Founded in 1935, Yoshida & Co. is a long-established company that has continued to make bags made in Japan, guided by its corporate motto of "putting one's heart and soul into every stitch." Among the PORTER bags , named in homage to the profession of "porter" who carries luggage in hotels, the "TANKER" is a particularly iconic model. Even now, more than 40 years after its release, it continues to be loved as a classic.

In recent years, the "Tanker" has undergone a major update, starting with its materials. By adopting plant-derived nylon made from corn and castor beans, it has achieved a renewal while maintaining its "unchanging" nature. In this special feature, we delve into everything from the background of its creation to the latest updates and the functional beauty of its flagship model, uncovering once again why the "Tanker" is chosen.

What is PORTER 's iconic "Tanker" collection?

The "Tanker" series, an indispensable part of PORTER brand, was born in 1983. Inspired by the US Air Force's MA-1 flight jacket, the original three-layer fabric combines lightness, cushioning, and a lustrous appearance. Because the puffy material is difficult to sew, the meticulous process, including the unusual "basting stitching" in bag making to prevent shifting, is one of the reasons why this is a masterpiece.

When it was first released, the style of incorporating military elements into fashion was not as widespread as it is today, and sales of the "Tanker" were far from smooth sailing. However, when flight jackets became popular following the release of a movie in 1986, the "Tanker," which was modeled after the MA-1, also attracted attention and became a popular series. And beyond the trend, it became established as a "classic" that people continued to wear in their daily lives.

"To stay the same, I changed everything" - ALL NEW TANKER

More than 40 years after its creation, the "Tanker" bag, beloved worldwide, has been reborn with innovative materials. To ensure it "remains a Tanker," PORTER 's solution was to completely transform the material. The material adopted is 100% plant-derived nylon, developed in collaboration with Toray Industries, Inc. The resources used are corn and castor beans.

What's even more interesting is that even with the change in materials, they haven't compromised on the "strength as a tool." With the newly developed nylon fabric, Yoshida & Co. prioritized strength above all else, based on the premise that "a bag is a tool," and developed it with great attention to the density of the fabric to prevent cotton leakage and tearing, which are common problems with the three-layer structure.

Furthermore, the new "Tanker" is manufactured entirely in Japan, from spinning and weaving to dyeing and sewing. The new "Tanker" is the culmination of Japan's manufacturing technology, created with meticulous attention to detail.

The updated details you feel the more you touch them.

The more beloved a classic item is, the more it has actually undergone small updates over time. For example, parts that customers have repeatedly requested repairs on, such as zipper pulls, are reviewed and improved to make them more user-friendly. It is through these accumulated efforts that the "Tanker" has grown into a product with a level of perfection that makes it suitable for everyday use.
The most striking feature is the parts. While the previous design, where the paint wore off with use and developed a unique character, was appealing, the D-rings and snaps in this updated series have been improved by applying multiple layers of paint (a total of six times) over the base coat, making them more resistant to peeling. The design also extends to the deepest parts that were previously inaccessible for painting, pursuing a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Furthermore, the carabiner lever has been redesigned into a more linear shape for easier opening. Available in three colors—sage green, iron blue, and black—the colors reflect meticulous attention to detail, achieved through numerous adjustments. The curved end of the pull tab provides a comfortable grip, ensuring smooth opening and closing.


The update isn't about "changing," but about preserving the "unchanging user experience." That's the core of "ALL NEW."

Unraveling the Evolved Functional Beauty Through Three Representative Models

Large-capacity backpack "TANKER RUCKSACK (L)"

This backpack is characterized by its three striking square pockets. The front pockets on the left and right can be expanded by opening the zippers at the bottom. The pocket on the flap is detachable, and with the included strap, it can also be used as a shoulder bag—a truly amazing feature.

Its versatility is a major appeal, making it perfect for people whose luggage volume and carrying style vary from day to day. The reinforced back panel enhances both fit and stability. Enjoy the signature Tanker volume while making it a highly practical item for both commuting and travel.

The "TANKER TOTE BAG (L)" is perfect for those new to the "Tanker" series.

This tote bag has a basic look that makes it suitable for both casual and formal occasions. It's practical enough to fit A4 documents and a laptop, and its wide base provides ample storage space. Its ability to stand upright on its own is another user-friendly feature.

The exterior side pockets can hold a 500ml bottle, making it easy to keep your belongings in a designated place. It comes with a detachable strap for 2-way use. It's versatile enough for any occasion and is a recommended model even for those choosing a Tanker bag for the first time.

The "TANKER DUFFLE BAG (L)" is perfect for short trips.

This duffel bag boasts a large 52L capacity, making it perfect for trips of 4 to 6 nights. The shoulder strap is designed to fit comfortably against the body by being attached diagonally. The exterior features numerous pockets, allowing for organized storage of your belongings.

Thoughtful details, such as the protective metal feet on the bottom for added stability, are characteristic of this leading Japanese bag brand. It's large yet easy to handle. This single model encapsulates why Tanker bags are trusted as "travel essentials."

PORTER | "Tanker" Special Event to be Held!

From Wednesday, April 15th to Tuesday, April 28th, the "TANKER LIMITED STORE" will be held. A special color of the "TANKER" bag, "COYOTE," commemorating the 90th anniversary of Yoshida & Co., will be sold in limited quantities.

The "TANKER COYOTE" is a special item that combines a calm color with the beautiful sheen of Tanker nylon. Each bag also comes with a serial number tag, making each one a unique and special item. Don't miss out on this special item, which will mark the grand finale of our 90th anniversary, with limited quantities and distribution channels!

*A different model from the "TANKER COYOTE" sold last year will be available.

Details on sales methods and events starting April 15th (Wednesday) can be found here.

View PORTER products at the Mitsukoshi Isetan online store.