bag is set to debut in mid-September 2026, coinciding with Disaster Prevention Day. It challenges consumers to reflect on how they can incorporate essential preparedness into their everyday routines. SALON DE ALFURD’s official online store will handle sales, aiming to make functional preparedness an integral part of daily life.

Ensuring safety and comfort even during uncertainties is the ultimate goal behind the design. In an unpredictable world, having the right tools close at hand can make all the difference.

Company Overview

SALON DE ALFURD is a brand dedicated to integrating innovative design with functionality. Founded by Hiroki Mitsuda, the company emphasizes sustainable practices and high-quality, affordable products. The commitment to continuously evolve based on feedback and environmental considerations is a core value of the brand.

Official Company Website

SALON DE ALFURD encourages individuals to consider what they can carry to prepare for emergencies in their daily lives and integrate these small acts of readiness into their routines.