Japanese men carrying purse

[Homerduff]

This isn't something you just see now and then; each man on the streets in Japan (or at least Tokyo) carries some sort of bag or even a purse with them.

It has even been this severe, that whenever I saw a man WITHOUT bag/purse, I immediatly felt that something was missing..

My question is; what's inside it ?

What's so special that they have to carry it with them all the time ? Why not put your cellphone and wallet just inside your pants pocket ?

You can fantasize if you want..

 

[nice gaijin]

I used to be a wallet/key/cellphone only kind of guy, but I have to say that having a bag is a pretty practical thing, regardless of the sexist preconceptions that come with being seen with one. I'd carry my phone, keys, wallet, handkerchief, pens, notepad, bottle of water, maybe some snacks and my DS. The bag also comes in handy if you buy something small and don't want to carry it around all day in your hand. It also frees up your pockets, which is kind of liberating

 

[Grandpa Frank]

I use an L.L. Bean backpack to look more manly, LOL.

I lug it one handed instead of putting it on my back. Probably a big shoulder strap purse type bag would be much more practical, but in Maine I would get laughed at or beat up.

Uncle Frank

 

[Goldiegirl]

I don't mind guys with like messenger bags, brief cases, back packs etc, but a Louis Vuitton purse just ain't right!

 

[bakaKanadajin]

I recently gave-in and bought myself a man-bag.
I got it at VAT, if anyone's familiar with that outlet.
At any rate, I tried to pick the most masculine thing there, just because although I have no problem with Japanese guys using man-purses I prefer something a little closer to what I'm used to. There are extents to which my 'when in Rome' will go lol.

I got a kind of canvas satchel bag, something Indiana Jones might carry around, but it has brown leather and brass buckles. So, kind of like, Indiana Jones on a Saturday night, maybe. It goes nicely with just about anything I wear to work and the strap is long enough to wear cross-wise which is how I like it, as opposed to on one shoulder.

I also have a holster that I use sometimes. It's one of those hip-slung satchel bags that you see hair stylists and barbers with, where they put all their scissors and junk in. They were popular a little while ago, but you see them less-so now. I got it because I like the look regardless of whether it's currently 'in' or not. It's alot more like a purse though, because I use it strictly to keep my keys, wallet, phone, gum, coins, etc in. The only difference between it and a woman's purse I guess is that its smaller and looks more like a men's accessory and I wear it hanging off my hip like a holster, vs. off my shoulder like a bag.

Like this, but smaller and no scissors

 

[gaijinalways]

Man purses =murses.

they have become somewhat popular in some parts of Europe, but personally I prefer a backpack or briefcase for other stuff beyond my wallet.

 

[Pachipro]

When I lived and worked in Japan I always carried a shoulder bag as that was the most convenient way tro carry all that I needed including my books, camera and Walkman (I know that dates me!), wallet, lunch, etc. I remember when I returned to the US with it, my sister commented on what a great purse it was!

I tried carrying a man-purse when it became fashionable in the 80's, but I had the habit of always forgetting it on the table or whatever when out in public so I stopped carrying one. Besides, it just didn't feel manly. I'm surprised they are still used today. I know I would never carry one, but I would always have my shoulder-bag for the convenience it offered. Besides, most men had one and still do.

 

[FrustratedDave]

It means you look like a gangster and are on a collecting run. J/K

As my wife put it, it is something that "ossan's" do...

 

[kireikoori]

But a Louis Vuitton purse just ain't right!

Same for a woman then.

Japanese guys wear purses?
I've heard the same said for some Europeans.

Seriously, to hell with this gender role.

 

[Taiko666]

While simply 'testicles, spectacles, wallet and watch' is sufficient for going out in the evening, I nearly always carry around a small backpack during the day. The contents vary according to what I'm up to.

I tried a small man-bag once (in Tokyo), but it just didn't feel right. I made the mistake of wearing it in London once, and my friends thought I'd decided to 'bat for the other team.'

 

[alantin]

Seriously, to hell with this gender role.

There are things that just aren't supposed to be!

I tried a small man-bag once (in Tokyo), but it just didn't feel right. I made the mistake of wearing it in London once, and my friends thought I'd decided to 'bat for the other team.'

They have a name for those bags here that's pretty much in line with how your friends felt: gay-bag

Still.. Having something like what bakaKanadajin introduced could be handy!
Although, There are things that, when done in the wrong places, can be very unhealthy!

I usually carry my laptop with me when I'm at school and also have other things in the bag too. It's a little too big and heavy to be convenient though..

 

[kireikoori]

There are things that just aren't supposed to be!

Yeah, like gender roles.

 

[alantin]

Yeah, like gender roles.

Hmm.. Perhaps you should make a thread or poll of this one! ☝


I don't think that gender roles are a bad thing unless they are used to promote unequality (which, I feel, is being done often enough in the world)

Men and women just aren't meant to be the same and they shouldn't try to be the same. Being different does not mean unequal.

Still, I'm not saying that people need to confine themselves to these roles if they can't fit them.


Make a thread about this and let's see what people think!

 

[bian]

In Japan I have to bring condom all the time

n they dont fit in my pocket
so sometimes i carry a bag
backpacks make me looks like a little kid or a traveler
the normal bag i dont know how to say it makes me looks like a school kid
so the last option is the purse-like bag which is quiet fashionable.

 

[Akakubisan]

As I recall I never had a problem fitting a condom in my pocket, what are you carrying? A full body condom? If so I don't think you have to worry that much.

 

[alantin]

Well.. people come in different shapes and sizes..

 

[DCM_Dan]

A Japanese employer of mine gave me a really nice man-purse a few years back. The thing was Armani or something and (he said) cost Y50,000 !
I tried to carry it for a while, but just couldn't make it a habit. They can be convenient, but like all purses, you start to carry more crap than you actually need...

 

[SpikeDaCruz]

Man carrying purses...is just playing silly...

 

[Ashikaga]

Well, you have to have a certain amount of Chutzpah to get away with carrying a man purse.

Me? I like to have my hands free so I carry a shoulder bag.

 

[KarmaSugababe]

Europeans

Same for a woman then.
Japanese guys wear purses?
I've heard the same said for some Europeans.
Seriously, to hell with this gender role.

It is not common in UK for men to have a man bag like Joey in friends it is just plain weird. If more women's clothes had pockets I would do away wth my handbag.

 

[Davey]

Lol, I find it kind of weird to see teenager boys with pink hair pins in their hair.... but yeah Japanese guys and long hair is also weird IF you compare it to western countries.

 

[dreamer]

Well...in western countries you have lots of boys with long hair...
for example: Surfers, Emos and those Metal fans...

 

[Emoni]

A silly little thread, but highly practical and promotes the importance of the Man-bag!

Honestly, I STILL have my bag that I used in Japan. Beige and scruffy looking. I will carry it to college when I have to visit a teacher or if I need to bring my laptop. While not one to care what others think on fashion, I've never gotten a negative comment about it. I don't carry it EVERYWHERE, but if I have a need to carry things I'll bring the ******. (Holy crap, the word s-u-c-k-e-r is censored here? Um why?)

I do need to wash it... the poor thing never has been washed. It's traveled all of East Asia, been thrown up on, has metal bits sticking out and torn in places...

 

[Emoni]

Wow, that looks like something an efficient serial killer would sport. Not that you are one, but it looks a bit spooky!

 

[Davey]

Well...in western countries you have lots of boys with long hair...
for example: Surfers, Emos and those Metal fans...

But those boys don't stand in front of the mirror all the time.