How is the apple leather backpack made from discarded apples to use? A

This time, we interviewed a real user who loves using LOVST TOKYO items. Our first guest, making this a memorable occasion, is Yuha Yoshikawa, Director and COO of V-Cook Inc., who has been using the "Apple Rucksack" 7 days a week even before its renewal.

In the first part, we asked for her honest review of the "Apple Rucksack"! In this second part, we asked Yuha about how she first discovered LOVST TOKYO, what changed after she started using a plant-based vegan leather backpack, and her work and personal rules for working comfortably.

Yuha Yoshikawa

Director and COO of V-Cook Inc., which operates a vegan recipe posting site, a vegan product online store, and a vegan deli subscription service.

She has been a vegan since age 7 and, while in university, managed "Green Rubbits Club," a vegan event business targeting younger generations.

“The 'Apple Rucksack' - my find after searching for a backpack that looks proper”

LOVST TOKYO (hereafter, LOVST): Yuha-san, you've been using the original "Apple Rucksack" since before its renewal, right? What prompted your purchase?

Yuha Yoshikawa (hereafter, Yuha): It was the crowdfunding campaign that LOVST TOKYO was running. I already knew Kaito, the CEO, so there was a desire to support him, but I also bought it because it perfectly met my criteria for a "work bag"!

LOVST: What were your criteria?

Yuha: First, I've been a backpack user since middle school, so it absolutely had to be a backpack. Also, since I use it for business, I wanted a design that would "look proper." That would typically lead to "leather backpacks," but as someone who has been vegan since age 7, I felt uncomfortable carrying real leather products, so they weren't an option.

LOVST: I see. In terms of non-animal materials, did you consider vegan leather that isn't plant-based?

Yuha: There were some designs I liked, but I couldn't find a backpack that also met my functional needs for easy organization and storage of items. So, when I discovered the "Apple Rucksack," which combines both design and functionality, I decided immediately.

LOVST: Thank you! Have there been any changes in your lifestyle or mindset since you started using the "Apple Rucksack"?

Yuha: I feel like it's become easier to communicate with people I meet for work!

LOVST: What do you mean by that?

Yuha: Because of my profession, I often meet people who are involved in or interested in sustainable and vegan businesses, so a plant-based vegan leather backpack is easy to recommend to others. When I tell them, "Actually, this is made from discarded apples," it sparks conversation.

LOVST: That makes me so happy! Do people often seem surprised?

Yuha: Yes, they do. Some people were surprised, saying, "What, it's made from apples?" and even felt the apple leather to check its texture. After all, it's an item I'm satisfied with in terms of material, design, and functionality, so it's easy to recommend.

Ample storage for emergencies: "Yuha's personal rules for working comfortably"

LOVST: Now I'd like to ask about you, Yuha-san. You're currently the COO*¹ of V-Cook Inc., but what are your main responsibilities?

*¹Abbreviation for Chief Operating Officer.

Yuha: I select products to sell on the vegan product e-commerce site "V-Cook Super" and work on improving the store design. I'm also responsible for inventory management systems and streamlining operations to ensure that ordered products are shipped reliably.

LOVST: You handle a wide range of tasks.

Yuha: Yes. Recently, we released "V-Cook Deli," a vegan frozen deli service, in March, so I'm racking my brain to find ways to reach more people.

LOVST: I see…! V-Cook Deli is great because you can easily enjoy three vegan dishes by just heating them in the microwave. Yuha-san, you seem very busy, but what does a typical workday look like for you?

Yuha: Basically, I remote work, and I start working at a cafe near my home around 8-9 AM. Then, around 10-11 AM, I move to my coworking space and continue working.

LOVST: So even on remote work days, you work outside your home.

Yuha: Yes, I find I can focus better on work outside my home. I go out almost every day, whether for work or not, so I can move around lightly with a backpack, and the "Apple Rucksack" is truly invaluable.

LOVST: Thank you! Do you swap the contents of your backpack on workdays versus non-workdays?

Yuha: It's basically the same every day. So, I keep pens, business card holders, etc., in the top zippered pocket as a fixed setup, and my laptop is always left inside.

She always carries her PC in her favorite case.

LOVST: You carry your laptop even on your days off, does that mean you sometimes work on your days off?

Yuha: No, I carry it so I can respond in emergencies. I've decided not to work on my days off, so if I see a lot of notifications on my phone, I think "something must have happened..." and then I deal with it.

LOVST: So you're good at switching between ON and OFF. Do you have any other personal rules for working comfortably?

Yuha: On workdays, I always make a Starbucks in Shibuya my final destination. The Starbucks at Modi is relatively empty and a hidden gem (laughs).

LOVST: It sounds good to have a fixed place to stop by at the end of the day to feel a sense of accomplishment after work.

Yuha: Yes. Recently, a new project started and it was a bit busy, so sticking to my usual routine during such times is really comforting.

LOVST: A new project?

Yuha: Yes. We're currently working on a crowdfunding campaign to launch a vegan bread subscription service and our own bread factory. We're aiming for support from 300 people by July 23rd (Sunday). We're working to create an environment where vegan bread can be easily enjoyed, so we'd be thrilled if anyone interested would support us.

LOVST: It's a wonderful project, isn't it? The LOVST staff also supported it. A diverse set of bread, including melon bread and curry bread, is available, so please check it out. Thank you, Yuha-san!

Click here for the "V-Cook Bakery" crowdfunding campaign.

＜Click here for the first part＞

In the first part, we interviewed Yuha-san, who has been using the "Apple Rucksack" since before its renewal, for her honest review. As a super heavy user who uses it every day, both for work and leisure, we asked her about the features she values and her favorite points!

Please take a look at both parts.