"Tenshi Nanka ja Nai," "GALS!," & "Honey Lemon Soda" Now on Bags! Behind the Scenes of the LeSportsac × Ribon 70th Anniversary Collection

Longing for Midori and Akira from "Tenshi Nanka ja Nai," looking up to Ran from "GALS!" as a role model, and feeling your heart race from after-school crushes just like "Honey Lemon Soda." From the 1990s through the 2000s and even now, generations of girls have found love, laughter, and tears within the pages—and grown up along the way. This year, the famous girls' manga magazine "Ribon" celebrates a major milestone: its 70th anniversary since launch.

In honor of this special anniversary year, a unique collaboration with LeSportsac, a bag brand from New York, was brought to life.

So how were these cross-generational collaboration products created? We spoke with Shoko Sakamoto from LeSportsac Japan to get the inside story and hear her thoughts behind the project.

"Tenshi Nanka ja Nai," which defined the '90s, "GALS!," reflecting the vibrant culture of the 2000s, and "Honey Lemon Soda," still running today—these three iconic works from different eras of "Ribon" have been transformed into stylish LeSportsac bags and pouches.

With striking designs, practical functionality, and a world that speaks to every fan’s heart, how did this dream collaboration become a reality?

"Last year marked LeSportsac's 50th anniversary, and this year we see it as the start of the next 50 years. It felt like the perfect time to create something special, which led us to this collaboration.

"Each piece has been beloved across generations, and partnering with creators whose works are uniquely different was an incredibly rare opportunity. It’s truly an honor that this could happen thanks to 'Ribon's' 70th anniversary milestone."

"We've learned so much from 'Ribon.' While what each person takes away is different, there’s always a key lesson, a memorable message, or an emotional moment that stays with you.

"Through this collection, we hope people can relive those memories. Our wish is that these bags and pouches can give you a little encouragement in your daily life—that’s the feeling we poured into this collaboration."

3 Worlds Blending Seamlessly into Everyday Life

This collection boldly features original artwork from each series, letting you express your love for your favorites through your fashion—and smoothly connects your "Oshi-katsu" (supporting your favorite characters) with real life in a fun, practical way.

"We were given the rare opportunity to use the original art generously, so our focus was on capturing the spirit of each series. At the same time, we paid close attention to designing products that would suit daily life.

"The 'LARGE EMERALD TOTE' is a vertical tote that fits A4-sized items and laptops. We used the original illustrations prominently on the front to showcase the world of each manga, while keeping the back simple with just logos and patterns."

"The large-capacity 'LARGE 2 WAY TOTE' is reversible, so you can switch up the look for different occasions—from work and school to days out. We were also particular about using the iconic color scheme of 'Ribon.' We wanted readers to feel an instant nostalgia the moment they saw it, so we recreated the look and feel of those beloved days."

Indeed, the comic-inspired designs filled with iconic scenes capture the very excitement of flipping through magazine pages. Even the texture of the ink is meticulously recreated, reflecting the creator's deep respect for the original works.

"It was tough to choose which scenes to use, but for 'Tenshi Nanka ja Nai' I focused on the romance between Akira and Midori; for 'GALS!' I picked scenes that radiate that uplifting, positive gyaru mindset—images that simply cheer you up by looking at them. For 'Honey Lemon Soda,' I chose scenes that really highlight the sweet and sour essence of youth."

Additionally, the patterns, accent colors, and motifs inspired by each original series all play an important role. For "Tenshi Nanka ja Nai," gingham check; for "GALS!," leopard print; for "Honey Lemon Soda," polka dots are featured—each perfectly harmonizing with the LeSportsac products and amplifying the worldviews of the series.

What’s more, the "WRISTLET POUCH W/CHARM" comes adorned with special motif charms symbolic of each series. Featuring fan-favorite icons like "Sudosaurus," "Hibiscus," and "Lemon," these charms add a burst of excitement to every day.

Craftsmanship & Respect Shine in Every Detail: LeSportsac’s Collaboration

This product lineup is a celebration of pure "Ribon love," with the delicate precision of the prints delivering a quality sure to amaze even the most passionate fans.

"We were especially particular about how faithfully and attractively we could reproduce the stunning original illustrations on the prints.

"Many of the items boldly use the artwork itself, and it was a major challenge to see how intricately we could capture the watercolor touches of series like 'Honey Lemon Soda.' Our designers and production team worked tirelessly to fine-tune the outcome."

"Printing is one of the techniques we excel at. We use inkjet printing on lightweight, ultra-durable ripstop fabric to recreate even the finest textures and overlays of color beautifully.

"This print technology is something LeSportsac has spent many years perfecting. That’s why we’re able to bring out the full charm of the original artwork."

Over the years, LeSportsac has delivered countless thrilling collaborations, and this creative spirit is here to stay.

"For LeSportsac, collaboration isn’t just about product development—it’s an 'empathy experience' that connects our brand and customers' emotions.

"While we are proud of our strengths like lightness and durability, it’s when the story and artistry of our partners intersect with these qualities that truly one-of-a-kind products are made."

This collaboration with "Ribon" is the perfect embodiment of those aspirations—born from a wish to gently bring the memories and feelings tied to these original works into daily life, in the form of a bag.

A bag isn’t just something you carry—it’s your everyday companion. That’s why the excitement or surprise you feel the moment you pick one up is so meaningful. LeSportsac will continue bringing collaborations that connect stories and emotions to its craftsmanship.

This project truly symbolizes their ever-passionate approach—a collaboration filled with nothing but love.