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Muji’s Japan-Exclusive Aluminum Luggage Might Be Worth Its Own Round Trip

Designed by one of the world’s most influential designers, this aluminum suitcase certainly shines.

black muji suitcaseMuji

By Jack Seemer

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With a name that quite literally translates to “no brand, quality goods,” Muji makes a wide swath of everyday items for the home, office and travel. But you might not know if you’ve only stepped into one of its satellite stores in the US.

That’s because some of the Japanese retailer’s best products never leave its own shores, where Muji stores can be as large as Walmarts, and the SKUs go well beyond pens and diffusers.

Case in point: Muji’s elegant aluminum suitcase, first introduced in 2017 and back for a second run, not to mention a sophmore color: matte black.

black muji suitcase
First released in 2017, Muji’s Japan-exclusive aluminum suitcase returns in a matte-black colorway.
Muji

High design

As is standard in Mujiland, the suitcase is free of any branding or maker’s mark. However, it re-enters the retailer’s catalog by way of the renowned industrial designer Naoto Fukusawa, whose creations also extend Herman Miller, Alessi and Hay.

Muji CD player
Naoto Fukusawa’s wall-mounted CD player (pictured) resides in MoMA’s permanent collection.
Muji

Bloomberg once deemed Fukusawa among the “world’s most influential designers,” and he is responsible for some of Muji’s best-known creations, including its plain-white electric kettle and a wall-mounted CD player that resides in MoMA’s permanent collection.

When it comes to the aluminum suitcase, it generally follows the form of Muji’s standard polycarbonate suitcases (also designed by Fukusawa). However, it replaces that bag’s main compartment’s zipper for dual TSA locks — not unlike Rimowa’s iconic aluminum carry-on.

black muji suitcase
TSA locks replace the zipper, as seen on Muji’s standard polycarbonate suitcases.
Muji

Other features include interior dividers with compression straps; dual-wheel casters on the bottom four corners; and a three-stage telescoping handle, with additional carry handles on two of the sides.

black muji suitcase
Carry handles adorn two sides of the suitcase.
Muji

Pricing and availability

Muji may never end up importing the suitcase, which comes in both a 34- and 60-liter capacity. In fact, that seems like the most likely outcome here, especially with aluminum tariffs looming globally.

But with a favorable conversion rate, the piece of luggage might just be one more reason to book that bucket-list trip to Japan. Prices start at 79,000 Japanese yen (roughly $530).

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