Bag

Japanese Name

かばん

kaban

Description

A bag (kaban) is a type of container or accessory used to carry personal items, such as money, clothes, books, or electronics. Bags come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and materials, and serve both practical and aesthetic purposes. They are commonly used for daily activities, travel, and special occasions.

Bags have been used since ancient times, with early versions made from animal skins, cloth, or woven plant fibers to carry food and belongings.
In ancient Egypt and Greece, pouches and shoulder bags were common for both men and women.
During the Middle Ages in Europe, small bags called pouches were worn on belts to hold coins and personal items.
By the 16th–17th centuries, more decorative handbags appeared, often embroidered and carried as fashion items.
In the 19th century, with the rise of rail travel, sturdier bags and leather cases such as the modern handbag and briefcase were developed.
Today, bags are essential worldwide, serving practical, fashion, and cultural purposes in countless styles and materials.