Both On & Off Styles! The Backpack Co-Created by "Mizuno" & "Yofuku no Aoyama" Offers Exceptional Usability

When reevaluating belongings during the transition to a new life, bags are always among the top contenders. Is there a bag that offers great usability for the new days ahead? After some searching, I found a functional backpack that seamlessly integrates into both business and casual settings.
 
Collaboratively planned by Mizuno and AOYAMA TRADING Co.,Ltd., the SPLIT-STRAP Day Bag is available at 180 major stores of “Yofuku no Aoyama” and online. It incorporates Mizuno's unique patented technology to reduce shoulder strain, and can also store shoes at the bottom, making it practical for both on-duty and off-duty use.
 
For further insights, I visited Mizuno Corporation and spoke with Masamichi Tsuchiya from the Global Equipment Product Department, who was involved in developing the Split-Strap Day Bag.

Unique Double Padding Structure for Pressure Dispersion. Fit Is Enhanced, Allowing for Easy Shoulder & Arm Movement

The first backpack resulting from the collaborative project between "Mizuno" and "Yofuku no Aoyama" was released in 2020. By incorporating sports item functionality into a business backpack, they have successfully developed new models consecutively due to high demand. The sixth-generation "Split-Strap Day Bag" introduces many innovations.
 
"The design was originally intended to complement business suits, but we've evolved it to accommodate changing work styles, making it easy to coordinate with not just suits but also jackets and slacks. It has a slightly casual vibe, which makes it suitable for both business and casual occasions.
 
"We maintained the high comfort of the carrying experience found in the first model with our patented technology 'DynamotionFit,' further advanced in what we call the 'Split-Strap,' which has been adopted from the second-generation model into the newly released sixth-generation model," he explained.
 
Thus, the sixth-generation "Split-Strap Day Bag" emerges as a versatile backpack suitable for everything from business to casual use, while retaining its signature comfort from the first to fifth generation of business bags.

"At first glance, it seems like an ordinary shoulder strap, but closer inspection reveals a groove in the center, with padding separated on either side. This patented structure allows for even distribution of pressure, making it comfortable to wear the backpack."
 
While saying this is easy, it likely took considerable effort to effectively distribute pressure. Its high functionality is subtly integrated, making it practical for business scenarios.

"The groove between the left and right paddings is made of mesh, greatly improving breathability compared to conventional padding. Additionally, the separation of the padding enhances the fit, making movements much easier as you rotate your arms. You'll likely appreciate the difference during active outings on weekends.
 
"This patented 'Split-Strap' technology is also applied in Mizuno golf bags and various sports bags. When clubs are placed in a golf bag, the weight becomes considerable; thus, distributing pressure is a critical feature. This technology is widely used in Mizuno’s club-use bags as well.”

A capacity of approximately 25 liters allows for carrying not only work items but also a change of clothes, which means you can conveniently store gym wear and shoes for use during your commute or hide jogging gear and shoes while on a business trip—compact yet versatile in action.

"The direct trigger to equip the shoe storage space was the request to carry business shoes when commuting with boots in snowy regions. Since one cannot walk in business shoes through the snow, the idea was to put them in a bag for commuting and change into them upon arriving at work.
 
"Initially, the development began with this need in mind, but there are various uses, such as commuting in sneakers and changing into business shoes at work or commuting in business shoes but switching to more practical shoes for the gym or running courses."

A one-of-a-kind hybrid product that merges business and sports elements

 According to Tsuchiya, the elements demanded from bags change with time, or rather, with periods.
 
“During the spread of remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for thin bags increased reflecting the reduced number of personal items carried. Recently, with more opportunities for face-to-face meetings and an increase in business trips, there is a need for bags with a certain capacity. The 'Split-Strap Day Pack' which can carry shoes and has a capacity of around 25 liters is neither too small nor too big, making it appropriate for daily use, including both on and off-duty.
 
"For day trips or overnight business trips, I think this is sufficient, and it’s designed to be easily combined with a suitcase or wheeled bag, depending on the schedule and amount of luggage.”
 
Incidentally, the stretchable orange fabric equipped in the front pocket is repurposed from materials used for “Mizuno” swimwear. The material used for securing the D-ring on the shoulder straps is recycled leather from hard baseballs. While not prominently visible, it showcases the unique placement typical of a sports manufacturer.

This item, a collaboration between Mizuno's technology that enhances performance in the sports field and "Yofuku no Aoyama" which caters to businessmen's needs, could be ideal for preparing for a new life.