Made in Japan
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.
Kapital
Kapital was born from Toshikiyo Hirata’s love for vintage American jeans and clothes in the 1980s, with his son Kazuhiro “Kiro” Hirata later becoming creative director. The brand is based in Kojima and became part of the Japanese Americana movement.
Burgus Plus
Burgus Plus, started in 1997 by Osamu Taniguchi under the Hinoya umbrella, takes its name from the Latin word for citadel with the aim to bring quality basic garments to the market. As the brainchild of Hinoya, Japan’s most famous denim retailer, Burgus Plus leverages decades of denim experience.
Pherrow’s
Pherrow’s, established in 1991 by founder Masahiro Shimura, is a pioneer in the “Ametora” (American-Traditional) scene. The brand has expanded beyond carbon-copy reprints to include vintage-inspired graphics, shirting, and fabrics.
Deluxeware
Deluxeware is a high-end Japanese brand creating American-style casual wear including shirts, jackets, T-shirts, jeans, leather goods, and boots made exclusively in Japan. The brand develops original materials with craftsmen across Japan.
Johnbull
Johnbull evolved from Kanewa Hifuku, a clothing manufacturing company founded in Kurashiki City, initially producing school uniforms and work uniforms. The company shifted to casual wear manufacturing centered on denim in 1967, changing the brand name to “JOHNBULL.”
Kojima Genes
Kojima Genes is a leading denim brand in Japan, carrying on the legacy of quintessential jeans while shouldering generations of craftsmen spirits in Kojima. The brand offers an unpretentious yet essential collection to denim lovers.
Eternal
Eternal, making jeans since 1997 under the Maeno Corporation, employs midweight slubby fabrics and specializes in high-tech and traditional distressing techniques. Legend suggests their jeans are hung in cherry trees after being once-washed.
Real McCoys
The Real McCoys, founded in 2001 by Hitoshi Tsujimoto, began as a mail-order service for high-end reproductions of A2 leather flight jackets. Tsujimoto developed deep knowledge of vintage Americana through Osaka’s vintage scene.
Edwin
Edwin, founded in 1947 by Mr. Tsunemi, imported denim from the US before crafting Japan’s first Edwin jeans in 1961. The brand produced the world’s heaviest ringspun denim jean in 1963, featuring the iconic three-color rainbow selvedge.
Warehouse & Co.
Warehouse & Co., established in 1995 by brothers Kenichi and Kenji Shiotani, is part of the "Osaka Five" known for faithfully replicating mid-century items like Levi’s selvedge denim. The brand has built a reputation for producing hard-wearing, long-lasting quality garments.
The Strike Gold
The Strike Gold produces jeans known for exceptional softness and comfort from the start. Their 5103 model fades impressively and molds to the wearer’s body over time.