Beloved by fans around the world, the Randoseru is a leather backpack traditionally carried by Japanese students, who use the same bag daily for 6 years. It's a rite of passage and, for many, a treasured companion that holds hopes, dreams, and memories—cherished long beyond graduation.
Riru was nine years old when she announced this, drawing a picture of herself standing in a Randoseru shop. Her mother, Yuki, had just started working at Tsuchiya Kaban's Randoseru specialty store in Yokohama.
Ten years later, Riru is working there too, right beside her mother.
Yokohama store staff since 2014. Her #1 recommendation is the classic Randoseru Cowhide in Black x Amber
Joined the Yokohama store in 2026. Her #1 recommendation is the Randoseru Hybrid in Pistachio.
For Riru, Tsuchiya Kaban was part of her daily routine.
"I'd stop by after school so we could go home together," she recalls. "The staff felt like extended family and were always welcoming."
But what struck her most was watching her mother come alive at work. "I could see how much she enjoyed it. As her daughter, that meant a lot to me."
Riru’s drawing from when she was age 9, titled: “I Work at A Randoseru Shop”
When Riru needed a part-time job during university, the choice was obvious. "Even if my mom had moved on, I still would have chosen Tsuchiya Kaban," she says. "This place had been part of my life for so long."
Yuki wasn't surprised. "Selling a Randoseru isn't like selling any other product. It's a milestone for the child, and for the family. Three generations often come in together—and learning to communicate across those generations is an invaluable experience."
Yuki has noticed how her daughter's perspective adds something new and unique: recent memory.
"A lot of customers struggle with color choices—they're thinking, 'My child will carry this for six years.' But it wasn't that long ago that I was carrying mine," Riru reflects. "I can share what that was actually like and help kids feel excited instead of anxious."
Friends often ask Yuki if working with her daughter feels awkward. "It's quite the opposite," she says. "I feel lucky. Her youthful sensibilities bring fresh energy. I get to see a professionalism I really respect, and watching her enjoy the work is encouraging. "
Randoseru are exquisite pieces of craftsmanship. But beyond that, they carry the special moments and connections that shape our lives. We're honored to witness these stories unfold with our customers, and now, within our own team. This mother-daughter duo reminds us that what we make isn't just meant to be carried—but creates shared moments that bring families together.
