Otona Randosel Galuega Autu: Ato i Tua by Tsuchiya Kaban Co., Ltd. is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award Platinamu in Mamanu Mea Fa'aopoopo Competition Category.
PlatinamuMea Fa'aopoopo· 2026
Otona Randosel Galuega Autu: Ato i Tua
Client: Tsuchiya Kaban Co., Ltd.
A' Design Award Platinamu Winner in Mea Fa'aopoopo Category
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The Design
About Otona Randosel Galuega Autu: Ato i Tua
Tusitusiga o le Tusi: O lenei ato i tua ua toe fa'ata'ita'i le Randosel masani a Iapani mo le fa'aaogaina i aso ta'itasi. E ala i le aveeseina o lona ufiufi fa'apitoa, o le mamanu o lo'o iai se foliga e faia i laina sa'o ma pi'opi'o. O le pa'u o tua e fa'aogaina lelei e tagata ua fa'avaeina ina ia maua ai le lagolago a'o tausia pea se foliga fa'aaloalo. O le pito i fafo ua fa'afaigofie e ala i le aveeseina o taga, ma o le avanoa ua toe fa'ata'ita'i mo le faigofie ona ulufale. O lenei ato i tua e fa'amoemoe e fa'apaleni le foliga ma le aoga fa'atino.
The Recognition
About the A' Design Award Platinamu
O le A' Design Award Platinamu na manumalo ai Otona Randosel Galuega Autu: Ato i Tua, o se faamaoniga matuā mamalu e tuuina atu i mamanu e moni lava ona ese, matagofie ma mataʻina. O ē manumalo i le Platinamu o mea ofoofogia o le faatufugaga, o molimau o tapulaʻa o le mafaufau fatufatuaʻi, ma e faaalia ai le tomai faapolofesa e le mafaatusalia ma le atamai o tagata mamanu. E faamoemoeina nei mamanu e avea ma galuega sili ona lauiloa e faamatalaina ai le matagofie o le vaitaimi, saunoa i le manuia o le sosaiete ma tuleia atu tapulaʻa o le faatufugaga, saienisi, mamanu ma tekonolosi. Otona Randosel Galuega Autu: Ato i Tua e faaalia ai se tulaga maoaʻe o le lelei ma e leai se mea e fesiligia, e faia ai e le lalolagi se nofoaga e sili atu ona lelei i ona uiga aogā ma taua. Otona Randosel Galuega Autu: Ato i Tua o se galuega na manumalo i le A' Design Award Platinamu e fafagu ai manaʻoga, faaosofia, faaoloa ai le fiafia, ma tupu ai le fiafia tele.
Behind the Design
Press Kit
Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.
- Unique Properties
- Reimagining Randosel features for modern daily life.
This backpack reconstructs the "beauty of straight lines and curves" unique to Japanese Randosel. By removing the iconic flap, we achieved a minimalist silhouette defined by clean lines. Ergonomic curves on the back ensure comfort, balancing formal tension with utility. We eliminated external pockets to increase purity while redesigning the opening for smoother access. Disciplined beauty and modern convenience are highly fused. - Dimensions & Packaging
- Size: H 410 × W 295 × D 120 mm
Shoulder Strap Length: 670-880 mm (7-level adjustment)
Handle Height: 35 mm - Tags
- RANDOSEL, Backpack, Leather, Japan, Minimalist, Craftsmanship, Repairable
- Production Technology
- We developed a unique magnet for smooth operation and secure closure. Based on children’s Randosels-curves, we tested 4 shapes and 3 lengths, refining the fit through trials with over a dozen people. We also inherited the "soft touch" technique of Randosel by slightly extending the side cushioning.
For the lower back, a three-layer sponge supports weight on the hips. By incorporating the traditional airflow channel design into the back panel, we significantly improved daily comfort. - Design Challenge
- Our challenge was to overturn the stereotype of "RANDOSEL equals a children’s bag" by reinterpreting it as a backpack with formal dignity. We achieved refined form and rational structure by fusing our founding Randosel techniques with top-tier craft, such as Dulles bag manufacturing and repair expertise. Working closely with our craft people, we thoroughly examined core materials, hardware, and aging quality, completing a unique product that integrates safety and durability with beauty.
- Research
- Inheriting and updating design and technology rooted in the Randosel.
Since our founding in 1965, we have inherited our craft while updating it for modern life. We thoroughly examined structure and specifications, focusing on flap operation, formal refinement, and carrying comfort. Beyond aesthetics, we pursued practical weight reduction and accessibility. Staying true to our brand spirit, we optimized the "OTONA RANDSEL" for daily use, achieving a fusion of beauty and functionality. - Inspiration
- This project is based on the craftsmanship of the "RANDOSEL"-a traditional Japanese school bag-honed since our founding in 1965. We reconstructed the model launched for our 50th anniversary, evolving it into a backpack for a modern daily lifestyle. While inheriting the elegance, carrying comfort, and robust box-shaped structure, we pursued refined functional beauty to create an iconic model to be appreciated not only in Japan but also in the international market.
- Project Duration
- Started in July 2019 at Tsuchiya Kaban in Tokyo. Mass production was completed at the Tsuchiya Kaban workshop in June 2023, marking the end of the project. It is currently not for sale.
- Operation Flow
- Elevating the backpack into a dignified form suitable for formal settings.
By reinterpreting the Randosel’s neat structural beauty, we elevated the casual backpack into a dignified form. We added asymmetrical details to the orderly boxy form to create a presence that stands out in daily life. With center-of-gravity design and structure, we balanced a beautiful silhouette with high-performance comfort. This new commuter backpack integrates casual style and dignity, enhancing the wearer’s posture.
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