Tsuchiya Kaban's Kumihimo wins Platinum A' Design Award

Tsuchiya Kaban Co., Ltd. has won a Platinum A' Design Award for Kumihimo, a drawstring bag that reworks Japanese braiding traditions for modern use. The recognition highlights the role of heritage craft, durability and cultural relevance in accessory design.

Why it matters: - The Platinum A' Design Award puts Kumihimo among the top recognized accessory designs in an international competition. - The award highlights growing demand for accessories that combine craftsmanship, everyday utility and cultural meaning. - The recognition may help reinforce interest in Japanese craft techniques adapted for contemporary products.

What happened: - The A' Design Award named Kumihimo, a drawstring bag by Tsuchiya Kaban Co., Ltd., a Platinum winner in the Fashion and Travel Accessories Design category. - The announcement was made in Como, Italy, on August 27, 2026. - Kumihimo reinterprets a Japanese braiding technique from the Edo period, which ran from 1603 to 1867. - The design translates that historical aesthetic into a bag intended for daily use.

The details: - Kumihimo replaces conventional stitching with braided cords to create structural strength and flexibility. - The bag uses a minimalist form that puts the braiding technique at the center of the design. - The structure reflects Musubi, the Japanese idea of physical links and spiritual bonds. - Tsuchiya Kaban's artisans used 20 precision leather parts in the construction. - The bag includes hidden stitching and manual thread work. - Edge-painting on all 100 holes reduces friction and improves appearance. - Traditional craftsman Ryuta Fukuda braided the cords. - Tsuchiya Kaban refined the leather construction, hardware and finishing through multiple prototyping rounds. - The A' Fashion and Travel Accessories Design Award evaluates entries on material innovation, aesthetic appeal, functional efficiency, originality, sustainability, ergonomics, cultural relevance, market viability, detail and craftsmanship.

Between the lines: - The award suggests that heritage techniques can compete in a modern design market when they are paired with practical construction. - Kumihimo also shows how a product can use craft detail as both structure and storytelling. - Tsuchiya Kaban's focus on Teinei, or meticulous care, aligns closely with the judging criteria that favor precision and craftsmanship.

What's next: - Tsuchiya Kaban is likely to keep developing products that connect traditional Japanese craft with contemporary design. - The company says the recognition may inspire future projects that reinterpret historical Japanese techniques for new audiences. - More information is available on the full award page.