MIGARU: The Fully Automatic Compression Bag for Travel and Home Storage, Launching on Makuake

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MIGARU: The Fully Automatic Compression Bag for Travel and Home Storage

Onigiri LLC (Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Representative: Mami Aoki) announced the launch of “MIGARU,” a fully automatic compression bag with a built-in pump, on the crowdfunding service Makuake starting April 14th. This product aims to solve the problem of compression bags being purchased but then unused, offering a “two-way” solution for both travel and home storage.

The Problem with Traditional Compression Bags

Compression bags are a popular travel item, yet many users stop using them. A proprietary survey conducted by Onigiri LLC in March 2026, which analyzed 312 low-rated reviews for compression bags on major domestic e-commerce sites (Amazon and Rakuten), identified “manual compression effort” as the most frequent complaint.

Low rating review complaints

The survey revealed the top complaints:

  • 1st: Manual compression is troublesome (approximately 31%)

  • 2nd: Zipper/bag damage (as usage increases)

  • 3rd: Not compressing as expected (due to material/clothing type)

  • 4th: Clothes get wrinkled (especially cotton/linen)

  • 5th: Eventually unused (a combination of the above issues)

User feedback indicated frustrations such as the effort required to insert clothes, close zippers, and manually push out air. This suggests the core issue is not the inability to compress, but the excessive effort involved in the process, leading many to abandon them after a few uses.

MIGARU’s Solution: 3 Steps, Approximately 40 Seconds

MIGARU addresses these issues with its built-in pump, automating the compression process into three simple steps:

  1. Insert clothes and close the zipper: The bag features a three-sided full-open design for easy loading.
  2. Press the button: The internal pump automatically compresses the contents. This hands-free process takes approximately 40 seconds (may vary depending on clothing type and volume).
  3. Completion: Once compressed, the bag is ready to be placed in a suitcase.

This eliminates the need for external pumps, manual air expulsion, or strenuous effort to close zippers. Users can proceed with other preparations while MIGARU works automatically.

Comparison table

Beyond Travel: MIGARU for Home Storage

MIGARU’s utility extends beyond travel to home clothing storage. A 2022 survey by Daiwa House Industry found that 31% of respondents reported insufficient storage during seasonal wardrobe changes, and 52% expressed a desire to avoid seasonal changes if they had enough storage.

Urban areas, in particular, face severe space constraints. According to the 2018 Housing and Land Survey by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the average floor area per dwelling in Tokyo is 65.18 m², which is approximately 71% of the national average of 92.06 m² and less than half of Toyama Prefecture’s 143.57 m².

Housing area comparison

Using MIGARU, clothing volume can be reduced by up to 90% (based on company measurements for 5 cotton T-shirts in a M-sized bag; results may vary). Bulky winter items like sweaters and down jackets become compact, significantly freeing up closet space.

“Two-Way” Versatility for Higher Cost-Effectiveness

MIGARU’s key feature is its “two-way” practicality, serving both as a travel and storage solution. While travel-only compression bags might be used only a few times a year, MIGARU’s versatility ensures year-round utility.

Travel Scenarios (M size recommended):

  • Compressing business trip attire for carry-on luggage.

  • Creating space for souvenirs.

  • Compressing return luggage for increased capacity.

Home Storage Scenarios (L size recommended):

  • Compressing winter clothes for seasonal changes, creating closet space.

  • Using as cushioning material for seasonal appliances.

With USB-C charging, MIGARU is reusable, eliminating the need to frequently purchase disposable compression bags.

The Origin of MIGARU: “Addition and Subtraction”

MIGARU’s concept is rooted in “addition and subtraction.” It aims to resolve the “subtraction problem” of packing (fitting items into luggage) with a single button, allowing users to focus solely on the “addition problem” (what to bring). This idea stemmed from the developer’s personal experience of struggling with suitcase space during business trips.

“We want those who have stopped using compression bags due to the hassle to try MIGARU. For those who battle with their closets during seasonal changes, MIGARU can become a year-round ‘storage partner’,” says Mami Aoki, Representative of Onigiri LLC.

Product Overview

Product overview

Makuake Project Details

  • Project Name: “Just pack and press, compression complete in 40 seconds. More luggage, smaller bag. ‘MIGARU'”

  • Project Start Date: April 14th

  • URL: https://www.makuake.com/project/migaru/

  • Funding Goal: 100,000 JPY

This project is a pre-sale through the crowdfunding service “Makuake.” Delivery times for rewards may change.

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