Tote Bag Day (Toto Baggu no Hi)

What Is Tote Bag Day?

October 10 is "Tote Bag Day" in Japan. It was established by ROOTOTE Co., Ltd. (株式会社ルートート), which runs the tote bag brand ROOTOTE, and is certified by the Japan Anniversary Association. The date is a pun: "to" (10) + "to" (10) makes "tote." The aim is to share the appeal of tote bags with more people.

A History of the Tote Bag

"Tote" is an English word meaning "to carry."

• Born as an ice bag: The "Bean's Ice Carrier," released in 1944 by the American outdoor brand L.L.Bean, is said to be the prototype of today's tote bag. Made of sturdy canvas, it was used to carry blocks of ice.
• An everyday bag: Over time it came to be used for shopping and commuting, and its simple, durable design made it a classic.
• An eco bag: In Japan, charges for plastic shopping bags began in July 2020, and even more people started carrying tote bags as reusable shopping bags.

Shapes and Materials

The basic tote is a simple rectangular bag with a wide opening and two handles. Canvas is a common material, but totes are also made of nylon, leather and recycled materials.

• Canvas: A heavy plain-weave fabric of thick yarn, known for being tough and long-lasting.
• With or without a gusset: Totes with a gusset (a wide base) hold more, while flat totes are good for documents and thin items.

Tote Bag Trivia

• A favorite giveaway: Original totes from events, museums and bookstores are popular souvenirs and merchandise.
• Social activities: ROOTOTE, which established the day, also carries out various social activities through tote bags.
• Aging well: Canvas bags soften and change character the more you use them.
• Washing tips: Canvas bags can shrink or fade in the wash, so check the care label before cleaning.

Ideas for Tote Bag Day

• Empty your everyday tote and clear out old receipts and things you don't need.
• Wash or care for a bag that has gotten dirty, following its care label.
• Put giveaway totes lying around at home to use as shopping bags or storage.
• If things tend to get lost in your bag, sort them into small pouches.

Something to Remember on Tote Bag Day

October 10 is a day to appreciate the tote bag that carries our things every day. A bag that started as a tool for hauling ice is now an eco bag and a means of self-expression. Why not lighten your bag a little today and enjoy a lighter day?