A symbolic item for Japanese elementary school students.

 Master:

Is Mei here?

Mei:
Yes, Master. Mei is here. How may I assist you today? Please feel free to share anything with me.

Master:
I hear that the backpacks used by Japanese elementary school students, called "randoseru," are gaining popularity overseas. Are you familiar with them, Mei?

Mei:
Yes, Master. The randoseru is a sturdy backpack primarily used by Japanese elementary school students. Traditionally made of leather, it is rectangular in shape. In Japan, it is often given as a gift by parents or grandparents upon entering school and is designed to last for six years of use.

The reason why randoseru are gaining attention overseas includes their cute design, high durability, and unique shape. Recently, they have become popular as fashion items, with a variety of colors available.

If you have any questions or concerns about randoseru, please feel free to ask.

Master:
Indeed, I used one myself, and it was very durable for six years without needing to be replaced. None of my friends had to buy a new one in the middle of their schooling either. Why did Japan start using such randoseru, and since when?

Mei:
Yes, Master. Let me explain the history of how randoseru became used in Japan.

The origin of the randoseru dates back to the late 19th century, during the Meiji era. The name "randoseru" comes from the Dutch word "ransel," which refers to a type of backpack used by the Dutch military. At that time, Japan was introducing Western-style educational systems, and the military-style backpacks were adapted into more practical school bags.

Randoseru became widespread in the 1950s, around the Showa 30s. At that time, schools in Tokyo began to adopt randoseru as the designated school bag, and they later spread nationwide. During this period, leather randoseru were developed to be sturdy and designed to last for the six years of elementary school.

Randoseru have become a symbol of family expectations and love towards education and are deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Even today, while maintaining their quality and tradition, randoseru continue to evolve to meet modern needs with various designs and colors.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to let me know.

Master:
I see. Do children in other countries use similar leather backpacks that they use for a long time?

Mei:
Yes, Master. In other countries, children do use durable backpacks, but it is rare for them to be designed to last for six years like the Japanese randoseru. Let me explain the situation in a few countries.

Europe:

• Germany: In Germany, bags called "Schulranzen" are common. These are similar to randoseru, with a rigid structure that fits well on the back. However, the designs and materials vary, and they do not necessarily demand the same level of durability as Japanese randoseru.
• Italy: Italy is known for its leather goods production, with many high-quality leather bags available, but these are generally used for fashion rather than as school bags for children.

Asia:

• China and Korea: In recent years, Japanese randoseru have gained attention and become popular among the wealthy, but nylon or lightweight backpacks are more mainstream.

North America:

• United States: Durable backpacks are common in the U.S., with a focus on brand and design. Many are made from nylon or canvas, and they are often replaced each year.

South America and Africa:

• In these regions, affordable and lightweight backpacks are widespread for economic reasons. Price and practicality are often prioritized over durability.

As you can see, bags designed to last for a long period, like randoseru, reflect Japan's unique culture and commitment to quality. If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask.

Master:
I see. Children are quite rough with their randoseru, yet none of them wear out, which is impressive. I've heard that Lexus, Toyota's luxury car brand, has entered the randoseru market in recent years. Why is that?

Mei:
Yes, Master. Let me explain why Lexus, Toyota's luxury car brand, has entered the randoseru market.

Enhancing Brand Image: Lexus is known for its image as a luxury car brand, and through randoseru, it aims to strengthen its brand image. Randoseru symbolize Japanese tradition and quality, aligning with the luxury and quality that Lexus embodies.

Showcasing Luxury and Quality: The randoseru offered by Lexus emphasize luxury in their materials and design. By using high-quality materials and offering superior durability and design, they provide a product that stands out from other randoseru.

Venturing into New Markets: Lexus seeks to venture into new markets by providing high-quality products beyond the automotive field. The randoseru market is significant in Japan, and by entering this field, Lexus aims to appeal to new customer bases.

