2025年度の新学期に向けて受験や入学の準備を始める子育て世代にとって、小学校のランドセル選びが重要です。ランドセル選びは2024年3月から5月に始め、ゴールデンウィークや夏休みに実際の購入が行われます。色選びは子どもと親で協力し、耐久性や軽量性も考慮されます。人気色はオーソドックスなものが多いが、子ども自身が好きな色を選ぶことが重要。ランドセルは長い間使うものなので、親子で納得した選択をすることが大切です。ランドセル選びを楽しんで行うことが提案されています。
Are you starting to prepare for exams and enrollment for the new academic year in 2025? For parents with young children, the first step in preparing for school is choosing a elementary school backpack. This time, we spoke in detail with Eri Chihara, PR responsible for Randoseru Sales Promotion Department at the Randoseru Business Promotion Division of Tsuchiya Kaban Manufacturing Co., Ltd., about the key points to consider when choosing a backpack for the first time.
When is the Best Time to Start Choosing a Backpack?
―― When should you start choosing a backpack? And when should you make a decision?
Eri Chihara (hereinafter, Chihara): If the enrollment is for the 2025 academic year, many people start considering options from March to May 2024, during the Golden Week period, looking at catalogs and choosing manufacturers. Most people make their actual purchase in-store during long holidays like Golden Week or summer vacation. Since a backpack is something that will be used for the entire six years of elementary school and is quite expensive, many families, including grandparents from afar, accompany the child to try on the backpack in-store.
At Tsuchiya Kaban, requests for catalogs for the 2025 enrollment start from autumn 2023, with catalog distribution starting in early February. However, there is usually no rush as the backpacks don’t sell out instantly, so it’s recommended to calmly browse through the catalogs from various manufacturers and try on a few selected backpacks at the store in March-April. If there are no specific preferences, there are still backpacks available even around autumn after the summer vacation. However, the Golden Week period is a good benchmark as many families start considering backpack purchases around that time.
When Parents Prefer a Different Color Than What the Child Likes
―― Color choice is a common concern when choosing a backpack. How much should parents involve the child in the decision-making process?
Chihara: It’s best to start by having parents gather information from catalogs and brochures and then asking the child about their favorite color. For example, even if a child says, “I want pink,” there are various shades of pink from pastel to more subdued tones depending on the manufacturer and type. Also, there are backpacks with some pink accents on the surface, lining, or embroidery thread. Even if a large area is pink, elements like sophisticated hardware or subdued stitching can create a chic overall look. Therefore, it’s smoother to narrow down the options of backpacks by considering budget, functionality, and color preferences and then present the child with choices of “which pink do you like?” from the pre-selected options. It provides a sense of satisfaction for both parents and children when the child selects from the list determined by the parents.
―― What are the recent trends and popular colors among children?
Chihara: While colorful backpacks may seem to be increasing in popularity, the truth is that popular colors are more conventional. According to a survey by Tsuchiya Kaban, over 60% of boys choose black or dark blue. On the other hand, colors like light blue, purple, brown, and camel are universally popular choices, regardless of gender. Parents may tend to think in terms of “basic red and black” or “colors other than red and black,” but children often have a different perspective with no preconceptions. Therefore, children are not bound by the idea of choosing a color because it’s a backpack but rather select based on their favorite color. Many parents worry about whether a color will still be suitable even when the child reaches the 6th grade. However, there are many backpacks made with careful attention to ensure that the color remains flattering even as the child grows. Most importantly, it’s best for a child to go to school happily every day with a color they chose themselves. Instead of imposing “you must choose this color,” parents can instill the idea of letting the child choose their favorite color responsibly for the 6 years of use.
Ask “Will This Help You Through Elementary School?” Instead of “Is It Heavy?”
―― As parents, durability to withstand carrying heavy textbooks and materials for 6 years is an important consideration.
Chihara: With the current trend of carrying tablets and laptops to school due to ICT integration and an increase in educational materials and supplies, the backpacks have evolved to be more spacious, lightweight, and durable. However, cases of a backpack breaking within 6 years are quite rare, so there is no need to worry excessively. In the past, artificial leather backpacks used to develop cracks on the surface, but modern artificial leather is less prone to cracking. While it may be slightly more expensive, cowhide is even sturdier. Whether you prefer the softness of artificial leather or the hardness of cowhide, today’s backpacks clear the criteria for durability and strength, so you can choose based on your material preference. At Tsuchiya Kaban, artisans craft each backpack individually in the workshop, reinforcing areas prone to impact with an additional layer of leather and careful stitching. Additionally, with the “6-Year Free Repair Guarantee,” even if the backpack breaks from pulling or overpacking, it can be repaired free of charge. If durability is a concern, it’s recommended to also consider the availability of such options.
―― What should you pay attention to when trying on a backpack in-store?
Chihara: It’s better to check if the backpack fits snugly on the child’s back and shoulders and to confirm the weight by putting in sample items and letting the child walk around. When parents ask, “Is it heavy? Are you okay?” children tend to reflexively respond with “It’s not heavy” or “I’m fine.” By offering positive encouragement like, “Do you feel like you can handle this? Can you carry this to school?” the child can make a more honest and enjoyable choice.
For instance, in the case of Tsuchiya Kaban, many backpacks remain in usable condition even after 6 years of use. Some people even repurpose them into miniature backpacks or pass cases after graduation. Some gift these remade items to the grandparents who purchased the original backpack, while others choose cowhide during the backpack selection phase with the intention of repurposing after graduation. Discussing backpack remakes in advance can contribute to sustainable education for children.
(Editor’s Note)
There are several points of concern when choosing a backpack, such as not knowing where to start and deciding which color to let your child choose. We hope that you and your child enjoy the process of selecting a backpack that will be cherished for 6 years, using this article as a reference.
Interview, Article by AKI, Editing by kunel