Frances May is honored to partner with Tsuchiya Kaban, a heritage Japanese leather goods company. Since 1965, Kunio Tsuchiya has been making and perfecting the Randoseru, a bagused by Japanese elementary school children meant to take them through their 6 years of primary schooling. The quality of the materials, simple yet elegant design and ever growing offerings, including our favorite, the basketball ball, has led Tsuchiya Kaban to become one of the top leather goods brands in Japan. We are all lucky for it.

For the first time ever, U.S.-based customers can see Tsuchiya Kaban products in person and experience the quality and craftsmanship of these exquisite bags, still designed and made by hand in Japan. Starting with the Randoseru, a now globally beloved item requiring over 300 steps to make, each design is crafted to be cherished for many years, and embodies the brand’s unwavering dedication to quality, innovation, and timelessness.

Portland was chosen as the brand’s first shop location because of the special kinship it shares with the city; the brand has visited many times over the years, building cherished relationships with local artists, makers, and entrepreneurs, many of whom are now brand ambassadors. The shared values of craftsmanship, handmade goods, and sustainable lifestyles have inspired Tsuchiya Kaban to establish roots in this thriving community of like-minded people.

To mark this special occasion, an opening event will be held at Frances May in downtown Portland on July 31st, 2024, as part of West End Wednesday.

Please come by to celebrate with some drinks and snacks, try your luck with a unique, artisanally crafted leather gacha gacha machine, and discover an exquisite selection of leather goods, including Tsuchiya’s signature Randoseru, new releases, and best sellers.

Kunio Tsuchiya started making Randoseru in 1965 and has been developing durable and practical leather objects made by Japanese craftspeople ever since. In Japan, Randoseru is used by elementary school children for their 6 years of attendance and hence needs to be well-built. The quality of the materials, combined with the expression of craftsmanship over decades have led Tsuchiya Kaban to become one of the top leather goods brands in Japan.

Tsuchiya Kaban believes every item created is unique, and no piece will be the same after being worn. Although the material has differences, each exceptional pieces is designed with simplicity and elegance. 

The minimalist design details highlight the beauty of the leather. Tsuchiya Kaban believes the fine grain of the leather itself should take center stage. This is why so much care is put into every inch and stitch of the manufacturing process. Creating timeless objects, the result is a minimalist aesthetic style that is unique to Japan.

"Tsuchiya" is named after the founder, who is still active in the company today. "Kaban" is the Japanese word for bag and is pronounced "Tsoo-chie-yah Kah-Bahn".