Demand For Japan Firm's Low-Cost Bulletproof School Backpacks Shoots Up

School backpacks made of fabric used for bulletproof vests, marketed by a Gunma Prefecture company that sells work clothes and outdoor wear, are gaining in popularity for their high specifications at a low price, Katsuhiko Masuda reported for Mainichi Japan.

Workman Co. commercialized the reconceptualized "randoseru" primary school backpacks—traditionally made of leather—because the "formula square bag" for junior high and high school students, which it launched last fall, was so well received. I Photo: Kyodo News

The "ES student daypack" school bag recently released by Workman Co. is made of black high-strength "ballistic nylon" fabric.

Like a mountaineering backpack, it contains an aluminum plate and is designed to distribute weight across the entire back. The company, based in Isesaki, Gunma Prefecture, decided to commercialize the reconceptualized "randoseru" primary school backpacks—traditionally made of leather—because the "formula square bag" for junior high and high school students, which it launched last fall, was so well received.

A company representative said, "The market of 'randoseru' school backpacks continues to grow despite the declining birth rate, and we are confident in our ability to balance functionality and price.

There are only a few bags left from the initial batch, and after analyzing the customers' responses, new colors and additional production will be considered."

The "ES student daypack" is priced at 8,800 yen (about $55) including tax. Customers can order it from the company's official online shop and pick it up at a store they designate.