DIY & Customization

Have you ever looked at your drawer full of character badges and keychains, wondering why they are collecting dust instead of compliments? It's time to change that.

Enter the world of the Ita-bag (痛バッグ). Originating from Japanese otaku culture, "Ita" means "painful"—referring to the delightful "pain" of carrying the weight of your love (and perhaps the cost of your collection!). But to us, it’s a mobile shrine. It’s the ultimate way to express your fandom while keeping your precious merch safe behind a protective clear window.

"Don't hide your love in a drawer. An Ita-bag is a canvas, and your collection is the paint. Let's build your masterpiece."

Step 1: Choose Your Canvas (The Base)

The first step is selecting a bag that fits your style. The key feature is the "clear window"—this protects your items from scratches, rain, and loss.

For the Cute & Cozy: Pom-Pom Ita Bag

If you are a Trailblazer at heart, the Honkai: Star Rail Pom-Pom Ita Bag is the perfect starter. Its rounded shape and reasonable window size mean you don't need hundreds of badges to make it look full. It's cute, practical, and screams "Astral Express."

For the Elegant & Subtle: Furina Impression Bag

Want something you can wear to a cafe? The Furina Impression Series Baguette Bag offers a more sophisticated look. It features a discreet clear panel, allowing you to showcase a curated selection of your favorite Archon's merch without overwhelming your outfit.

Step 2: Pick Your Theme

An organized Ita-bag tells a story. Before you start pinning, decide on a theme:

• The "Oshi" (Single Character): Dedicate the entire bag to one character (e.g., all Firefly).
• The "Faction" (Group): Showcase a team, like the Stonehearts from the IPC or the Cunning Hares from ZZZ.
• The "Color Match": Ignore lore and group items simply because their colors look great together (e.g., all blue and white).

Step 3: The Fillers (Badges & Arrangement)

This is where the magic happens. You need "fillers" to cover the insert board.

Pro-Tip: Use a specialized "Insert Board" (often included with the bag) to pin your badges. Never pin directly into the bag's fabric lining! This keeps your bag pristine and makes rearranging easy.

For a premium look, we recommend the Stoneheart's Oath Ring Series Metal Badges. Their metallic finish catches the light beautifully under the clear plastic. If you prefer a vibrant pop art style, the ZZZ Eridu Fashion Series Badges are perfect for creating a dense, colorful matrix.

Step 4: Add Depth (The Accents)

A flat bag is fine, but a 3D bag is better. Use plushies and acrylics to break up the monotony of round badges.

• Acrylic Pendants: The ZZZ Q-Version Acrylic Pendants are transparent, allowing the background colors to shine through while adding a cute focal point.
• Plush Keychains: Hang a Mem Sound Plush Keychain on the zipper or the side D-ring. The contrasting texture of soft plush against metal badges makes the bag feel complete.

Starter Kit Checklist

Ready to start? Make sure you have these essentials:

• ✅ 1x Base Bag (Pom-Pom or Furina style)
• ✅ 10-20x Badges (Depending on bag size)
• ✅ 1-2x Centerpieces (Acrylic stands or large keychains)
• ✅ 1x Sidekick (A plushie to hang on the outside)
• ✅ Safety Pins & Lights (Optional: Fairy lights add extra drama!)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep my badges from spinning?

This is a common pain point! You can use "badge covers" which often have a tighter fit, or simply use a small piece of washi tape on the back of the pin (inside the insert) to secure it in place.

What if I don't have enough merch to fill the bag?

Don't worry! You can use "fillers" like rosettes, ribbons, lace, or even printed cardstock backgrounds to fill the empty space. An Ita-bag is a work in progress—you can add more loot as you collect it!

Can I wash my Ita-bag?

Most Ita-bags are made of PU leather or heavy canvas. Spot clean with a damp cloth. Never put the insert with the badges in the wash—rust is the enemy!

There is no "wrong" way to make an Ita-bag. It is your personal expression of love. Grab your gear and start building today! Check out more inspiration on Pinterest.