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Should Shoulder Bags Go in the Microwave? The Everyday-Use “Disaster-Prevention” Bag “WILLCOOK”

2025.03.11

“I wish there was such a thing as ◯◯…” is a concept that every fashion enthusiast has probably thought about at least once. In terms of functionality, there’s an item that makes a striking impression, akin to a certain anime's “secret tools.” That is the “WILLCOOK,” the portable microwave bag from WILLTEX.

To achieve this, the fabric utilizes the dimension-defying heating fabric “HOTOPIA,” where each individual fiber generates heat, giving birth to a heated bag. Here, we will thoroughly unravel the “secrets” surrounding “WILLCOOK.”

A Surprising Bag Born from a Certain “Fantasy”

The representative director of WILLTEX, Ayaka Ueda, shared that about eight years ago, on a cold winter day, she was expanding one such “fantasy” in her mind while watching her son at a baseball field.

“The winter fields are really cold. Parents watching from the sidelines and the kids themselves shiver with cold before and after moving around. Seeing this scene, I thought, ‘If the fabric could generate heat, it could keep warmth, right?’”

From this thought, Ueda began developing heating fabrics at the electronics company where she was working at the time.

While working on the development, Ueda learned at a certain exhibition that a company called Mikuni Consys had already created the heating fabric she envisioned called “HOTOPIA.” So, what exactly is this “HOTOPIA” material?

“In short, it's a special heater where the fabric itself generates heat. It adopts a stretchy knit structure, with each fiber generating heat. Other manufacturers also have heating fabrics, but they usually have a single heating wire running through them, so if that breaks, the electricity ceases to flow.

"HOTOPIA, on the other hand, is intricately woven so that the fibers are interconnected, allowing it to continue generating heat even if a part gets damaged. It also excels in durability, easily enduring regular washing and sewing just like normal fabric.”

Ueda, along with her former boss Kimura, founded WILLTEX and embarked on product development using HOTOPIA. How to make HOTOPIA easy to carry became the topic of discussion, leading to the idea of integrating heating functions into a bag, thus birthing the “WILLCOOK” series.

The Classic Item “WILLCOOK-HO-ON” that Can Be Easily Carried in a Sacoche Style

Here, I would like to introduce the classic and particularly popular items from the WILLCOOK series. First released as the first installment, “WILLCOOK-HO-ON” boasts the astonishing capability of reaching 80°C in just 5 minutes when connected to a dedicated battery. The temperature can be adjusted in four levels, from about 40°C to about 100°C, and without the power on, it can also serve as a cooling bag thanks to its insulating cotton and aluminum sheet combination.

By connecting the dedicated battery to the bag’s internal power outlet, heating becomes possible. “WILLCOOK-HO-ON,” 29,500 yen (tax included). Available colors are black, white, brown, and khaki.

“The interior of ‘WILLCOOK-HO-ON’ can reach up to about 100°C, which might lead some to believe it’s too hot to touch. With a single wire heating element, heat can become concentrated at one point, potentially causing burns, but because HOTOPIA generates heat with each individual fiber, heat is distributed evenly.

"In fact, a fabric that distributes heat evenly can be safely touched even at 100°C. Therefore, you won't experience severe burns by placing your hand inside. Additionally, the outer fabric used, 'Agunino,' is highly flame-resistant and thermal-insulating, so even if the internal temperature rises, the surface temperature only goes up to about 40°C.”

Numerous materials are sourced from both domestic and international suppliers, achieving a meticulous five-layer structure. The outer fabric “Agunino,” known for its flame resistance and thermal insulation, an aluminum sheet with high heat shielding properties, thermal-insulating cotton, HOTOPIA, and the back lining “MU-TECH” treated with Teflon to resist stains.

The Most Popular “WILLCOOK PACKABLE” with a 2WAY Design

“WILLCOOK PACKABLE” inherits the high functionality while being a 2WAY bag that can be transformed into either a backpack or a tote. It accelerates the heating speed even further than “WILLCOOK-HO-ON,” reaching 100°C in just 10 minutes. The temperature can be adjusted in four levels, from 40°C to 150°C.

"WILLCOOK PACKABLE," 29,500 yen (tax included). When the shoulder strap is stowed, it can also be used as a tote bag. It can be heated with a commercially available mobile battery

"The 'WILLCOOK PACKABLE' was designed with gadget-like colors and materials in mind. It uses 'CORDURA®fabric,' which is also utilized in tents and military supplies, ensuring a balance of lightweight and durability. Since it is packable, it can be folded and stored in the internal pocket."

"You can use a commercially available mobile battery instead of a dedicated battery, and the heating fabric (HOTOPIA) can be detached from the main unit. It can be utilized in various situations, making it a popular product regardless of gender."

The heating component's material can be removed and used like a blanket

By the way, WILLCOOK is not only committed to high functionality but also to stylish design. When I asked, Ueda smiled and replied.

"I believe that items you can use daily are the most useful in emergencies. I wanted this item to be perfect for daily use, so rather than being just 'THE disaster prevention item,' I focused on fashionable colors and design. I would be happy if it could be used as an item that can support you at any time."

WILLCOOK has been awarded the "Phase Free Award 2022 Audience Prize" in the Idea Category as a "phase-free" product that can be used in both everyday and emergency situations

PROFILE

Ayaka Ueda

CEO of WILLTEX

Born in Kanagawa Prefecture. Formerly worked at a textile trading company. At that time, she was promoted from clerical work to sales but struggled to understand the in-house sales training. She diligently visited the apparel shops she was in charge of to learn the texture, silhouette, and fit of fabrics by experience. Despite facing harassment from designers and pattern-makers, she managed to capture the top market share the following year. Currently, she prepares family dinners every morning and engages in planning and development after arriving at work.

Delivering Warmth to the Heart & Body

What humanity can envision, humanity can surely achieve. "WILLCOOK" embodies this idea through groundbreaking products. At the end of the interview, Ueda shared:

"We received feedback that a person affected by the Noto Peninsula earthquake last January was afraid to use a gas stove due to aftershocks and used 'WILLCOOK' instead. Our strength lies in the fact that we can provide warmth to anyone with just a single switch. We continue to provide products that allow you to freely control the temperature and feel comfortable in any environment. We aim to be a brand that can deliver warmth to everyone in the future."

Given Japan's frequent natural disasters, regular reviews of disaster prevention items are essential. During such times, I hope you consider "WILLCOOK." As a gift for loved ones or as your own phase-free item. Such thoughts and actions will surely lead to the next warmth.

Text by Nozomu Miura