Starting P1 in September 2027: When to Choose a Japanese School Bag
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If your child starts Primary One in Hong Kong in September 2027, when should you choose a Japanese school bag? This guide sets out a simple timeline for Hong Kong parents comparing 日本書包, 日本小學書包 and 工房系書包. It follows the 2027 Primary One Admission calendar and shows how ordering from a Japanese workshop fits around it.
Key dates for a September 2027 P1 start
The Education Bureau's 2027 Primary One Admission calendar gives parents several fixed points to plan around.
| Date | Primary One Admission step | What to do about the school bag |
|---|---|---|
| 23 Nov 2026 | Discretionary Places results released | Shortlist two or three models by weight and size |
| 18–24 Jan 2027 | Central Allocation school choices (ePOA) | Decide on colour and material; ask about pre-order timing |
| 2–3 Jun 2027 | Central Allocation results | Check the allocated school's bag rules before ordering |
| 10–11 Jun 2027 | Registration at the allocated school | Confirm the bag fits the school's book list and folders |
| September 2027 | First day of P1 | Adjust straps and pack a practice load beforehand |
Dates come from the EDB calendar for 2027 Primary One Admission. Always check the EDB website for any update.
Why Japanese families start early
Japan's school year starts in April. A randoseru labelled for 2027 is therefore made for children entering primary school in April 2027, and Japanese families usually begin researching a year or more in advance.
The randoseru industry association's 2026 purchase survey (1,500 respondents) found that April of the year before school entry was the most common time to start looking, at 16.7%. December of the year before that was 14.9%, and May was 10.5%. In other words, many Japanese parents begin comparing bags more than a year before the first day of school.
For Hong Kong parents, this means the newest colours are in demand in Japan long before September. Murase Kabanko's official site, for example, posts notices when some models have only a few pieces left (残りわずか).
A practical timeline for Hong Kong parents
October to December 2026: research
Use this period to compare weight, outer size and material. Our weight guide lists each model in grams. The A4 and F4 guide explains what fits a Hong Kong P1 book list. If you are new to workshop bags, start with how to choose a Japanese workshop randoseru.
January to March 2027: decide and reserve
Once you have a shortlist, let your child choose the colour. The same survey shows that "a colour the child likes" is consistently one of the top factors for parents. If the colour you want is out of stock, it can still be pre-ordered. Pre-order bags are made in Japan, and we confirm the delivery date by email rather than giving a fixed promise.
June 2027: check the school's rules
Some Hong Kong schools publish their own requirements for school bags. After the Central Allocation results on 2–3 June, read the school's information before you place a final order.
July to August 2027: in-stock orders and fitting
In-stock bags are delivered in about 7–14 business days in Hong Kong. Please leave time for a fitting at home before September. The randoseru industry association recommends having the child actually try the bag on, because a bag that does not fit can make the straps dig into the shoulders.
In stock vs pre-order: what to expect
| Item | In stock | Pre-order (0 stock) |
|---|---|---|
| Where it is made | Japan | Japan |
| Delivery | About 7–14 business days | Date confirmed by email |
| Best time to order for September 2027 | June to August 2027 | Early 2027 |
| Local pickup | Not offered | Not offered |
Return shipping is paid by the customer, so it is worth confirming size and colour before ordering. For children's models, see our warranty article for what the 6-year repair warranty covers.
Which collection to start with
- Japanese school bags for kids: the full children's range from Murase Kabanko.
- Lightweight artificial leather randoseru: Clarino and L-fort models for children who need a lighter bag.
- Leather randoseru for kids: cowhide models for families who prefer a 日本皮革書包.
Murase Kabanko was founded in Nagoya in 1957 and makes randoseru and other bags. Every model in our store is made in Japan.
Need help planning?
Tell us your child's start date, school and preferred colours, and we can check stock or pre-order options for you. Contact CraftSupply Kaban.