What is a Backpack Kanken?
Backpack taken (also known as hanko, palmo, hanko, or simply pack) is a type of Japanese garment. Traditionally, it’s made of a thick cotton fabric and is quite thin at the waist and in the length. One end of the backpack has a button (called zuken) on the back which opens it up. The other end has a hook/tab (called saki tab), which closes the backpack when the wearer is done carrying it. Because of the way it is made, the backpack kanken has the distinction of being one of the oldest known Japanese clothing – believed to have been worn during the 7th Century, possibly much earlier.
The term “backpack” is derived from the Japanese words bakkaku and pungu, both of which mean “carrying”. The phrase, “having a pack on one’s back”, came about due to the backpacks being used by samurai warriors in medieval Japan. Backpack kimono are typically worn by men during afternoon tea sessions, and are a great addition to any business wardrobe.
The common practice among students is to wear a backpack to school, since most backpacks are rectangular in shape. Most college students will carry a backpack, which has either one or two shoulder strap. This is one of the few pieces of college clothing that most people will not want to part with once they graduate.
The backpack has come a long way since the samurai warriors of Japan. It first became popular with the Chinese during the late nineteenth century, where it was often used to carry food and supplies. In Tibet it is called a dalai, which means “robe”. Today, it has become fashionable to wear a backpack everywhere, and is a staple piece of every college student’s closet.
The traditional material used in making a backpack is usually cotton, butravia and silk are also used. Typically, a backpack consists of five to eight small pockets, plus a zipper for attaching the strap to. Some backpacks are more streamlined and have only two compartments. Most backpacks are constructed out of breathable, waterproof materials, but one should make sure that it has enough space for all the items in the backpack. A backpack should be able to accommodate at least one laptop computer, a change of clothes and some personal items such as wallet and cell phone.
If the backpack is made of good-quality denim then one can enjoy the ride for years. Usually a backpack has three or four rows of strong fabric stitched together. There are a couple of disadvantages in owning a backpack. Since it is a bag, it is quite heavy and might be hard to maneuver. Another disadvantage is that it is much harder to clean than a bag. Most Japanese prefer to carry their backpack in a straight position rather than at an angle, which also make it easier to walk.