Yoshida&Co.'s Masterpiece: The "ALL NEW TANKER"

The TANKER's History of Continuous Updates

The "TANKER" series has been deeply penetrated not only in the fashion scene but also in the overall lifestyle such as business, travel, and sports, etc. In 2024, the series will be reborn under the concept of "ALL NEW TANKER - nothing changes, everything changes In 2024, the "TANKER" series will be reborn under the concept of "ALL NEW TANKER - nothing stays the same, but everything changes. In fact, they have been repeatedly updated in the past. This time, too.Yoshida Kaban's "Porter's Tanker" Trajectory.We spoke with a representative of the Marketing Department following the
 
"At Yoshida&Co., we have a rule that the artisan who made a bag is responsible for repairing it when needed. When we notice similar repair requests coming in repeatedly, we improve the design or reinforce the stitching—essentially updating the product. This is a hidden update process that's only possible because of our repair system. For example, we've updated the zipper pulls and orientation several times over the years," explains the Yoshida&Co. representative.
 
These continuous updates have helped the TANKER series produce numerous long-selling models. Behind this success lies the invisible hard work and evolving techniques of the craftspeople at Yoshida&Co.. The new "ALL NEW TANKER" represents perhaps the most significant reform among these updates.

The "ALL NEW TANKER" paradigm shift in "Tanker

In 2024, "Tanker" underwent a major update. At first glance, it may not seem like much has changed, but in fact, the original fabric, which is its most distinctive feature, has been revamped. This original fabric is made of three layers of beautiful glossy nylon twill and water-repellent nylon tough, which provides a lightweight and soft feel, as well as protection against impact. This has been reborn as 100% plant-derived nylon in the new "Tanker".

Yoshida Kaban launched a project to update "Tanker" to meet the needs of the times as it marks the 40th anniversary of the birth of the product. We met with Toray Industries, one of Japan's leading textile manufacturers. The new fabric is derived from corn and castor. It was the first mass production in the world, so it took a lot of time to develop the fabric," said a Yoshida Kaban representative.

TANKER as "Evolving Tradition"

The new plant-derived nylon fabric emerged after countless trials and errors. In our sustainability-conscious era, this represents an impeccable update. But Yoshida&Co. didn't stop there—numerous other detailed improvements have been implemented.
 
"The 'TANKER' was originally inspired by vintage flight jackets. To recreate that vintage character, we designed the metal parts like buttons to have coatings that would naturally wear away with use, and brand-name tags that would fray over time. With this update, we've completely revised this approach, making the coating more durable and the tags less prone to fraying. This represents another unprecedented update," explains the Yoshida&Co. representative.

It's surprising to see how even the smallest details have been updated. The zipper pulls now have raised tips for smoother operation, and the interior clear pockets are now detachable and usable on their own—making the bags even more functional.

Such user-focused ideas are surely one reason why these products have been loved for so long. Yoshida&Co. will continue to weave its history into the next generation through both minor and major updates.

View Previous Feature

Made in Japan Masterpiece: The Journey of Yoshida&Co.'s "PORTER / TANKER"