The strength of the koi, expressed through traditional Japanese materials in a contemporary style.

This bamboo bag combines distinctive Japanese materials and craftsmanship with a contemporary design.

The front features deep black Washi Tatami, intricately embroidered with a powerful swimming koi.

Vivid shades of blue accented with gold embroidery create a striking contrast against the refined texture of the black Washi Tatami. The embroidery captures the movement and presence of the koi while maintaining a sophisticated, contemporary aesthetic.

In Japan, the koi has long been regarded as an auspicious motif. Because of its strength in swimming against the current, it symbolizes strength, perseverance, advancement, and success.

Washi Tatami — A Distinctive Japanese Material

This bag incorporates Washi Tatami, a material actually used in Japanese homes, hotels, and other architectural and interior spaces.

It is made by processing Japanese washi paper, applying a protective coating, and weaving it into a tatami material. Compared with traditional igusa rush tatami, Washi Tatami offers excellent durability and water resistance and is designed to help reduce the occurrence of mold and mites. Its surface also resists the absorption of moisture and stains, helping it maintain its beautiful appearance.

Tatami has been an essential part of Japanese life for centuries. At RAKUHOKU JAPAN, we reinterpret this traditional material for contemporary lifestyles, transforming it into a new form: the bag.

The delicate weave and distinctive texture of Washi Tatami become part of the design itself, while also providing practicality for everyday use.

The sides feature Nishijin textile, a traditional woven textile with a long history in Kyoto. Its intricate geometric pattern and rich colors create a beautiful contrast with the black Washi Tatami and vivid koi embroidery, adding depth and refined elegance to the bag.

Nishijin textile is also used for the interior, which includes one inner pocket. The beauty of this traditional Kyoto textile can therefore be enjoyed even when the bag is opened.

The back is finished in understated black Washi Tatami.

In contrast to the vivid koi embroidery on the front, the back has a minimal and composed appearance. Depending on how the bag is carried or viewed, two distinct expressions can be enjoyed within a single piece.

The handles are made from natural bamboo.

Koi embroidery. Washi Tatami. Nishijin textile. Natural bamboo.

Different Japanese materials and techniques come together in a single piece, carefully crafted one by one by artisans in Kyoto.

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Materials & Details

・Front: Black Washi Tatami / KOI embroidery
・Back: Black Washi Tatami
・Sides: Nishijin textile
・Interior: Nishijin textile
・Inner pocket: 1
・Handles: Natural bamboo
・Metal hardware
・Made in Kyoto, Japan

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Size & Weight

・Width: Approx. 34 cm / 13.4 in
・Height: Approx. 26.5 cm / 10.4 in
・Depth: Approx. 16 cm / 6.3 in
・Weight: Approx. 830 g / 1.83 lb

The generous depth of approximately 16 cm creates a distinctive three-dimensional silhouette while providing practical storage capacity.

Despite its strong visual presence, the bag weighs approximately 830 g. The natural bamboo handles and sculptural silhouette allow the different materials and textures to reveal new expressions from different angles.

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About the Materials

This piece combines a variety of materials and techniques, including Washi Tatami, Nishijin textile, natural bamboo, and embroidery.

The woven texture and color of Washi Tatami may appear slightly different depending on the viewing angle and lighting conditions.

As bamboo is a natural material, each handle varies slightly in color, shape, nodes, grain, and surface texture.

The placement of the Nishijin textile pattern and the finish of the embroidery may also vary slightly from piece to piece.

These subtle differences are natural characteristics of handcrafted work and natural materials. We hope you will enjoy them as part of the unique individuality of each bag.

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Care Instructions

・Avoid prolonged storage in direct sunlight or in hot and humid environments.
・Please take care to protect the bag from rain and excessive moisture. If it becomes wet, gently remove the moisture with a soft, dry cloth and allow it to air-dry naturally in a well-ventilated area.
・Avoid strong impacts, excessive pressure, and contact with sharp objects, as these may damage the embroidery, Washi Tatami, Nishijin textile, or natural bamboo.
・Please take particular care to avoid snagging or excessive friction on the embroidered and Nishijin textile areas.
・Natural bamboo may gradually change in color and texture over time. Please enjoy these changes as part of the natural aging process of the material.
・When not in use, store the bag in a dry, well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight.

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Made-to-Order & Production Time

This item is currently made to order.

Each piece is individually crafted after your order is placed.
Production and delivery are expected to take approximately 1–1.5 months.

If an item is available for immediate purchase, it will be marked as “In Stock” on the product page.

Please note that the estimated delivery time may vary slightly depending on production conditions.

Made in Kyoto, Japan