Returning to the Origins of the Bag — REN and the Reji-bukuro

〈pick up〉

Reji-Bukuro

 

Returning to the Origins of the Bag — REN and the Reji-bukuro

At its core, isn’t a bag simply something made to carry things?

REN’s signature Reji-bukuro series was born 15 years ago as a concept bag inspired by the familiar plastic shopping bag we encounter in everyday life.

▲ Early Reji-bukuro prototype

Why did we choose the disposable plastic shopping bag as the inspiration for a leather bag?

When designing a bag, the usual approach is to add structure to help it keep its shape, reinforce it with metal hardware for durability, and introduce compartments to organize its contents.

But is all of that really necessary?

The Reji-bukuro is made without internal stiffeners. Its hardware is kept to a minimum. The result is something remarkably soft—so supple it gently collapses onto the floor—and surprisingly light. In essence, it is simply a leather bag in its purest form.

▲ Reji-bukuro (left) / Mini Reji-bukuro (right)

The side gussets are neatly folded in, and inside, there is just a single small pocket. By stripping away everything that isn't essential, the bag naturally conforms to both the body and the way you dress.

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Tote

Designed to be carried by hand or tucked over the arm, this is the purest expression of the functional beauty found in the humble shopping bag. The collection includes the Reji-bukuro, sized to comfortably hold a laptop or documents, and the Mini Reji-bukuro, pared back even further—without an inner pocket and compact enough to roll up and carry.

 

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Shoulder

Born from a simple idea—what if a shopping bag could be casually carried over the shoulder? The Reji-bukuro Shoulder features a wide single strap and gently conforms to the body when worn crossbody, almost like wearing a large leather accessory.

 

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2-Way

By simply threading the longer handle through the shorter one, the 2-Way Reji-bukuro transforms into a one-handle bag. Its clean, vertical silhouette keeps a refined appearance—even on days when you're carrying more than usual.

 

 

 

Returning to the origins of the bag. It is an idea REN has remained true to ever since the Reji-bukuro was first created.