In Japan, about 30 billion plastic bags are consumed per year, which means that each person receives about 300 plastic bags per year. Most of them are discarded.
If incinerated, it is carbon dioxide; if not burned, it is marine plastic. Like plastic bottles, they are convenient, but they have a heavy environmental impact. To improve this situation, plastic bags were finally made chargeable in July.
In line with this, the "FREAK'S STOREIn the "First Time in the World," starting Thursday, August 20, 2010.hoboThe shopping bag is a collaboration with the "K" Line, which is a Japanese company that has been in the business for over 20 years. However, unlike ordinary ones, it is oversized and packable.
We invited Hideki Asakura, the designer behind "hobo," to hear about the many details that went into the creation of this new product.
The bag can hold two boxes of sneakers.
Hideki Asakura, designer of "hobo". The interview was conducted online.
-Please begin by telling us about the genesis of this initiative.
Asakura：I have been working with the buyer of "Freaks Store" for a long time, and we decided to make this bag as an extension of that relationship.
-I heard that the project started even before the plastic bag issue became a public concern.
Asakura : Yes, that's right. I think it was around December of last year when we first started talking about it.
-So, can you tell us a little bit about your passion?
Asakura：The biggest points are that it is packable for easy carrying and its large capacity.
When you wear it diagonally, it looks like this. You can fit two boxes of sneakers in it.
If the thick strap is placed inside the bag, it can be used as a handbag.
Packable condition. The size does not get in the way even if you keep it in your bag.
It is indeed quite large. Did you have an idea of what you wanted to put in this bag?
Asakura：For example, if you buy a pair of boots at a store, the box is too big to fit in your bag. Asakura：For example, if you buy a pair of boots at a store, the box is too big to fit them in a bag. It is a 2-way bag. Also, I got the idea for the design from an old newsprint bag.
-The thickness of the straps is also a newsprint bag.
Thick shoulder strap with two stitches for extra strength.
Asakura：That's right. Also, we made the straps thicker because we thought of the functional aspect of distributing the weight more evenly when the luggage gets heavier. Most straps these days are thin, but thicker straps are also good.
-I'm wondering if you were conscious of the military flavor of the product.
Asakura："Freaks Store" has a strong image of starting out as a vintage clothing store, so I suggested that we use something like a mil-spec name. The fabric is ripstop cotton.
Tag on inner pocket and packable pocket.
The ripstop material means that it is very strong. I also like the raw color.
Asakura：This bag can be used as a store bag, of course, but I also wanted people to enjoy arranging it by, for example, attaching patches or adding colors. Therefore, I tried to keep the design as plain as possible. There was also talk of holding a workshop at the "Freaks Store.
The price is good, too. It's easy to afford and I don't feel guilty even if I use it roughly.
Asakura：That is something we were conscious of. I also wanted to bring out the best of Japan by using domestic craftsmen, so I challenged the limits of what could be done in Japan in terms of quality and price. It is made in Japan with the utmost care.
-Do you have any thoughts on the issue of plastic bags?
Asakura：To be honest, there are times when I myself need a plastic bag at a convenience store, and I end up paying for it. I do my best to be conscious of this. On the other hand, there are manufacturers who make their living by making plastic bags. It is not an easy problem, but we are trying to do what we can.
-Finally, please tell us how you use this bag, Mr. Asakura.
Asakura：I always carry it in my car, and it is very useful when I buy a lot of things at the supermarket on weekends. Because of its size and durability, I can put a lot of things in it. Also, the more you use it, the more it will develop a bite because it is made of cotton. I hope you will enjoy the change over time as well.
hobo × FREAK'S STORE
COTTON RIPSTOP SHOPPING BAG ¥2,800+TAX
Shopping bags have become more familiar to us than ever before, but when it comes to finding one, it is difficult to find one that is goofy. However, the new bag has a design that can be used by anyone regardless of age or gender, is compact, and is moderately priced. Shopping bag refugees, here we come!
