In an effort to create a future-oriented school bag that would appeal to Generation Z, born in the 2000s, Uematsu, a buyer at Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building , and Hiroyuki Kawashima of the bag brand master-piece , headed to "N High School" (hereinafter "N High"), a new online high school that utilizes the internet and the system of correspondence high schools.

At the first meeting, based on the bags that N High School students usually use, the first samples were completed, revising the two plans proposed by Isetan and master-piece . So, what was the N High School students' reaction?

You can see the details of the first meeting here ↓
"Part 1: [N High School Bag Project] master-piece Let's create the 'future school bag' that Gen Z will love"

We created the first sample based on the custom-made [PLAN-B] for N High School.

Uematsu: Thank you for the first meeting last time. It was very refreshing to hear firsthand what young people really want in a bag. Businessmen are carrying fewer things and using smaller bags, but I was surprised by the amount of things students carry.

Kawashima: Last time, I explained two plans, [PLAN-A] and [PLAN-B], but the first sample was created based on [PLAN-B]. It's large enough to hold a PC and gadgets used in class, and also needs to hold things used after school, so we widened the gusset to 200mm and prioritized capacity.

Uematsu: We can make further improvements to this first sample, so please give us your frank opinions again. Kawashima will now explain the specifications of the first sample.


[First Sample Specifications]


- The main compartment is large enough to fit a 16-inch laptop. - The interior features Masterpiece's original colors, making it easy to see and find items inside. - The laptop compartment has protective padding. - The mesh pocket in the main compartment uses a stretchy fabric, allowing you to store bulky gadgets as well. - The middle zippered pocket has a transparent card holder. - The front flap pocket has a resin buckle that also serves as a design accent. - Side pockets are included for storing water bottles or umbrellas. - Reflective material (reflector) is included as previously proposed to enhance visibility at night for school use.

Try putting your own belongings into the first sample and carrying it on your back.

Uematsu: Ms. Sakuma, who is in charge of promotion and public relations at N High School, what do you think of the samples?

Sakuma: At our first meeting, the presentation was on paper, so it really feels real now that it's in this form. All the participating students are using backpacks, so how about having them swap their belongings into the sample backpacks and try carrying them?

Kawashima: That's right. How you put things also reflects your personality, so please feel free to put your belongings into the sample backpacks and try them on, and let us know your honest opinions.


[Female student's opinion]
- I think the buckle is too prominent. - It's rounded overall, like a rice ball. - The material has a shiny look, so it would suit a uniform, but it might be difficult to match with casual clothes. - I wish there were shallow pockets for organizing things. - The zipper pull on the inner pocket of the main compartment is small. - Girls tend to wear backpacks hanging from their shoulders, so the current strap shape hurts the shoulders. - The straps should be thicker. - The round shape gives it a strong business feel. A square shape would be easier to use casually.


[Opinions of male students]
- When I swapped my belongings and put it on, it felt lighter than my own backpack. - I wish it was a little more stable when I put my laptop in. - The reflectors make it look just like a school bag. - I wish there was a big handle on top so it would be easier to carry on the train. - Girls say they don't need buckles, but from a guy's perspective, I think they're fine.

The problem is that when you try to appeal to everyone, you gradually lose your individuality.

Uematsu: Opinions are divided on resin buckles.

Kawashima: Some people suggest that it would be better to remove the buckle on the front and make it simpler, but if you remove the buckle, it loses its individuality and becomes a plain design.


Sakuma: Everyone has different tastes, so it's difficult to appeal to everyone, and it loses its appeal. Certainly, the buckle does give it a travel bag feel, though...

Uematsu: Another suggestion regarding materials is to change the fabric of the bottom to create a "two-tone black combination."

Sakuma: Using different materials might make it look more expensive.

Kawashima: I'll also consider a combination of black fabrics with different fiber densities.

Uematsu: Based on the feedback we received on today's first sample, we'll create a second sample. Please look forward to the next revision.

Stay tuned for our next meeting, "Checking the Second Sample!" (Scheduled for release on December 26th (Sat))
Vol.3 [N High School Bag Project] Getting closer to the "school bag of the future" with master-piece second sample.


The bags developed through this project will be available for a limited time at the Mitsukoshi Isetan online store from December 23rd (Wednesday) until mid-March 2021. During this period, they will be available for purchase not only by N High School students but also by the general public.