TOKYO, Dec 15 (News On Japan) –
Eco bags became a daily necessity after Japan introduced mandatory charges for plastic shopping bags in July 2020, yet many consumers still found it surprisingly troublesome to fold them neatly, a frustration that helped propel the rise of a product that not only solves this inconvenience but has now captured the attention of both Japanese and overseas buyers, with sales of the series reaching 17 million units.
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Called the Shupatto—named for the sound and motion of folding it in a single swift pull—the bag went viral on social media and is now sold in 34 countries.
The company behind this remarkably simple yet highly practical design is Marna, a household goods manufacturer based in Tokyo’s Sumida Ward. With a history spanning more than 150 years, the firm has repeatedly delivered hit products, including a fish-shaped kitchen sponge that sold 40 million units and a seasoning pot that prevents sugar from hardening due to humidity. Although Marna employs only 76 people, it expects to generate 8 billion yen in revenue this fiscal year.
How has a long-established company continued to produce hit after hit in the seemingly unglamorous world of everyday household goods? At the heart of its success lies a philosophy passed down through generations and a wave of reforms led by its young fifth-generation president, revealing a challenger’s spirit embedded within a traditional manufacturer.
Source: テレ東BIZ
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: newsonjapan.com
