PORTER was launched in 1962 as Yoshida & Co.’s original brand. The brand became synonymous with high-quality, "Made in Japan” bags that wear well over time. The name PORTER was inspired by hotel porters who recognize quality bags, having spent their livelihoods handling them. Yoshida & Co. was founded by Kichizo Yoshida in 1935. Deeply affected by his experience of lugging around his belongings on his shoulders after the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, Kichizo’s guiding principle for Yoshida & Co. is that first and foremost, bags should be functional tools to help carry things.