With the start of the new fiscal year, many people are probably thinking about getting a new bag to refresh their spirits! Isetan Shinjuku Men's Department stylists Asuka Ikezawa, Mari Kasahara, and Nanami Takeuchi say, "Tote bags are the bags you should buy right now!" Some of you may be wondering, "Tote bags now?" This time, we asked these stylists, who interact with customers every day, to tell us about the appeal of tote bags and the key points to consider when choosing one, categorized by intended use.

Tote bags are items where you have a high chance of finding "the bag I've always wanted!"

---So, what exactly are the good points of a tote bag?

The biggest advantage of the Ikezawa bag is its ease of use. While there are recommended bags for work and casual use, many men appreciate the fact that, unlike a briefcase, it can be adapted to various styles depending on their fashion and mood at the time.

Takeuchi tote bags are a staple item that almost every brand offers. Because there's such a wide variety, it's easy to find your favorite. For example, you can choose one that suits your needs, whether you want something lightweight or something with plenty of storage.

Ikezawa: When taking something out, there's no need to take it off your shoulder like a backpack, so the smooth movements are another point that has garnered support.

Kasahara: Especially since last year, business attire has become more casual, so tote bags are a great fit for today's times. Having one means you can use it in a variety of situations, so I recommend it to new employees as well.

Let's use the customer service of these three store staff members as inspiration to find the perfect tote bag for you, tailored to your needs!

Q1. What kind of bag are you looking for for what occasion?

When assisting customers , I always begin by asking what kind of bag they are looking for and when they will be using it. The products I should suggest will vary depending on the customer's intended use, so I first ask about their purpose, and then I inquire about the required capacity and their preferences for the bag.

A1-1. For those looking for business use, please click here.

A1-2. For those looking for something for their days off, click here.

A1-1. I'm looking for something for work.

Many customers who visit Kasahara Men's Store are looking for bags for work. However, the amount of luggage people carry varies greatly depending on their work style, so we will suggest a bag that suits your needs.

Q2. [A1-1. For work] What is the required capacity of a work bag?

A2-1. For those who only carry the bare minimum of essentials, please choose this option.

A2-2. If you carry a medium-sized laptop, documents, lunch, and a reusable water bottle, please choose this option.

A2-3. Large Size: This size comfortably fits work essentials and overnight items for domestic business trips. If you need to carry many work-related items together when you're out and about, this is the one for you.

A2-1. Small size: Carry only the bare minimum of essential items.

Ikezawa: Basically, most people work indoors and leave necessary documents and PCs at the office. Even if they don't carry much with them when they come to work, some people feel uncomfortable coming to work empty-handed, and recently, many people are carrying masks and disinfectant supplies.

A vertical silhouette for a more stylish look! Daniel & Bob tote bag

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Kasahara: This Daniel&Bob tote bag is currently in vogue, and simply carrying it emphasizes an I-line silhouette, creating a style-enhancing effect. Unusually for a compact A4-sized tote bag, it also has four protective studs on the bottom, making it less likely to get dirty when placed on the ground.

The slim handle design prevents it from feeling heavy despite being made entirely of leather, making it light and easy to use—another great feature. Its compact size also reduces the need to worry about bumping into people on the train.

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Takeuchi: This tote bag looks great with a sharp suit style like a shirt and tie, but I recommend pairing it with a slightly more casual look like a jacket, T-shirt, and sneakers. By adding a touch of casualness, you can create a look that exudes sophistication and refinement.

View Daniel & Bob products at the Mitsukoshi Isetan online store.

Aniary tote bags come in a wide variety of colors.

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The Kasahara aniary tote bag comes in a wide variety of nine colors, so you're sure to find your favorite. It's rare to find a tote bag with such a wide range of colors, and the hardware color is also varied to match the leather color, making the selection process even more enjoyable. It's the perfect size to fit A4 documents, making it ideal for work as well as everyday use.

View Aniari products at the Mitsukoshi Isetan online store.

A2-2. I carry a medium-sized laptop, documents, lunch, and a reusable water bottle.

