Bolca Randoseru Guide: Bolca, Bolca Grayish or Leather Bolca?
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Comparing Japanese school bags for Hong Kong P1 and finding three Bolca models? This guide explains how Bolca, Bolca Grayish and Leather Bolca differ, so parents choosing a 日本小學書包 or a 工房系書包 from Murase Kabanko can decide by weight, material, inner gusset and HKD price.
What the Bolca series is
Bolca (model AB720) is a randoseru from Murase Kabanko, a Nagoya maker that sews its school bags in its own workshop. Murase describes Bolca as a hybrid: the body uses L-fort, a Japanese-made artificial leather that recreates the look of leather grain, while the back pad and the underside of the shoulder straps use high-grade soft cowhide.
Leather Bolca keeps the same outer shape but switches the body to cowhide. Bolca Grayish is the Bolca build offered in muted, greyish colours. Murase's own page notes that its "classic, relaxed" greyish colours are popular.
Bolca series at a glance
| Model | Body material | Weight (approx.) | Outer size (cm) | Inner gusset | Price on our store |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bolca | L-fort artificial leather | 1,290 g | H34 × W26.5 × D21 | 12.5 cm, plus a middle gusset that expands to about 3 cm | HK$5,999 |
| Bolca Grayish | L-fort artificial leather | 1,290 g | H34 × W26.5 × D21 | 12.5 cm | HK$3,500 |
| Leather Bolca | Cowhide Strong #09 | 1,450 g | H34 × W26.5 × D21 | 14 cm | HK$6,500 |
All three have soft cowhide on the back pad and strap lining, hold A4 flat files and come with a six-year repair warranty. Prices are those listed on our store when this article was published.
Bolca: the lighter all-rounder
At about 1,290 g, Bolca is 160 g lighter than Leather Bolca. Murase says the L-fort surface has a urethane finish that resists scratches about as well as genuine leather. It also handles rain well, and its matte finish helps it resist dirt. On the official page, a Murase store staff member says Bolca is the model they recommend first, because it is not as heavy as full leather but keeps the same functions.
The cowhide back and strap lining are breathable and absorb moisture, which matters in Hong Kong's humid months. Murase also lists memory-foam cushioning in these parts and hand stitching where the shoulder straps and lower belts take the most force.
See colours and full specs on the Bolca Randoseru page.
Bolca Grayish: same build, softer colours
Bolca Grayish uses the same L-fort body, soft cowhide back, outer size and approximate weight. The difference you will notice is colour. The six shades on our store are Charcoal, Cinnamon, Rum Raisin, Sand Beige, Indigo and Olive. These muted tones suit children who prefer a quieter look. Our colour guide covers how to choose a colour that lasts.
It is also the lowest-priced Bolca on our store. View it on the Bolca Grayish page.
Leather Bolca: cowhide with an easy-care finish
Leather Bolca uses Cowhide Strong #09. Murase explains that this leather has a waterproof urethane finish, so it resists rain and scratches while keeping leather's strength against tearing and losing shape. Its feel also develops with use. Murase says no leather cream is needed; after rain, simply wipe the bag dry when you get home.
The trade-off is weight: about 1,450 g. In return you get a cowhide body and a slightly deeper 14 cm inner gusset. Two colour ranges are listed: Leather Bolca (Multi-colour) and Leather Bolca (New Multi-colour).
Which Bolca suits your child?
Choose Bolca if
Your child is small for P1 or has a long walk to school, and you want the lightest option with the expandable middle gusset.
Choose Bolca Grayish if
You want the same light build at a lower price, and your child likes muted, grown-up colours.
Choose Leather Bolca if
You prefer a genuine leather body, can accept the extra 160 g, and like the deeper gusset for bulky folders.
For weights across all our models, see the weight guide. If you are new to workshop bags, start with how to choose a Japanese workshop randoseru.
Buying a Bolca in Hong Kong
Delivery takes 7–14 business days for both Hong Kong and overseas orders. Local pickup is not offered. If a colour shows 0 stock, you can still pre-order it: the bag is made in Japan and we confirm the delivery date by email. For returns, the customer pays the return shipping.
Not sure about size or colour? Contact us with your child's height and school book list, and we will help you compare.