Sharing Cultural Value: Randoseru are uniquely Japanese cultural items, and by entering this market, Lexus seeks to share cultural values. Especially in the overseas market, where interest in Japanese culture is growing, randoseru serve as a means to promote this culture.

Lexus randoseru focus on quality materials and attention to detail, targeting high-income groups by distinguishing themselves from other randoseru. Such initiatives bring new dynamics to the randoseru market. If you have any further questions, please let me know.

Master:
I see. Lastly, it might be off-topic, but when you think of Japanese elementary school students, there is another trademark besides randoseru. Do you know what it is?

Mei:
Yes, Master. Besides randoseru, another trademark of Japanese elementary school students is the yellow school hat.

Yellow School Hat:

• Purpose and Role: The yellow school hat is worn for traffic safety. It is often worn by lower-grade elementary school children, and the yellow color is highly visible, making it easy for drivers and others to see.

• Features: The yellow hat is also used during school trips and events, playing an important role in ensuring the safety of elementary school students, along with the randoseru.

The combination of randoseru and yellow hats is seen as a symbol of Japanese elementary school students and is cherished by many. Both prioritize safety and tradition, watching over the children.

If you have any other inquiries, please feel free to let me know.

Master:
That's impressive. Was this yellow hat originally inspired by something from abroad?

Mei:
Yes, Master. The yellow school hat was not developed independently in Japan but was introduced with influences from abroad.

Foreign Influence:

• Influence from Germany: It is said that the introduction of the yellow hat was influenced by Germany. In Germany, yellow traffic signs and jackets are used for safety measures, and yellow is widely recognized as a symbol of safety due to its high visibility. Inspired by this, Japan introduced yellow hats to enhance safety during elementary school students' commutes.

Development in Japan:

• Importance of Traffic Safety: In Japan, especially in urban areas where traffic accidents are a concern, yellow hats became widely popular to protect children's safety. From the 1970s onwards, they were introduced nationwide, playing an essential role in traffic safety education.

• Reason for Color Selection: Yellow is highly noticeable from a distance and maintains visibility in various weather conditions during the day, making it particularly suitable for protecting lower-grade children from traffic accidents.

Thus, the yellow school hat developed into a unique traffic safety measure in Japan, influenced by foreign ideas, and today stands as a trademark alongside randoseru for elementary school students. If you have any more points of interest, please let me know.

Master:
I see. In Germany and other countries, do they have similar safety measures for children?

Mei:
Yes, Master. Many countries implement various measures to ensure children's safety. Here are some examples:

Germany:

• Reflective Jackets and Bags: In Germany, children commonly wear jackets and carry bags with reflective materials. This is particularly important during the dark winter months to enhance visibility with reflectors.

• Yellow Caps and Vests: To improve visibility, yellow caps and vests are sometimes worn. This makes it easier for drivers to see children.

United Kingdom:

• Use of Reflective Materials: In the UK, items with reflective materials are widely used. School bags with reflectors and reflective belts are common, improving safety at dusk and nighttime.

• Hi-vis Jackets: Especially when elementary students are on field trips or in groups, they may wear hi-vis jackets. These bright-colored, reflective garments are used as part of traffic safety measures.

France:

• Yellow Vests (Gilets Jaunes): In France, elementary students may wear yellow vests with reflective materials, especially when getting on and off school buses or walking to school to ensure safety.

United States:

• Use of School Buses: In the U.S., the use of school buses is common, and the buses themselves have reflective materials to enhance visibility. Special signals are given when the bus stops to alert surrounding vehicles.

• Reflective Materials on Backpacks: It is recommended that children's backpacks have reflective materials. Additionally, children are encouraged to wear bright-colored clothing when walking on sidewalks.

Sweden:

• Reflective Bands and Clips: In Sweden, it is common for children to use reflective bands and clips. By attaching these to clothes or backpacks, children become more visible in dark places.

Each country implements various safety measures by having children use items that increase visibility, reflecting the unique circumstances of each region. If you have any other questions, please feel free to let me know.

Master:
Thank you, Mei. I look forward to your assistance again. ^^