Unveiling the Future of Traditional Craftsmanship at BAG MAKERS TOKYO ‘26 EXHIBITION

Exploring the Future of Tokyo's Bag Industry at the BAG MAKERS TOKYO ‘26 EXHIBITION

On January 30, 2026, the East Japan Bag Industry Association hosted a media briefing for the BAG MAKERS TOKYO ‘26 EXHIBITION at the GINZA SIX 6F event space, located within the prestigious Tsutaya Bookstore. This event marked a significant moment for the bag manufacturing industry in Eastern Japan, which comprises around 120 members focused on revitalizing this heritage sector supported by the Tokyo Small and Medium Enterprise Organization since 2021.

The exhibition serves as a platform to address the long-standing structural challenges faced by the bag-making industry, which has its roots in Edo period craftsmanship that spans over 100 years. Attendees were introduced to the brand’s initiatives and the promising collaboration with the renowned design office, nendo. This included engaging sessions that explored how traditional craftsmanship can evolve and maintain its relevance in the modern marketplace.

Visitors were able to experience a diverse collection of original products from certified member companies, which highlighted the exceptional craftsmanship and creative sensitivity that characterize the industry. The exhibition was designed to convey the essence of the industrial association's purpose, igniting enthusiasm about the future of bag manufacturing.

Insights from Industry Leaders

During a special talk session themed 'The Fusion of Tradition and Innovation: Tokyo's Craftsmanship and Fashion,' key figures including Akihiro Ito from nendo, Naoki Akimoto (the association's chairman), and Yukinori Yamakata (secretary general) shared their perspectives. They engaged in robust discussions about the intersection of the bag-making heritage and the contemporary challenges the industry faces.

Yukinori Yamakata highlighted the pressing realities of the industry, stating, “Despite the high-level craftsmanship, sustaining a business has become increasingly difficult. We believe that establishing a strong brand can harness the artisans' unique skills into a powerful collective, which is why we are collaborating with nendo, which has a global reputation for impactful communication.”

Akihiro Ito emphasized the importance of substantive design work, noting, “We realized that merely scratching the surface in design is insufficient; we need to fundamentally discuss what the essence of the product should be.” His insights helped to amplify the narrative regarding the significance of traditional techniques blended with modern design sensibilities.

Lastly, Naoki Akimoto encouraged attendees to fully immerse themselves in the tactile experience of the bags, saying, “These bags encapsulate the high level of craftsmanship, so I urge everyone to see, touch, and feel them.” This concluded a powerful session that underscored the potential that lies in marrying tradition with innovation.

Launch of the MAQL Bag

Presenting an innovative product called the MAQL bag, which explores the theme of ambiguous boundaries between the front and back. BAG MAKERS TOKYO utilized its commitment to craftsmanship by enhancing the visibility of its construction details while maintaining a minimalist design aesthetic. The concept centers around creating a bag where the exterior simplicity belies the intricate work involved in its creation.

To achieve the unique shape of the bag, careful craftsmanship involved treating the fabric edges with a jagged finish and hand-stitching, demonstrating the extraordinary skill of the artisans. To emphasize the concealed 'back' aspect, the bag features a logo that flips when the leather is turned inside out. This blend of traditional skills with contemporary design paradigms offers a fresh perspective on what bag-making can signify in today’s world.

- MAQL Handbag: ¥198,000 (tax included)
- MAQL Charm: ¥66,000 (tax included)

The BAG MAKERS TOKYO ‘26 EXHIBITION

The BAG MAKERS TOKYO ‘26 EXHIBITION, held from January 30 to February 1, 2026, at the GINZA SIX event space, showcased a collection of certified products from the BAG MAKERS TOKYO brand. Approximately 30 items, including bags and leather accessories, were displayed, each accompanied by a certification number and QR code, allowing visitors to delve into the background of the products and the artisans’ stories through their smartphones.

Additionally, the exhibition featured an order-taking event aimed at general attendees, which provided an opportunity to experience the materials and craftsmanship of the products first-hand. This immersive experience was designed to emphasize the narrative of authenticity and superior quality, inviting guests to engage deeply with the craftsmanship that defines the Tokyo bag-making tradition.

About BAG MAKERS TOKYO

Founded in 2021 by the East Japan Bag Industry Association, BAG MAKERS TOKYO is a branding initiative that seeks to preserve and promote the exquisite craftsmanship inherent to Tokyo's bag-making industry. Confronted with a shrinking market and a lack of successors, this initiative implements certification and traceability systems to tackle the structural issues that equate to strong product quality but weak sales capabilities. With a unique certification approach that includes identifiers such as QR codes, the program strives to elevate the visibility of Tokyo artisanship amid the global marketplace, showcasing their craftsmanship directly to consumers.