It’s hard to believe it’s already been five years since I started my journey toward minimalism. While I’ve pared down my belongings, I’ve also made sure not to lose the “me” that loved collecting things as a former maximalist. Today, I’m sharing the carefully chosen items that keep both sides of me happy.
First, the bag itself. I stumbled upon this black faux-leather tote from index at a station building near me and snagged it for around 2,000 yen during a sale. It’s water-resistant, keeps its shape, and opens and closes smoothly with a magnetic button. Practical and stylish, it’s become one of my favorites.
What matters most to me—both at work and in daily life—is being able to carry everything I need in one place and access it instantly. Staying true to my maximalist roots, I deck out my keychains for fun! They pop beautifully against the sleek black bag and sometimes even spark conversations at the office.
Inside, I make sure every item stands upright. I rely on my trusty DAISO inner bag to organize things so that each item is just one motion away.
Here’s a numbered breakdown of my essentials—the loyal companions I can’t do without:
- Folding Umbrella (wpc. / ¥3,300)
Purchased at the same station building as my bag. Simple, classy, and cute♡ - Thermos (Zojirushi / ¥4,158)
Possibly last year’s best buy: a seamless bottle that’s incredibly easy to clean. I use it for hot water both at home and at the office. - Bag-in-Bag (DAISO / ¥330)
A lifesaver for larger bags that tend to accumulate pouches. When switching bags, I just move this one item, saving time. - Strawberry Tissue Case & Pouch (Bleu Bleuet / price unknown)
After a long search, I finally found my perfect tissue case while out. Too cute to resist! The pouch holds bandages and regular medicine. - Strawberry Coin Case (Bleu Bleuet / ¥1,540)
Picked up alongside the tissue case. I couldn’t resist its charm. I store camera button batteries inside. - UV-Cut Glasses (GU / ¥1,290)
Black sunglasses don’t suit me, but these thin blue-lens ones fit perfectly. The case is a simple find from a 100-yen store. - Glasses (JINS / ¥5,500)
I usually go without them, but they’re essential at night or when driving. The case matches my sunglasses in a different color. - MINTIA Mints
Spicy enough to wake me up—my go-to refreshment during office hours. - 4-Color Ballpoint Pen + Mechanical Pencil (uni / ¥1,100)
My beloved JETSTREAM. I had my name engraved on my favorite color body and treasure it. - 5-Color Ballpoint Pen (PILOT / price unknown)
Another favorite, HI-TEC. Its cute body and colorful ink always lift my mood. - Cutter (100-yen store)
Slim and surprisingly versatile—better than scissors in my opinion. - Wristwatch (CASIO / ¥2,160)
A lifesaver during certification exams. The rubber strap resists water, and the smoky blue color is gorgeous. - Folding Comb (100-yen store)
The most convenient, so I keep one around the house. - Hanko Stamp (Rakuten / ¥790)
A must for working at a Japanese company. The one-touch design is super efficient. - Roll-On Perfume (Fiancée / ¥1,100)
For etiquette and a quick mood boost during desk work. The scent: universally appealing Pure Shampoo. - Tinted Lip Balm (Rohto Pharmaceutical / ¥693)
My only “touch-up” item. Perfect for a quick application after meals while out. - Alcohol Sanitizer Gel (¥350)
A must-have since COVID, and it’s made in Japan. - Handkerchief (JR / ¥770)
I fell in love with the embroidered Shinkansen at Tokyo Station and bought all three designs, rotating them daily. - iPhone SE 3rd Generation (Rakuten / ¥45,800)
I love that it fits in one hand. Inside the transparent case, I tucked a tram ticket from my first day in the Czech Republic. - Valuables Case (100-yen store)
I couldn’t resist the relaxed dolphin embroidery. Everything important goes in here. - B6 Ring Notebook & Cover (purchase location/price unknown)
Drawn to the sparkling blue cover. I slip a regular notebook inside for instant note-taking. - Folding Mirror (ANNA SUI / ¥3,850)
An Anna Sui mirror that brightens my mood just by having it. - Toothbrush Case (100-yen store)
Keeps dentist-approved toothpaste, toothbrush, floss, and retainer neat and clean.
Bag in 2025
All 23 items—a lineup that balances love and practicality, shaping the current me. A person’s bag contents reflect their lifestyle, and mine will continue to evolve. Stay tuned for the next upgrade of my “bag essentials”!