Muji’s little triangular pouch is perfect for attaching to your favorite tote or satchel

We know charms for bags are trending. And not just any danglies. The item to carry is a plushie, preferably big enough to be noticed. They are, however, not large enough to be hugged, but can fit the palm to be squeezed. The thing is, when practically every bag you see whenever you are out, are hung with not one, but a coterie of the creature du jour, such as Labubus and the like, they have become, dare we say, a tad jelak—overly satiated—for us the beholders. That is why when we spotted this little Muji pouch, we thought we found the perfect bag companion (a la Miu Miu?) that is not an expensive stuffed toy that came out of a blind box.

The Muji piece is really a miniaturised azuma bukuro (東袋), also known as the bento bag, commonly seen in Japan. First made in the eastern part of the country during the Edo Period (1603—1868), the azuma bukuro is enjoying such a rejuvenation in the land of its birth that even the Margiela sub-brand MM6 has developed a version of it that has become an “emblematic accessory”, with different colours and sizes each season, including versions with the American outdoor bag label Eastpak. The Muji version is however, less fancy, but not less charming. And a lot more affordable.

It is no bigger than your palm (okay, maybe your boyfriend’s), but it is capacious enough to hold a smartphone and even a wallet. As the handle comes with a slide-release buckle, it could be unfastened for easy attachment to any bag strap (or even belt loop!). This mini azuma bukuro is especially handy for storing things that have to be within reach, which makes it the ideal companion to a tote. It is also a better carrier for the stuffed creatures you may wish to have near you, rather than those see-through plastic housing that is so curiously adored.

Muji Mini Water-Repellent One-Shoulder Bag, SGD14.90, is available at Muji, island-wide. Photo: Jim Sim