Inspired by the world’s most creative capital cities, Japanese lifestyle brand MAMIMU launches a collection of urban-friendly tote bags

Home and lifestyle brand MAMIMU makes its debut with the brand’s Manhole City Tote Collection. With each product named after three iconic cities, Tokyo, London and New York, the collection is tailored towards design-conscious urban nomads who live in a postmodern world. 

MAMIMU is the brainchild of award-winning Japanese graphic designer June Mineyama-Smithson, whose optimistic outlook on life is translated into cheery and eclectic designs.

Story & Inspiration

The idea for MAMIMU came to June’s mind six years ago when she was living in London. Spending time in a foreign land, it was nostalgia and a longing for home which propelled her to create something that touched her roots and also brought her joy.

During her research, the graphic designer tapped into her Japanese heritage, and more specifically the work of 18th century traditional kimono craftsmen. She was impressed by the work of these artist, who found inspiration in day-to-day life, such as the natural beauty of fish scales, flora and tortoise shells, and later distilled and developed them into iconic patterns. 

Growing up in Tokyo in the late 70s was a time full of groovy patterns... So patterns continually and profoundly influence the way I see the world.

“I am an ardent believer that inspiration and moments of happiness is found everywhere, and that beauty can be discovered in the most ordinary of places. Growing up in Tokyo in the late 70s was a time full of groovy patterns. So I saw textures everywhere – my rice bowl, TV commercials and even my mother’s blouse. So patterns continually and profoundly influence the way I see the world,” June says. 

She channeled this optimistic view of the world, one which is full of ideas, into MAMIMU’s first tote bag collection. Observing her natural surroundings, she studied different elements of design in cities, such as signage and pedestrian crossings, before being drawn to the textures of manhole covers. 

She examined their varying textures and motifs, before developing and incorporating them into a design-conscious and contemporary product that is tailored for the global nomads of postmodern society. This creative process has resulted in a capsule collection of quirky bags that are also representative of the cities they are named after.

Product Highlights

Keeping with its Japanese roots, the Manhole City Tote Collection was developed with the spirit of Omotenashi – the Japanese word for “wholehearted hospitality”. The tote bags have been designed to anticipate the needs of commuters and travellers, whether they are biking to work, riding on the underground tube, or going on a weekend trip. Key features include: 

the collection was developed with the spirit of Omotenashi – the Japanese word for “wholehearted hospitality”

• Padded laptop compartment Tailored towards urban professionals, the tote bag is capable of holding a 15” laptop. The compartment is easily opened with one hand, with a concealment flap for added security. 
• Additional compartment Ideal to store an iPad, notebook or A4 documents.
• Travel-friendly dimensions H42 x W37 x D11 cm (H16.5” x W14.5” x D4.3”). 
• Impressively lightweight at 560g, making this ideal to carry a laptop.
• Emergency pocket A convenient pouch has been added on the bag’s exterior for instant access.
• Three interior pockets of various sizes (14cm, 12cm, 10cm) – Recognising that people carry an assortment of necessities, this feature helps to compartmentalise belongings such as a passport, wallet, phone, sunglasses and keys.

Other Product Features:

• Premium full-grain leather straps
• Constructed from poly canvas, which is rain-proof, durable and easy to clean
• Screen-printed city-inspired designs
• Rose gold hardware detailing on strap fasteners and bottom studs
• Premium full-grain leather backing on rivets & buttons
• Secure magnetic closure

MAMIMU Manhole City Tote Collection is available on: www.mamimutokyo.com

For wholesales and press inquiries please email: [email protected]

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MAMIMU is a home and lifestyle brand founded by Japanese graphic designer June Mineyama-Smithson. The name MAMIMU is derived from the basic building blocks of the Japanese alphabet. It reflects the same creative process that goes into the brand’s designs, where inspirations are similarly distilled to their essential core. The Manhole City Tote Collection marks the brand’s debut launch.