Footmark Donates Junior Rucksack to Support Comfortable School Commute for Children

Footmark Co., Ltd., based in Sumida, Tokyo, is celebrating its 80th anniversary by engaging in community service initiatives. As part of this endeavor, the company has donated 240 fabric rucksacks, known as 'Raksack Junior,' along with financial contributions amounting to 600,000 yen to three municipalities: Okagaki Town in Fukuoka Prefecture, Kijo Town in Miyazaki Prefecture, and Takahama City in Aichi Prefecture. The donation aims to improve the commuting environment for children and support parenting initiatives in these communities.

Donation Details:

1. Okagaki Town, Fukuoka Prefecture: 100 Raksack Juniors and 200,000 yen donated to enhance children's health and welfare projects.
- Okagaki Town

2. Kijo Town, Miyazaki Prefecture: 70 Raksack Juniors and 200,000 yen donated for the 'Inclusive Town Kijo' project.
- Kijo Town

3. Takahama City, Aichi Prefecture: 70 Raksack Juniors and 200,000 yen donated for community support and multicultural initiatives.
- Takahama City

The donation session in each municipality was marked by appreciation ceremonies. These rucksacks are specifically designed to alleviate the burden young students face on their daily commutes, thereby promoting a more comfortable schooling experience. Through these contributions, Footmark is committed to reiterating its corporate philosophy which emphasizes listening to individuals and contributing to society.

Background and Purpose of the Donation

Footmark has established its foundation on the principle of '1/1 perspective,' underscoring the importance of human connections and mutual support. Their 80th-anniversary concept is centered around 'Together, With Joy,' highlighting their commitment to community and social contribution. The recent charitable initiative epitomizes Footmark's dedication to ensuring the safety and comfort of children during their school commutes while supporting parenting. Raksack Junior has been widely adopted as a tool for promoting children’s welfare across numerous municipalities.

Raksack Junior Development Background

The Raksack series was born out of a need to lessen the burden of carrying weight to and from school. Launched in 2017 to address the growing issue of heavy loads for middle school students, the line expanded to include Raksack Junior in 2020 after recognizing that elementary school students face similar challenges. This fabric rucksack has gained recognition as a viable option in the evolving market of school bags.

Market Insights

The fabric rucksack market has seen an influx of major players, suggesting promising growth prospects ahead. According to a 2020 survey by Footmark, over 90% of parents indicated they would purchase a new school bag for their child, affirming the deep-rooted cultural significance of school bags in Japan. However, the recent trend toward 'RAN-KATSU' (school bag shopping) indicates a diversification of choices. Footmark focuses on reducing physical burdens for children instead of merely competing based on style or price.

Features of Raksack Junior

The Raksack series incorporates several innovative designs to ensure a lighter feel when carried. The patented 'Book Strap' integrates insights from mountain backpack design, securing heavy textbooks to minimize perceived weight. Other features include:

1. 3D Shoulder Straps: Designed specifically for children's physique, these straps fit snugly to reduce movement and distribute weight evenly.
2. Adjustable Shoulder and Chest Straps: These allow for personalized positioning that enhances comfort and further reduces the load's perceived heaviness.

The company acknowledges that the weight of elementary school children’s loads is a social issue, with an average carrying weight of 4.13 kg reported in a recent study. 91.4% of students expressed that their backpacks felt heavy, exacerbated by the introduction of individual tablet devices as part of the new educational initiatives.

The Future of Footmark

Footmark, with its legacy of community service, is poised to continue fostering sustainable development with local communities. The company envisions a future where children can enjoy a safer, more comfortable school life, contributing positively to societal welfare.

For more details, visit the Footmark Official Website.