Got a question about the Japanese schooling system.... sorta

[Comartemis]

Virtually every picture I see of Hotaru in her school uniform also features her holding what appears to be a briefcase. I'm wondering if they call these things briefcases (it looks more like a bcase/bag hybrid to me) or if there's some other name for them?

Incidentally, the guy who does the art I linked to is an artistic genius; his whole site is dedicated to Hotaru fanart of his own creation (at least I think it is; I can't read Japanese); you'd swear he was Hotaru's character designer in the anime or something.

[Spokavriel]

According to This Page it looks like they call it a "KABAN" But that is only one source.

[Dumbledork]

Nice pictures. The artist is really talented.

[Comartemis]

Some of the links on the main page are links to calendar collections with even more art. Hino-san rocks, doesn't he?

And thank you, Spok. That answers my question wonderfully.