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

Riku Tanaka works as a model and actor. On this day, he headed to a park not far from his home. On his days off, he likes to explore the city by bike or read books in the park. He says he values spending time at his own pace, keeping a little distance from the hustle and bustle of the city center.

"I used to live in Sangenjaya, but I realized I’m not really a fan of crowds. So I moved to a place a little farther from the city center. There’s plenty of greenery here, and a movie theater is nearby. It’s farther from where I used to meet up with friends, but that’s given me more time to spend on my own. I feel like that actually suits me really well."

Even on days when I go to the park, I pack only the bare essentials: a book, my wallet, a water bottle, and a pouch. I tell myself that’s all I need.

"I hadn't really used a 'proper' bag much before. But given my age, I figured I should probably start carrying something high-quality like this (laughs). When I actually held the 'Tumi Axis,' I was surprised at how well it suited me."

He says he often gets around by bike and tends to choose bags that allow him to move about lightly. The “Tumi Axis” “Medium Sling” would be perfect for those occasions.

"Shoulder bags are convenient because you can easily put things in and take them out with just a few simple movements. They also have a simple design, so I thought they’d go well with any outfit. Even though it’s a small bag, it has several compartments, which makes it easy to organize your belongings—that’s another great feature."

After parking his bike and sitting down on a bench, he opens a book and spends some quiet time reading. For Mr. Tanaka, these simple moments—such as reading a book or watching a movie—have become his daily pleasures.

"I don't read books or watch movies just for the sake of acting. Of course, I think there are aspects that relate to my work, but more than that, I have a stronger desire to truly enrich my own life. I feel that when my life is fulfilling, it ultimately has a positive impact on my acting as well."

After leaving the park, I hopped on my bike and headed toward the city. When I asked him about himself as an actor, the conversation turned less to “what kind of actor he wanted to be” and more to “how he wanted to be involved in a production.”

"I'm definitely not the type who's set on playing the lead role. Of course, if the opportunity arises, I'd like to give it a try, but personally, I feel a stronger desire to be a part of the production. I want to be the unsung hero, so to speak—someone who gives 120% to the role I'm given. That's the kind of actor I want to be."

It’s not about any one special day, but rather the steady accumulation of everyday moments that gradually shape me as an actor. I asked him about the future he envisions.

“I don’t really have any grand goals—I just hope to keep enjoying what I do, including my current job. Last year, I put on a small independent production with some friends, and it was so much fun. We formed a team with people who wrote the script, directed, and composed the music, and I’d love to keep doing that, even if it’s just once a year. It’s a form of expression that’s a bit different from my day job—more like a life’s work—and that’s exactly why I want to cherish it. Ever since I was a student, I’ve loved creating things on a small scale like that, and whether it leads to something or not, as long as I can keep doing it and enjoy it, that’s all that matters.”