Ikezawa: People who work outside the office or are digital nomads often need storage space for their work tools plus a little extra. Lately, in addition to laptops, some people are looking for bags that can fit a water bottle and lunchbox, and with the increase in remote work and fewer opportunities to go to the office, some are looking for bags that can be shared with a partner.

As the name suggests, Pelle Morbida is easy to use with its soft leather.

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PELLE MORBIDA is a leather goods brand whose name means "soft leather" in Italian. The leather on the handles is very soft, reducing the strain on the shoulders, making it a good choice for those prone to shoulder stiffness. The bag has a wide base, allowing you to easily store a laptop, documents, lunchbox, and jacket.

Even if you have more to carry, the included shoulder strap provides peace of mind. This tote bag, with its simple design and fine trim details, is popular with women as well.

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Kasahara: I recommend this for occasions where a certain level of formality is required, whether for work or everyday use. The logo isn't too flashy, so it's easy for sales professionals to wear as well. The unisex design makes it great for sharing with your partner.

View PELLE MORBIDA products at the Mitsukoshi Isetan online store.

FUJITAKA tote bag with striking two-tone design.

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The tote bag by Takeuchi FUJITAKA has long handles, allowing for a wide range of arm movement. For example, you can easily take things out of the bag while wearing a coat or jacket, making your movements more elegant. There are plenty of pockets both inside and out, so you won't have any trouble with storage even in the summer when you're wearing lighter clothing. The two-tone charm is also playful and lovely. In fact, the pocket on the back is also two-tone (photo on the right).

View FUJITAKA products at the Mitsukoshi Isetan online store.

A2-3. Large size: This size comfortably fits work tools and overnight essentials for domestic business trips. I want to be able to carry many work-related items together when I'm out and about.

Even if Kasahara's overseas business trips decrease, domestic business trips still occur, and this bag is recommended for those who don't need the capacity of a suitcase, or for those who need a large capacity bag for work-related items.

This is a true classic! An elegant, large-capacity tote bag from ACATE

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This is a flap-top tote bag from the Italian bag brand ACATE . It has a classic design, but it's easy to put things in and take them out, and its practicality is guaranteed. The soft texture of the leather is also appealing. The placement of the studs on the bottom is also carefully calculated, so that the four corners are properly raised, a design that takes care to protect the parts that are prone to damage. It has a large capacity, so it's perfect for business trips of several days! You can throw anything in without worrying.

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Ikezawa : This classic beige suit is perfect for someone who has gone through all the different business styles and has established their own unique taste, or for someone who wants to add this to their classic style wardrobe.

View ACATE products at the Mitsukoshi Isetan online store.

TUMI : Excellent storage capacity and easy-to-use materials

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TUMI is a popular choice among businessmen . Its best feature is that it's made of nylon, making it easy to clean. Also, you can expand the gusset by opening the side zippers. This is a very useful feature when your belongings increase while you're out, and it's great that you don't need to change bags depending on your schedule or the amount of things you're carrying that day. The front has a waterproof pocket on the inside, so it can fit a 500ml water bottle or a folding umbrella. This is a bag I would recommend to anyone looking for a functional and durable tote bag.

Enter text to view TUMI products on the Mitsukoshi Isetan online store.

Q1. What kind of bag are you looking for for what occasion? (Return to previous page)

A1-2. I'm looking for something for my days off.

Ikezawa: Since last year, plastic shopping bags have become chargeable, and with the increased interest in "eco-friendly" practices among customers, we've noticed a change in how they carry and choose their bags. Also, with the growing health consciousness and outdoor boom, the types of bags people are looking for are changing to match current trends.

Q3. [A1-2. For days off] How much capacity do you need for days off?

A3-1. If you primarily travel by small car and want to travel light, this is for you.

A3-2. If you want to put all your medium-sized items into one bag, even when you anticipate having extra luggage, then this is for you.

A3-3. Large Size: If you want to fit all your gear and clothing when going outdoors, golfing, or training, this is for you.

A3-1. I mainly travel by small car, so I want to travel light.

