Why Do Japanese Kids Use Randoseru? 7 Facts About Japan’s School Backpack

If you visit Japan in April, you may notice many elementary school children carrying the same type of backpack.

This backpack is called a randoseru.

For Japanese people, this is normal.
But for foreigners, it can be very surprising.

Why do all children use the same bag?
Why is it so expensive?
Why do they use it for six years?

Here are 7 interesting facts about randoseru.

Randoseru Is Used by Almost All Elementary School Students

In Japan, most elementary school children use a randoseru.
Public schools often recommend it, and many parents buy one before the entrance ceremony.

In other countries, children usually choose their own bags, so foreigners are surprised to see everyone using the same style.

Children Use the Same Bag for Six Years

Japanese elementary school lasts six years.
Most students use the same randoseru for the entire time.
Randoseru are made very strong, so they do not break easily.
This idea of long-term use is very different from many countries.

Randoseru Is Used by Almost All Elementary School Students

A randoseru often costs between 30,000 and 80,000 yen.

Some special ones cost even more.

Foreign visitors are often shocked that a school bag can be so expensive.

However, it is seen as an important gift for the child’s new life.

Grandparents Often Buy the Randoseru

In Japan, it is common for grandparents to buy the randoseru.

It is considered a gift to celebrate entering elementary school.

This shows how important the entrance ceremony is in Japanese culture.

Randoseru Comes from Military Bags

The design of randoseru comes from old military backpacks.

The word “randoseru” is believed to come from a Dutch word.

Over time, the bag became a symbol of Japanese elementary school.

Foreigners are often surprised by this history

Randoseru Comes from Military Bags

In the past:

  • Boys → black
  • Girls → red

Today, children can choose many colors:

  • blue
  • pink
  • brown
  • purple
  • green

This change shows how Japanese culture is slowly becoming more flexible.

Randoseru Is Now Popular Overseas

Recently, randoseru has become popular outside Japan.

Some people buy it because:

  • it is durable
  • it looks unique
  • it represents Japanese culture

You can even see randoseru used as fashion bags in some countries.