The tough fabric of judo uniforms, which everyone wore during their school days, has been transformed into a bag collection that can be used daily, from work to leisure, and is popular with people of all genders and ages. Cabas, which means "large bag" or "shopping bag" in French, has consistently used the unique sashiko weave of "Mikawa cotton" from the Mikawa region of Aichi Prefecture for its body since its debut in the Spring/Summer 2013 season. These bags, born from meticulous handiwork and modern design, will be available at a pop-up shop in the Men's Bags section on the B1 floor of Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building starting April 26th (Wednesday).

*The Isetan online store will be open until 10:00 AM on Thursday, August 31st.

Sashiko weaving of "Mikawa cotton," which, like leather, can be enjoyed as it ages.

"We're creating unisex bags that can be used daily, by combining the passion of the artisans at Kobo Tanei, which is in charge of producing sashiko weaving, with a more user-friendly design," says Anna Kanaya, director of Cabaret.

Many fans make it a point to buy new items when a new season begins, and the most common feedback from customers is, "I appreciate the bag even more after using it than when I first held it in my hands. I like the fabric best when it softens and changes from its initial stiffness."


The sashiko weaving used for the body of the Cabaret bags by Kobo Tanei is the same high-quality cotton fabric used for martial arts uniforms and other items that come into direct contact with the skin. It is durable and resistant to friction, yet soft and smooth to the touch. "As you use the bag, the fabric becomes softer and fluffier, and with age it develops a nice, slightly fuzzy texture, giving it character. Also, the way you carry it will show in its shape, which will make you feel attached to it."

Apparently, some avid fans wash their purchases in the washing machine immediately after buying them, slightly altering their shape before they start using them.

The starting point was, "Can we use this highly durable fabric for something other than judo uniforms?"

The starting point for the bag brand CABA was the idea of using sashiko weaving of "Mikawa cotton," a specialty product of the Mikawa region of Aichi Prefecture, for something other than martial arts uniforms. In order to make the most of the durability and moisture absorption properties due to the texture of the fabric, they started making bags with designs that were as simple as possible.

"What surprised me when I went to Kobo Tanei was that all the artisans were women. I was impressed to see that the rugged-looking fabric of the martial arts uniform was being cut, sewn, and finished by the meticulous work of women. The fabric used for the body has been the same since our debut, but the design is always discussed and developed through conversations with the women who actually handle the production," says Kanaya.

By making the most of the material's characteristics and incorporating feedback from customers such as "I want a slightly smaller size" and from craftsmen who want to change certain details, the items will become fashion pieces that can be worn in a variety of ways to suit different outfits.

NEXT≫ Director Anna Kanaya recommends the lineup of pop-up shops that you'll want to check out.