Clothing Volume Reduced by 90% in 40 Seconds — A New Idea: "Fully Automatic Compression Bag" with Built-in Pump Appears on Makuake

ONIGIRI LLC (Location: Ebisu Nishi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Representative Partner: Mami Aoki) will begin pre-sale of 'MIGARU,' a novel bag with a built-in pump that automatically compresses clothing with the press of a button, on the crowdfunding service 'Makuake' starting April 14, 2026. This product fundamentally changes the concept of packing by reducing clothing volume by up to 90%*1, addressing the escalating 'luggage problem' due to the recovery of travel demand post-COVID and the lengthening of business trips. The name 'MIGARU' is derived from the Japanese word 'migaru' (身軽), meaning light or unburdened. It carries the wish for users to be freed from luggage constraints and enjoy their travels lightly. *This project is a pre-sale campaign through the crowdfunding service 'Makuake'. Delivery times for returns may be subject to change. ## Development Background: The 'Traveler's Luggage Problem' Shown by Data In travel and business trips, 'luggage preparation' is a source of stress for many people. Multiple survey data points highlight the severity of this issue. ### Approximately 70% of Travelers Feel Stress During Preparation According to the 'Travel Planning Awareness Survey' (2018, targeting 600 women aged 20-40 nationwide) conducted by Tabi Kobo, approximately 70% felt that planning and preparing for trips is 'time-consuming' or 'difficult.' The top cause of stress was 'too much information and too many options' (66.7%). What to pack, what to leave behind—the 'choice fatigue' of travel preparation is a major factor that detracts from the enjoyment of a trip. Source: Tabi Kobo Survey (June 2018, targeting 600 women aged 20-40 nationwide) https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000001.000034728.html ### Average Business Trip Duration Lengthens from 8.8 to 10.2 Days According to 'Travel Trends 2025' published by the Mastercard Economic Institute in May 2025, business trips from the US to the Asia-Pacific region have seen an increase in average duration from 8.8 days before the pandemic to 10.2 days. While the frequency of business trips is decreasing, the duration per trip is lengthening, leading to an increase in the amount of clothing needed. The contradiction of 'wanting to reduce luggage but being unable to' troubles business professionals. https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000115.000037691.html ### 42% of Millennials Respond That Travel Preparation is 'One of Life's Biggest Stresses' According to the 'Net Lag Survey' (conducted by One Poll, targeting 7,800 people in 26 countries) published by Hotels.com in 2019, 42% of millennial travelers responded that planning and researching a trip is 'one of life's biggest stresses.' Furthermore, 33% reported having booked the wrong trip due to 'research fatigue.' Travel preparation stress is a serious challenge across generations. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/net-lag-is-real-over-forty-percent-of-millennials-say-researching-a-vacation-is-overwhelming-300810426.html ### 'Addition and Subtraction' — The Essential Challenges of Travel Preparation Travel preparation concerns can be broadly divided into two categories. **Addition Concerns**: 'I need this, I need that'—the desire to pack more and more items. **Subtraction Concerns**: 'It doesn't fit. I have to give something up.' MIGARU solves the 'subtraction concern.' By reducing clothing volume by up to 90%*1, the need to 'give something up because it doesn't fit' is eliminated. By removing the constraints of subtraction, the freedom of addition—that is, the state of 'being able to bring everything you need'—is realized. ## Comparison with Existing Solutions *Values are reference values based on our own measurements. ## Product Overview: Features of 'MIGARU' ### Built-in Pump for Fully Automatic Compression The bag has a built-in pump, so an external pump is not required. Simply put your clothes in, close the zipper, and press the button. It sucks out the air and compresses the clothes in approximately 40 seconds*2. ### Large Capacity 38L & Full Open Design The L size offers a large capacity of 38L. Its three-sided full-open structure allows for smooth packing and unpacking of clothes. It can store approximately 21 T-shirts. An M size, compliant with carry-on regulations, is also available. ### High Quality and Durability It features IPX7 waterproof and dustproof performance, fabric made from highly durable nylon material, and cordless operation via USB Type-C charging. It also has a handle, allowing it to be carried as is after compression. *The pump's operating sound is designed to be at a level that is not noticeable even in a hotel room. ### Product Specifications ### How to Use: 3 Steps STEP 1: Put in clothes and close the zipper (easy to pack due to full open design). STEP 2: Press the button (hands-free automatic compression, approx. 40 seconds*2). STEP 3: Done. Place in your suitcase or carry it as is. It can be used not only by frequent business travelers but also by those who want to compress bulky children's clothes for family trips, those who want to enjoy weekend getaways lightly without a carry-on case, and those who want to minimize storage space during seasonal wardrobe changes. ## Makuake Project Overview *This project is a pre-sale campaign through the crowdfunding service 'Makuake'. Delivery times for returns may be subject to change. ## Development Story The developer was himself a business person who traveled for business 2-3 times a month. The recurring dilemma of 'addition and subtraction' with each packing session—what to bring and what to give up. The realization that the packing system needed to change was the origin of its development. Representative Aoki reflects on the inspiration for development: 'Manual compression bags ultimately involve forcefully pushing out air. Every time I packed for the return trip at a hotel during a business trip, I wondered if there wasn't an easier way.' At an exhibition in 2025, he encountered a small electric pump, which sparked the idea: 'Could this be built into a bag?' After numerous trials and errors balancing the miniaturization of the pump, waterproofing, and durability, the compression bag was completed, freeing users from being bound by preparation time. *1 Measurement values obtained by our company when compressing 5 T-shirts (100% cotton) in the M size. Varies depending on the type and material of clothing. *2 Varies depending on the type and quantity of clothing. ## List of Data Sources Cited in This Release ## Company Overview ## Inquiries Regarding This Matter ONIGIRI LLC Public Relations: Uozumi / Hasegawa TEL: 080-3945-6017 / E-mail: hello@onigiri-japan.jp ## Press Kit Product images (high resolution), logo data, infographic materials, and compression demo videos can be downloaded from the following link. Download URL: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ENDRW1B7KBIiIpambcRinAvu44z12Qce?usp=sharing *Product samples are also available for loan. If you are interested, please contact us at the above contact information.