Yoshida & Co., Ltd.: Pioneers of Japanese Bag Craftsmanship (by Jack Goldman)
In the realm of Japanese bag design and production, few names carry the prestige of Yoshida & Co., Ltd. With a history that dates back to the early 20th century, this legendary manufacturer and its renowned Porter brand have become household names in Japan and garnered a devoted following in the Western world.
Let's delve deeper into the rich tapestry of this Japanese bag-making powerhouse and explore the diverse brands that have blossomed under the Yoshida & Co. umbrella.
The journey of Yoshida & Co., Ltd. commenced in 1918 when a determined 12-year-old named Kichizo Yoshida left his hometown of Samukawa-cho to embark on a bag-making apprenticeship in Tokyo. His tenacity shone brightly during the great Kanto earthquake of 1923 when he used a simple cord to carry his household belongings, inspiring his enduring motto: "a bag should first of all be a tool to carry goods."
In 1935, Kichizo Yoshida established his first bag-making atelier, Yoshida Kaban Seisakujo, in Tokyo. The brand faced numerous trials in its early years, with World War II drawing Kichizo and many of his craftsmen into military service. During his absence, Kichizo's wife, Chika, safeguarded his tools, materials, and sewing machines beneath a girder bridge in Kandasuda-cho, Tokyo, shielding them from the ravages of air raids.
After the war, in 1951, Yoshida Kaban Seisakujo underwent a transformation and was reborn as Yoshida & Co., Ltd. The brand's first global sensation was the Elegant Bag, introduced in 1953. This innovative creation featured an adjustable zippered gusset that allowed for more versatile use, captivating the post-war Japanese populace. Yoshida bags gained rapid popularity in the early 1950s, with the Japanese Empress Emiki Michiko gracing live television screens while clutching a white Yoshida bag.
In 1962, Kichizo Yoshida introduced the Porter brand, marking the first private brand under Yoshida & Co., Ltd. The name "Porter" paid homage to the porters who transported bags in hotels. In an era when Japanese bag makers rarely had their own private brands, Kichizo ensured that Porter stood out with a unique, playful design on the bags' paper tags and packaging.
Porter enjoyed remarkable success and remains the flagship brand under the Yoshida & Co., Ltd. umbrella. Over the ensuing decades, Porter expanded its lineup with a multitude of series, some of which continue to be in production today. Among these, the TANKER series, debuting in 1983, stands out. Inspired by MA-1 flight jackets, TANKER bags featured sage green and black nylon fabric with striking orange linings—a distinctive design that endures in today's TANKER collections.
Fast-forward to the present, Yoshida & Co., Ltd. (also known as Yoshidakaban/Kurachika in Japan) stands as a symbol of enduring success. The company's products are now available in over 700 stores worldwide. With its headquarters in Higashi-Kanda, Tokyo, Yoshida & Co. has expanded its repertoire to include Japanese-made wallets, and other specialized accessories.. The commitment to high-quality Japanese craftsmanship that marked the brand's inception remains unwavering, as all Yoshida & Co. products continue to be meticulously crafted in Japan.
Yoshida & Co., Ltd. represents not only a legacy of exceptional bag craftsmanship but also a testament to resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to quality—a tradition that spans generations and continues to captivate bag enthusiasts worldwide.