#Denim #Jeans

Big John

Big John traces its roots to 1940 when Kotaro Osaki founded Maruo Clothing Inc., producing uniforms before becoming the godfather of Japanese denim brands. The company manufactured the first made-in-Japan jeans in 1965 and developed the first Japanese denim fabric in 1972.

1-12-17 Kojima Ajino, Kurashiki-shi, Okayama 711-0913, Japan
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Japanese Denim Made in Japan

Big John Overview

Brand Overview

Big John, founded in 1940 as Maruo Hifuku, pioneered Japan’s denim industry by producing the first domestic jeans in 1973. Based in Kurashiki, the "Godfather of Japanese denim" combines heritage techniques with modern innovation, maintaining its "QUALITY COMES FIRST" philosophy.

What Makes Big John Unique

  • Domestic Denim Revolution: First Japanese brand to weave and sew jeans entirely domestically.
  • Kurabo Mills Collaboration: Developed Japan’s inaugural selvedge denim in 1973.
  • CANTON Line: Honors 1960s designs using imported American denim.

Core Offerings, Fits, and Styles

Signature Aesthetic:
Classic straight and tapered fits with selvedge IDs and reinforced stitching.

Fit / Style Description Price Range (USD)
RARE Jeans 14oz selvedge, mid-rise straight $200–$250
M1002 Taper Modern slim taper, Zimbabwe cotton $220–$280

Materials & Sourcing

Component Country of Origin Details
Selvedge Denim Japan (Okayama) 13–15oz, Kurabo Mills collaborations
Thread Japan Poly-cotton core for durability
Manufacturing Japan Fully integrated Kurashiki production.

Brand Hallmarks

  • Double-Needle Stitching: Reinforced seams for longevity.
  • Hidden Rivets: Period-correct copper hardware.
  • Leather Patches: Embossed with Big John’s logo.

Price Point Ranges

Product Category Price Range (USD) Example Models
Selvedge Jeans $200–$280 RARE, M1002
Vintage Repros $250–$350 CANTON, 1960s Models

Recommended Brands with Similar Qualities (Japanese Only)

  • Warehouse & Co. (heritage reproductions)
  • Edwin (domestic denim pioneer)
  • Resolute (tailored vintage fits)

Who Big John Is Good For

  • Denim historians valuing Japan’s denim origins.
  • Buyers seeking accessible heritage selvedge.
  • Supporters of vertically integrated production.
1-12-17 Kojima Ajino, Kurashiki-shi, Okayama 711-0913, Japan

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