Kabankobo Yamamoto Co., Ltd. (Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture / President Kazunobu Yamamoto), a manufacturer and retailer of school backpacks based in Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture, has summarized the sales trends for school backpacks aimed at students entering elementary school in April 2027.
In recent years, more families are choosing school backpacks based on their child's personal preferences rather than traditional gender-based color norms such as "black for boys, pink for girls." This shift is evident in the sales data for backpacks intended for 2027入学.
For boys: Black remains standard, but diversification is underway
Black continues to be the most popular color for boys' backpacks.
However, compared to models for 2026入学, the proportion of black backpacks selected has decreased from 55% to 45%, indicating a shift toward greater color diversity.
This year, the silver-black combination featured in the new "Rayblack Special" series attracted significant attention. It ranked highly in product-specific rankings, reflecting growing interest in silver-toned colors.
〈Top-Rated School Backpacks for Boys〉
Rayblack (Black × Blue)
Kokuzan (Black)
Rayblack Special (Silver × Black)
Rayblack (Black × Red)
Brownie (Navy)
The "Rayblack (Black × Blue)" model, which consistently receives high support, ranked first among boys' favorites. Its popularity stems from the ability to express individuality through blue accent colors while maintaining a black base.
It appeals to both the parents' sense of security in choosing black and children's desire to express a bit of personality, making it a top choice for many families year after year.
In second place is "Kokuzan (Black)," known for its structured form. Its sophisticated, adult-like appearance and simple, gender-neutral design have earned strong support.
Third place went to the newly launched "Rayblack Special (Silver × Black)." Positioned as a fresh option, it combines the classic black base with silver accents to express a sense of "coolness."
» View all popular boys' backpacks
For girls: Lavender takes first place, icy blue gains prominence
For girls' backpacks, purple-toned colors remain the most popular.
At the same time, icy blue shades are gaining support comparable to purple, emerging as a strong second favorite.
Even traditionally popular pink shades are seeing increased preference for softer, brighter tones, indicating a broader trend toward pastel colors.
Reflecting current girls' preferences, the product lineup now includes a wide range of pastel-colored options.
〈Top-Rated School Backpacks for Girls〉
Fiore Cosmos (Lavender)
Twinkle Heart (Purple)
Raffine (Ice Blue)
Raffine (Mint Blue)
Twinkle Heart (Ash Pink)
The remodeled "Fiore Cosmos (Lavender)" ranked first among girls' favorites this season. Originally a long-standing series, Fiore Cosmos has been updated to match today's girls' tastes. It retains its elegant charm through cosmos motifs and wave-shaped stitching while evolving into a more vibrant and contemporary design.
"Twinkle Heart (Purple)" followed in second place, with refreshing, bright colors like lavender and icy blue dominating the top rankings.
"Twinkle Heart (Ash Pink)" ranked fifth, indicating that more families are choosing colors with greater transparency and softer, nuanced tones compared to traditional backpacks.
» View all popular girls' backpacks
Why the spotlight on silver? The appeal lies in children's aspirations and parents' peace of mind
[New Product] Rayblack Special (Silver × Black)
An increasing number of boys are drawn to metallic colors like silver and gold, finding them "cool" and stylish.
At the same time, parents value backpacks that are not too flashy, given they will be used for six years.
Silver strikes a balance: it fulfills children's desire for a cool look while offering a subdued, reassuring appearance for parents. Additionally, more families now wish to respect their child's personal color preferences, further boosting silver's popularity.
Kabankobo Yamamoto developed its silver backpacks with this balance in mind—catering to children who want a "cool silver backpack" and parents concerned about excessive flashiness. The design carefully combines a calm silver tone with a refined black accent. Many parents have expressed feedback such as, "This silver feels safe and appropriate."
Toward a backpack selection that values individuality
At Kabankobo Yamamoto, we believe that when children choose their own backpack, they are more likely to cherish and carefully use it for all six years of elementary school.
Color plays a crucial role in influencing children's emotions during backpack selection.
For the 2027入学 models, we offer a total of 35 colors and approximately 90 series. New colors such as silver, custard yellow, and denim gray have been added.
Moving forward, we will continue to support families in choosing the perfect backpack by offering diverse color options and high-quality craftsmanship, helping each child find the one that feels just right.
» Choose backpacks by color
School backpacks for 2027入学
Backpacks for April 2027入学 are available through the official website,直营 stores, nationwide exhibitions, and partner department stores.
At the Nara main store, factory tours are also offered, allowing visitors to experience the craftsmanship firsthand while selecting a backpack.
» Full backpack lineup
»直营 stores and exhibitions
» Partner stores
Company Overview
Delivering school backpacks from our Nara workshop with the concept of "A child's first lifelong possession."
Kabankobo Yamamoto Co., Ltd.
Address: 899 Minamiuma-cho, Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture
Representative: President Kazunobu Yamamoto
Founded: 1949
Established: 2006
Business: Manufacturing and sales of school backpacks, bags, and leather goods; agriculture
Website: https://www.kabankobo.com/
Instagram: @kabankobo_yamamoto
Customer inquiries: rando@kabankobo.com
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: Survey