Shocking Trends in the Schoolbag Hunt Prices Ranging from 8000 Yen to 150000 Yen

Studio-style school bags are priced over ¥100,000

In the 2010s, the design and functionality of school bags (randoseru) became more diverse, and around 2015, the term “Ran-Katsu” (a term referring to the process of choosing a school bag) began to be widely used.

The term “～活” (such as job-hunting or marriage-hunting) reflects a strong desire to find the perfect item, which is the underlying energy behind activities like landscape hunting (ラン活, or the search for a perfect school backpack).

April marks the season of entrance ceremonies. You might think, “The first graders for this year have already entered, so isn’t it too late to buy a backpack?” But in reality, landscape hunting is still in full swing. According to the comprehensive elementary school backpack information site “Randoseru no Tsūchi-hyō” (MayLight), early bird landscape hunting is accelerating. As of last fall, 15% of families started seeking backpacks for the 2026 school year (for children entering school in April next year).

A mother living in Tokyo, who has already purchased a backpack for the upcoming entrance ceremony, shares her experience:

“Mainly focusing on workshop-style brands like Tsuchiya Kaban, Nakamura Kaban, and Ōba Seikō, I began requesting catalogs around November when my daughter was in the second year of kindergarten. The catalogs arrived in January. If you’re okay with last year’s model, I recommend visiting stores in January or February. There’s a high chance current models will be sold at discounted prices. My daughter got a red cordovan backpack with a glossy finish at a 40% discount. There’s still a year until the entrance ceremony, but we’re happy with how we’ve wrapped up the landscape hunt early.”

The average price range for workshop-style backpack manufacturers is about ¥80,000 to ¥150,000. As of April, stocks for popular models are almost sold out. What makes these backpacks so appealing?

“We chose based on their excellent aftercare, such as a 6-year warranty and the option to have the backpack remodeled after graduation. Many manufacturers also consider the possibility of a school entrance exam, which is a big draw. Even if you pre-order a popular model, you can tell them you’re planning for an entrance exam, and they will delay production and shipment until late December, when you know the result of the exam. This opens up more options for choosing a backpack. Some manufacturers don’t charge cancellation fees, so it’s essential to do research beforehand,” says a father of a young child in Tokyo.

The Shocking Price of 8,800 Yen (Including Tax)

In recent years, a new wave of affordable, high-quality, and replaceable school bags has emerged, setting itself apart from traditional workshop-style bags. Notable examples include the less than 6-year warranty school bags sold by stationery and office furniture manufacturer Kokuyo, and the “Student Daypack” released by workwear brand Workman last year.

Kokuyo has introduced products targeting situations where children might need a new bag mid-term, such as moving from a school that provides backpacks or after damage from natural disasters. These bags are priced affordably at 9,680 to 18,150 yen, with a focus on providing a less than 6-year warranty.

Meanwhile, Workman’s “Student Daypack” (available exclusively online and limited to 1,000 units) was sold out in just one day. The key differentiator is the extremely low price of 8,800 yen, which combines durability and high function by using Cordura nylon—material also used in workwear and military gear. One of the most significant features is the aluminum frame on the back, designed to reduce the weight carried, making the backpack feel lighter even when full. The company has received numerous requests for restocks.

As the peak of the landser buying season (known as “Ran Katsu”) coincides with Golden Week, families will need to have thorough discussions to choose the best product from the variety of options now available.