A Unique Kimono Bag That Combines Tradition and Modernity: Annaj

The Azuma Bag is a one-of-a-kind piece inspired by "azuma bukuro," which are traditional Japanese eco-bags. It is upcycled mainly using vibrant obi fabrics from around the 1920s to 1940s, making it a unique bag that cannot be produced with modern materials. The obis feature auspicious floral and bird patterns, as well as gold threads and intricate embroidery. These rare textiles, such as the Nishijin brocade, used in the bag are collected from all over Japan. The bag’s handle is crafted from obijime, the decorative strings used to secure the obi sash, and are designed to harmonize with the bag’s overall color palette and aesthetic. By utilizing repurposed, or used materials, we offer these bags at an accessible price, despite the high cost of the rare, high-quality raw materials.

The production process involves carefully unraveling the obi, creating molds, and cutting the fabric using those molds. The bags are sewn in Toyooka City, Japan's largest bag production region. As each obi varies in embroidery, weaving, and thickness, even skilled artisans find the sewing process challenging. However, under strict quality control, shaped by over a millennium of tradition, experienced craftsmen bring these unique creations to life.