Lightweight, durable backpacks and body bags made from domestic Japanese nylon. NIZYU KANO's craftsmanship, rooted in the user's perspective.

"Functionality" is a key consideration when choosing a backpack. NIZYU KANO, a brand founded by two people with backgrounds at a bag manufacturer, is a Japanese bag brand characterized by user-friendly functionality drawn from their own experience, and by their original material, "FUKUI SIWA nylon," created to achieve a texture reminiscent of natural materials. This feature includes an interview with the brand's representative, Mr. Miwa.

Brand Story

NIZYU KANO, bags made with heartfelt care

FUKUI SIWA Nylon Backpack M GREIGE

NIZYU KANO was founded in 2016 by a husband-and-wife team who had studied design, art, and craft. Having originally worked at a bag manufacturer, the two designed bags for people of all generations as bag designers, including suitcases and sports bags.

They later founded the brand out of a desire to "create things with a closer connection to both the production site and the people who use them." Because they value the perspectives of both makers and users, material development and functionality are the brand's defining characteristics.

The brand name comes from "nijyu kanou musubi," a decorative knot tied on Japanese amulets known as omamori.

▲Nijyu kanou musubi. This is the knotting technique used for omamori.

With the nijyu kanou musubi knot, the front and back of the knot form the shapes of the kanji characters "口" and "十," which together combine to form the character "叶" (kanau), meaning "to grant a wish." Just as meaning is woven into the knot itself, NIZYU KANO pours its dedication to craftsmanship into each bag, aiming to create bags that hold a value beyond that of a mere object—much like an omamori that prays for safe travels.

Because the couple creates together, incorporating both male and female perspectives, one distinctive feature is their simple designs that can be used by anyone, regardless of gender. It is a brand with a balanced, even-handed point of view.

Brand Interview

"FUKUI SIWA Nylon," Co-developed with a Fukui Manufacturer

FUKUI SIWA Nylon Backpack, GREIGE

This is the brand's original material, "FUKUI SIWA nylon." Its textured surface leaves a striking impression. It has a distinctive crinkled texture reminiscent of washi (Japanese paper), giving it a warm feel despite being made of nylon. It is an original domestic nylon fabric born from a joint development between a Fukui Prefecture manufacturer and NIZYU KANO.

When new, the fabric has a certain stiffness, but with use it gradually softens to just the right degree.

The fabric is also water-repellent, so it can be chosen with confidence even on days when the weather is uncertain—making it a bag well suited to daily use thanks to its simple design and reliable functionality.

We asked Mr. Miwa once again about FUKUI SIWA nylon and the bags' functionality.

"We began developing the fabric with the image of 'a fabric with a texture like washi paper' in mind.

We had always loved working with natural materials like canvas and leather, so we wanted to create a fabric that, like those materials, would gain more character and charm the more it was used. With that image in mind, we proceeded with development to achieve a material matching that vision."

FUKUI SIWA Nylon Body Bag M

"It was developed through a textile trading company we've had a long-standing relationship with.

In the Hokuriku region, including Fukui and Ishikawa prefectures, the synthetic fiber industry is especially thriving, with a wide range of processing techniques available. They responded to our detailed requests regarding the fabric's texture and stiffness, and in this way, we arrived at a fabric close to what we had envisioned. Developing the material took about half a year, and including product development, the whole process took about a year.

The surface of the fabric also features a strong water-repellent treatment called 'super water-repellent.' We feel every day that our product-making is supported by outstanding domestic technology."

A Design Built Around the User's Perspective

"We design our bags to make the most of a material whose texture we value deeply, aiming for simple shapes that let that texture shine while also achieving ease of use. We also keep a neutral impression in mind so the bags can be used by anyone, regardless of gender.

FUKUI SIWA Nylon Body Bag L, Height: 162cm

Neither the backpacks nor the body bags are designed with the idea that a petite woman should choose size M and a large man should choose size L. So please feel free to choose based on your everyday styling and the amount you carry—for example, a petite woman might deliberately choose the L size to give the bag more volume."

