2025.09.10

The Design Work of TEMBEA: Sophisticated Minimalism with Unparalleled Originality

#TEMBEA

#Tote bag

#Bag

#Fashion

*The text-to-speech feature is generated by AI,
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*The text-to-speech feature is generated by AI,
so there may be errors in the reading.

TEMBEA is a brand primarily focused on bags. You might recognize their distinctive canvas totes, known for their unique single handle.

Minimalist yet unique, these bags are tough enough for the rigors of everyday use. In this feature, we sit down with Atsushi Hayasaki, head of TORSO and designer for TEMBEA, to take a deep dive into the brand's story.

A Fateful Encounter with Canvas Was the Spark

The name TEMBEA means 'to wander.' Wandering isn't just about staying in one place; it's about moving from place to place. The brand's philosophy is to explore new materials, colors, and shapes that capture the current mood, creating products that serve as tools for everyday life with an awareness of their inorganic quality, simplicity, and design. Let's start by hearing about how it all began.

"TEMBEA launched in 2004. Back then, I was designing clothes, and during the planning phase, a particular fabric swatch caught my eye. It was a beautiful white canvas—supple to the touch, yet with a firm structure. I was so impressed by the fabric that I thought, 'I want to make a tote bag with this.' That was the initial spark.