More specifically, this bag is made of "Kurashiki-hanpu", which means hanpu, or canvas cloth, made in Kurashiki-shi, Okayama prefecture. There are some places famous for the manufacture of canvas in Japan, and Kurashiki is the largest production area where about 70% of domestic canvas product is manufacutured, according to the website of Kurashiki Local Resources Museum (the website is written in Japanese only). The site says canvas has been manufactured in Kurashiki since the last years of Edo-period - around 1860!
Canvas was originally used for making sails, but now it is often used in bags like this one. When I bought it, the salesperson at the shop smiled and told me, "I love this because it is really durable and has its unique flavor. I am sure you will love it more as you use it longer." I am looking forward to seeing how it changes with time.