● FUKUI SIWA Nylon Backpack

Available in two sizes, M and L

"For the backpack, first of all, we newly developed the main zipper so that it can use four pull tabs, making it possible to take items in and out from both the top and the side."

While backpacks generally have two pull tabs, having four makes it easier to open and close from both the top and the side.

"We also put thought into the shape of the inner pockets, creating a design where the functionality isn't obvious at first glance, while still making it easy to use in daily life."

There are two pockets in the top section, one in the middle section, and two in the bottom section. Because they're made of mesh material, you can quickly find what you're looking for. (Image shows the L size)

There's also a pocket section that can be accessed from the side, something rarely found on other backpacks. (Image shows the L size)

The M size can hold an A4-size document or a 13-inch laptop, while the L size can hold a B4-size document or a 15-inch laptop. (Image shows the M size)

"We've also made a pocket on the back side, and we've had customers tell us it's convenient because if you keep your smartphone in there, you can feel the vibration notifications through your back."

The back pocket extends all the way to the bottom of the bag. (L size, DARK GREY)

"Also, since we wanted this backpack to go well with natural-style clothing, we deliberately used a wide, thick tape for the shoulder straps."

▲The tape is apparently made of acrylic material.

"Compared to a backpack packed with lots of cushioning material, this gives a sleeker look that's easy to coordinate with outfits, and because it fits snugly along the shoulder, it reduces the burden on your shoulders."

L size, DARK GREY (Height: 162cm)

● FUKUI SIWA Nylon Body Bag

From top:S size, M size, L size

"For the body bag, we wanted something that would make it easy to organize your belongings inside, so we placed a lot of small divided pockets."

All three sizes have a back space separate from the main compartment, equipped with two mesh pockets.

"For the interior pockets of the main body, we put a core material into the divider pockets so that the pockets stand firmly on their own, making it easy to take things in and out."

"With a typical body bag, people often wear it diagonally across the body even though it's designed as a waist bag to be worn around the hips. Since we wanted to achieve a better fit, we paid close attention to the angle of the shoulder strap extending from the main body and to the shape of the body itself when designing this. By offering three sizes, we hope customers can choose the bag that's easiest to use depending on the occasion."

FUKUI SIWA Nylon Body Bag S

On Repairs and Care

"For customers who have used the bags for a long time, we've had cases where the ends of the shoulder straps start to fray. We also get questions about care, and since this is a material you can care for at home, let me explain briefly."

*If you would like to request a repair, please contact ZUTTO Customer Support first.

"If the bag gets dirty, first try removing the dirt with an adhesive tape such as packing tape or cellophane tape. Brushing with a toothbrush or rubbing with an eraser can also make the dirt less noticeable, so please give that a try. After that, wiping with a damp towel may also help improve things, so we'd suggest trying that as well.

If the dirt is still noticeable even after that, it is possible to wash the bag at home, but please be aware that this may cause wrinkling or color fading, and try it with that understanding."

▼Care Using Detergent

"If you use detergent, please dissolve a neutral detergent that doesn't contain bleach or fluorescent agents (dish soap is also fine) in water or lukewarm water, and hand-wash gently. We don't recommend washing in a washing machine, as it may damage both the bag and the machine.

It's fine to spot-clean localized dirt, but if you only wet one area and let it dry as is, it may leave a water stain. So after spot-cleaning, we'd suggest dipping the whole bag in water once."

▼How to Dry

"After rinsing, please remove as much moisture as possible with a towel or cloth, smooth out any wrinkles, and hang it to dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area.

In particular, the leather parts such as the pull tabs and handles may transfer dye onto the main fabric, so we recommend removing as much moisture as possible with a paper towel or cloth.」

「Washing may weaken it somewhat. You can restore the water repellency to a certain degree with a commercially available waterproofing spray, so we'd suggest testing it on an inconspicuous spot first, and if it doesn't leave a stain, you can spray it over the entire bag.」

・・・

We felt that the brand's stance of wanting to create products closer to both the user and the maker, while drawing on their experience at a bag manufacturer, comes through in the details of the bag. This is a bag that lets you truly feel craftsmanship that values the user's perspective—the meticulous, careful making that is characteristic of Japan.

▼See all NIZYU KANO bags