US vs. Japan Suitcase Showdown! PROTeCA ZERO HALLIBURTON : A Thorough Comparison | "Adults' Field Trip" GUIDE by ISETAN MITSUKOSHI

PROMOTION

With Golden Week just around the corner, travel demand is soaring. Many people are probably struggling to choose the right suitcase.
This "Adult Field Trip" will take place at Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building , and will feature a "Japan-US Suitcase Comparison" showcasing two leading brands representing Japan and the US: PROTECA and ZERO HALLIBURTON .


The characters in this episode


[GUIDE Crew]
OKADA = GUIDE's big brother who enjoys both "clothes" and "camping".
TSUCHIYA/Tsuchiya = Editor-in-Chief of GUIDE, who enjoys the mainstream of various genres.
TASHIRO = A sauna lover from downtown Tokyo, everyone's senior


[Navigator]
Left image: Furuhashi = ZERO HALLIBURTON PR representative Right image: Morikawa = PROTeCA PR representative
The featured brands are PROTeCA , a brand by the Japanese bag manufacturer "Ace," and ZERO HALLIBURTON , a pioneer in aluminum cases founded in 1938. We've invited the PR representatives from both brands, Ms. Morikawa (PROTeCA) and Ms. Furuhashi (ZERO HALLIBURTON), to suggest the best model for each of the three participants, and we'll compare them from a realistic perspective.


Tsuchiya: The optimal solution revealed in the US-Japan brand showdown: "Functionality vs. Aspiration"


PROTeCA Pursuing ultimate comfort with "Japanese quality"

PROTeCA is a Japanese brand produced at the Akabira factory in Hokkaido. It features high quality control and a 3-year, unlimited repair warranty called "PROTeCA Premium Care," ensuring long-term, worry-free use. *The 'J5 Collection' comes with a 10-year free repair warranty.


■ PROTeCA "MaxPass 4" | Largest carry-on capacity and convenient features



Despite its carry-on size, it boasts a large 40L capacity. The front pocket opens and closes with a single touch, making it easy to access your laptop while on the go.

Tsuchiya: Does it really hold 40L? I'm glad it's enough for a 4-night trip. The one-touch opening front pocket is also convenient.



Morikawa: It's designed to be used without stress, even on business trips. The wheels have built-in bearings, ensuring quiet and smooth movement. In addition, it is equipped with highly quiet "Silent Casters" and a caster stopper called "Magic Stop" with a patented structure that can be operated with a single touch.



Tsuchiya: It runs incredibly smoothly and feels very stable. It's quiet too. I feel safe using this on the train.


ZERO HALLIBURTON , a pioneer in aluminum cases, is an American brand.

Founded in the United States in 1938, ZERO HALLIBURTON is a pioneer in aluminum cases, offering a wide range of products from luggage to golf collections. The brand also has a history of carrying lunar rocks on Apollo 11. Its appeal lies in its durability and timeless, minimalist design.


■ ZERO HALLIBURTON "Classic Lightweight F" | Combining style and lightness



The case looks just like aluminum, but it's actually made of polycarbonate with a metal vapor deposition surface treatment, making it lightweight. It's recommended for those who want an aluminum case but are concerned about the weight.


Tsuchiya: It's surprisingly light, considering how it looks. I'm happy about that since I move between hotels a lot. And it's sturdy too.


Furuhashi: The frame design ensures rigidity while also maintaining ease of handling.

Tsuchiya: This... really appeals to a man's heart. The fact that it's carry-on size and practical is also great.


Tashiro: A combination of feature-rich design and classic aluminum construction.

■ PROTeCA "Frester EX" - All the trend-setting features included.




PROTeCA proposed the "Frester EX," which incorporates all the features currently demanded in the suitcase market.

Morikawa: This suitcase incorporates all three of the current trends in suitcase functionality: "vertical trunk type," "front opening," and "expandable function."

Tashiro: That's what I've been waiting for. The thick gusset and vertical shape are great because they allow items to be stored without interfering with each other.


Morikawa: The front-opening design, which allows the front to open wide, makes it easy to put in and take out luggage while on the go, and when placed in a hotel or similar place, one side can be opened and closed like a lid, making it convenient even in compact spaces.

