craftsman<\/strong> working for Murase Kabanko in Nagoya. He designed the backpack using red leather and modeled it after the armor worn by the Ii clan, a famous samurai family known for their \u201cred regiment.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\nIn 2024, the backpack won the Artistic Design Award at the Japan Leather Award, a major competition for leather products. Interestingly, the backpack was made partly from leftover leather pieces. Okada wanted to reduce waste because many small pieces of leather are usually thrown away when making backpacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Okada did not always work as a bag maker. At age 26, he quit his job to become a manga artist. Later, at age 30, he decided to change his career and joined Murase Kabanko. Over time, he improved his skills and eventually earned the highest certification from the Japan Bag & Luggage Association.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The armor-style backpack took more than six months to complete. Okada meticulously<\/strong> carefully adjusted every piece by hand and even used leather with wrinkles or scratches to reduce waste. The final product weighs about 2.1 kilograms, which is heavier than the average backpack. Because of this, Okada jokingly says it may be better for display than everyday use.<\/p>\n\n\n\nEach backpack costs about 500,000 yen and is made to order. Most inquiries have come from overseas customers. Okada hopes that his design will inspire<\/strong> people around the world to Japanese culture and history, and he plans to create more unique products in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSource: The Mainichi Shimbun (English)<\/sub><\/p>\n\n\n\nComprehension Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Answer the questions following the article in English.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- What inspired Okada to design the backpack like samurai armor?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Why did Okada want to use leftover leather materials?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- How long did it take to complete the backpack?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Why might the backpack not be ideal for everyday use?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In your own words, attempt to summarise the article in 4 sentences or less.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Discussion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Discuss these topics with your tutor, and support your answers with examples or experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Do you think traditional culture should inspire modern products? Why or why not?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Would you buy a backpack like this if you had the money? Why?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- What are some ways companies can reduce waste when making products?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- What traditional designs from your country could be used in modern products?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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