Antonio Cristiano's photogenic mini tote bag

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This ANTONIO CRISTIANO tote bag, with its vibrant orange color reminiscent of the Italian sunshine, is eye-catching. Amazingly, the brand logo in the bottom right corner reverses when viewed in a mirror! Although it's a leather product, it features quilted stitching and other playful details throughout.

Although it's a compact size, it has enough depth to hold a water bottle, making it very practical. Besides orange, it's also available in white and black.

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We recommend pairing the Ikezawa bag with a simple, white-based outfit to really highlight its vibrant colors. Combining it with a shirt or lightweight knit and slim-fitting slacks will create a more sophisticated look.

View Antonio Cristiano's product list at the Mitsukoshi Isetan online store.

The double handles are eye-catching. Daniel & Bob

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Takeuchi : The first thing that catches the eye is the handle. It's a great bag because you can switch between carrying it on your shoulder or by the handle depending on the amount of luggage. It also has a good depth, so you don't have to worry even if your luggage increases while you're shopping. It's recommended for those looking for a design that isn't too common. It comes in two colors: navy and black.

View Daniel & Bob products at the Mitsukoshi Isetan online store.

A3-2. I want to be able to put all my medium-sized belongings into one bag, even when I anticipate having more items than usual.

It's recommended to pair it with casual styles such as Kasahara denim or military-inspired pieces. The unique bag stands out in a relaxed atmosphere. If you love clothes and are particular about silhouettes and materials, we encourage you to enjoy coordinating it with your favorite combinations.

View the MANIUNO product list on the Mitsukoshi Isetan online store.

ETiAM allows you to enjoy changing the silhouette.

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ETiAM with its rounded trapezoidal silhouette, is easy for both men and women to carry. By removing the belt at the opening, it transforms into a large-capacity tote bag! Made from rubber, it's less rigid than leather and more refined than canvas, making it a versatile item for both personal and professional use. The brass charm on the handle adds a subtle touch of elegance.

View ETiAM products at the Mitsukoshi Isetan online store.

A3-3. Large size: I want to put all my equipment and clothes in it when I go outdoors, golfing, or training.

This large-capacity tote bag is recommended for those who enjoy spending their weekends actively outdoors, such as at BBQs or playing golf, or for those who want to travel light with just one bag. Furthermore, with the growing health consciousness, more and more people want to go straight to the gym after work, making items that combine design and functionality particularly appealing.

L.L.Bean, a well-known and iconic brand in the world of tote bags.

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Ikezawa: You've probably seen an LLBean tote bag somewhere before. It's a masterpiece of tote bags, having won the Good Design Long Life Design Award. The sturdy 24-ounce canvas fabric and contrasting colored handles, which haven't changed since its initial release, give it a truly classic feel. With its simple design that can be used regardless of gender or age, it's a truly versatile item! The price is also reasonable, so if you're looking for a large tote bag to start with, I recommend this one.

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It pairs perfectly with a casual style of a Kasahara T-shirt and half shorts, creating a well-balanced look. Whether you're using it to carry BBQ or watersports equipment, or your child's belongings when going out, it looks great no matter who uses it or what purpose it serves.

View L.L.Bean products at the Mitsukoshi Isetan online store.

Aer

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From Aer , a brand from San Francisco, a city known for its workout culture, comes this tote bag with a shoe pocket on the side. It's great for heading straight to the gym after going out or after work. Made of lightweight nylon, its simple design makes it stylish and sporty. It also has a laptop pocket and a strap on the back that allows you to attach it to a carry-on suitcase, making it a bag that will be useful in business settings as well.

View Aer products at the Mitsukoshi Isetan online store.

Q1. What kind of bag are you looking for for what occasion? (Return to previous page)



Kasahara: This time, we introduced bags for work and for casual use, each in three different sizes. However, we offer a diverse lineup of tote bags in terms of size, material, and more. Whether you've been using tote bags before or not, why not take this opportunity to choose a new one that suits your needs and capacity?

View the "Tote Bags" product list on the Mitsukoshi Isetan online store.