PLUS Supports Schoolchildren Beyond School Entry: Donates 51 Lightweight 'Pakkaru' Open-Top Backpacks to Social Welfare Organization

PLUS Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Tadahisa Imaizumi) donated 51 units of its lightweight, open-top backpack 'Pakkaru' to the Aftercare Division of Osaka Children's Welfare Association, a social welfare corporation, on May 22, 2026. The donated 'Pakkaru' backpacks will be sequentially presented to children at multiple child welfare facilities across Osaka Prefecture through the division.

Photo: Mr. Kiji Iyama, Director of Osaka Children's Welfare Association, with children from Minamikawa Gakuen

This initiative aims to reduce the physical and economic burdens faced by children living in child care institutions during their commute to school. It also challenges the traditional notion that 'a randoseru (school backpack) must be purchased at school entry and used for six years,' proposing a new model of 'school support not limited to school entry'—allowing flexible selection of school supplies based on children’s growth and living circumstances.

In recent years, elementary school students carry increasing numbers of items such as textbooks, tablet devices, and water bottles, leading to physical strain known as 'randoseru syndrome.' While demand for reassessing school bags mid-way through elementary school is growing, children in child care institutions often face difficulties acquiring appropriate school supplies at the right time.

PLUS has supported the Aftercare Division’s independent living support programs since 2024 through ongoing stationery donations. In April 2026, the company conducted its third such donation.

The newly donated 'Pakkaru' backpack features a lightweight design of approximately 750g and a full-opening zipper structure that eliminates the traditional randoseru's 'kabuse' (front flap), making it easier to load and unload items. Designed for use beyond school commutes, it supports personalized school and daily life styles for each child.

For the donation, PLUS collaborated with facility staff to select colors based on the children’s ages and preferences.

■ Key Features of the Lightweight Open-Top Backpack 'Pakkaru'

・Approximately 750g lightweight design

・Full-opening zipper structure for smooth access to contents

・Equipped with tablet storage and water bottle pockets, suitable for modern learning environments

・Winner of the 2024 '18th Kids Design Award'

■ Product Overview

Product Name: Lightweight Open-Top Backpack 'Pakkaru'

Weight: Approx. 750g (excluding dividers)

Colors: 6 total

Product Page: https://bungu.plus.co.jp/special/st/packal/

PLUS will continue to support children's learning and daily lives through its products and services.

PLUS Co., Ltd. Sustainability Page

https://www.plus.co.jp/sustainability/

*The information in this press release is current as of the date of publication and is subject to change without notice.