Tumi Axis: How Do These Three People Carry These Cutting-Edge Bags?

Runa Miura continues to dance every day as a professional dancer. From lessons and rehearsals to workshops, competitions, and stage performances, her daily life revolves around dance.

"From Monday through Thursday, I'm at the studio most of the time. I practice to hone my skills, and before and after that, I teach classes to students as an instructor. On weekends, I work on stage or as a judge at competitions. I hardly ever have any days off (laughs)."

With such a busy schedule, Ms. Miura naturally ends up carrying a lot of stuff. From the workout clothes and shoes she wears at the studio to the change of clothes and body care products she uses after class, her bag is always packed to the brim.

The “Large Backpack 25L” is the perfect companion for those days. In addition to its large 25L capacity, it features reflective material on the outside, making it a great fit for Mr. Miura’s lifestyle, which involves a lot of nighttime travel.

"I always carry a lot of stuff, so the large capacity is a huge help. I often get around by bike, and sometimes ride at night, so the reflective material gives me peace of mind. It’s functional but has a simple design, so I like that it doesn’t clash with my outfits."

When I open my bag, I find neatly organized pouches and other items inside. Once I arrive at the studio, my usual routine is to first take out what I need and get ready for dance class.

"Since I interact with people a lot, I’m always mindful of looking neat and clean. That’s why personal care items are a must-have for me. It does mean I end up carrying more stuff, but this bag has plenty of storage space and is easy to organize, which is great. The front pocket has a soft microfiber lining, so it seems like a good place to store items I don’t want to scratch, like headphones or a camera."

As soon as she steps into the studio and the music begins to play softly, the atmosphere changes completely. She focuses her awareness on every part of her body, infusing each movement with emotion. It’s as if her own will is embodied in that dance.

"I started contemporary dance because I was drawn to a form of expression that was about more than just 'looking cool.' I felt there were things that could only be expressed through the body. That's why I place great importance on dancing with my own intentions and ideas, rather than just moving."

“When you hear the word ”dance,” you might imagine upbeat music like hip-hop, but Miura dances to ambient music. To this abstract music—which has no beat and seems to capture the very atmosphere of the moment—she weaves together her dance movements improvisationally.

“When it comes to street dance, I think people tend to have the image of ”dancing to the music.' But I see dancers as artists in their own right. When the energy I get from the music overlaps with my own ideas, a new form of expression is born. So, it’s more like the feeling of dancing while being guided by the music."

After working up a sweat, she set her bag aside and took a break. Finally, when I asked her about her goals as a dancer, she mentioned the name of a place I hadn’t expected.

"It's been a dream of mine for a long time—I'd love to dance at the Louvre someday. When I was in middle school, I saw a picture of the statue of *Nike of Samothrace* in my textbook, and it's stuck with me ever since. I remember thinking, 'I want to dance right there.' I'm not really doing anything special to make that dream come true, though (laughs). Everyday scenery, music, and encounters with people—I draw inspiration from these things, and I believe that if I just keep dancing true to my heart, I’ll get there someday.”