Tashiro: This is great. Not having to spread it out in my room is a huge help.


The third feature is its expandable design, which allows the capacity to be increased from 105L to a maximum of 120L. This means you can accommodate extra luggage even if it increases during your trip. It also features silent casters and a stopper function, making it a stress-free design even for long trips.

■The classic aluminum ZERO HALLIBURTON "Heritage Line"


In the next round, ZERO HALLIBURTON proposed the "Heritage Line," luggage made of aluminum alloy, which could be considered the brand's symbol.

Tashiro: This is definitely it. This rugged and substantial feel gives me a sense of security.

Using the same aluminum alloy as that used in the Apollo program, it achieves high durability. It also features a minimalist design that deliberately omits corner guards.


Furuhashi: High-durability aluminum alloy is difficult to mold, but ZERO HALLIBURTON , with its expertise in aluminum cases, was able to realize this simple shape. Furthermore, by keeping the body thickness down, we have taken ease of handling into consideration, even though it is made of aluminum alloy.

Tashiro: It's amazing how sturdy it is despite being so thin. Aluminum suitcases are definitely something I've always wanted.


Furuhashi: Aluminum alloy luggage compartments actually get better with age, even with dents and scratches, so we hope you'll use this model for many years to come.


Okada: The contrast between aesthetics and customizability

■Craftsmanship Beauty: PROTeCA J5 Collection "SHISUI-F"



PROTeCA 's luxury line, "J5 Collection," immediately catches the eye with its unique texture and form, reminiscent of Japanese craftsmanship.

Okada: It looks crazy. I've never seen anything like it before.


The deep, iron-like surface finish changes its appearance depending on how the light hits it. The result is a minimalist yet impactful design.

Morikawa: The "J5 Collection" features a surface finish that best suits each color, and this "iron navy" color is inspired by cast iron.


Furthermore, the interior features thick, cushioned material, and each piece is meticulously hand-upholstered by skilled craftsmen, demonstrating a thorough attention to detail.

Morikawa: The frame uses a magnesium alloy, which is lighter and more rigid than aluminum, but processing this material requires advanced technology. In addition, the twin-wheel casters make it easier to handle and enhance its functionality. We pursue not only aesthetics but also ease of use and peace of mind.


Okada: This is a collection that brings together technology accumulated over many years. I want to become a man who can master using this.


■ ZERO HALLIBURTON "Classic Aluminum 3.0" - a customizable and fun option



In contrast, ZERO HALLIBURTON features the "Classic Aluminum 3.0," which stands out for its rugged aluminum alloy texture.
With its design that emphasizes rivets and corner guards, this bike truly has a "gear-like" feel to it.



Okada: This really appeals to a man's heart. This would be great for camping too. I like this style.

Furuhashi: Another feature of this model is that you can customize it by freely choosing the colors of the cowhide handles and casters, as well as the cowhide luggage tag.


Furuhashi: The leather wrapping on the handles is meticulously done by a master craftsman, resulting in beautiful stitching. You can choose your favorite color from five options. The new "Isetan Suitcase" section at Isetan Shinjuku will feature the brand's first permanent display, allowing for custom orders at any time.

Okada: The impression changes quite a bit depending on the combination. The base is elegant, so it works even if you play around with it by going for something unexpected or adding color.



The final judgments of the three judges were truly three different results! [Watch the video for more]


The suitcases featured in this article are available at the Travel Bags section on the first basement floor of the Isetan Shinjuku Main Building.
Furthermore, starting April 15th (Wednesday), the suitcase section will be relocated to the first basement floor of the Isetan Hall and will reopen as "Isetan Suitcase" .

In addition to ZERO HALLIBURTON "Classic Aluminum 3.0" mentioned earlier, PROTeCA "J5 Collection" will also be permanently available for custom orders. Why not come and find your favorite suitcase at the newly renovated "Isetan Suitcases"?


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This is Mitsukoshi Isetan's owned video media, which develops adult men's fashion projects with the theme of "enjoying fashion."

*The information in this article is current as of April 3, 2026, the release date of the main video. Product information may be revised or changed without notice.

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