Japan Only: 8 Awesome Brands You Can't Buy In America

You can look, but you can't cop.

Sep 26, 2011
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Image via Complex Original
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Image via Complex Original

We spend most of our time looking for awesome stuff that you can buy now, but everyday in our search we come across brands that have no presence in the good ol' USA. Maybe it's a matter of time, or it's just a matter of sacking up and shelling out for Japanes shipping fees, but either way, we're waiting for the day that we can get these goods in our closet. 

What separates these great brands from the rest of the international pack is that they really don't have any interest in being a part of the American market, which sucks, but only makes us want the goods even more. Check out these 8 Awesome Japanese Brands You Can't Buy In America. 

hobo

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hobo

SINCE: 2007

WHY WE CO-SIGN: Named after railroad wanderers, this dope accessories brand is run by the same team behind clothing brand Nonnative. hobo does justice with its minimalistic details and functional design. Hopefully this hobo finds a home in a U.S. stockist soon.

@hoboOfficial

The North Face Purple Label

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North Face Purple Label

SINCE: 1969

FOUNDER: Nanamica

WHY WE CO-SIGN: The North Face's premium, Japan-only Purple Label is as limited edition as it gets, and the cult following is more underground than any other accessories brand. If you're lucky, you'll catch the images of dope new releases on the web—but they'll be sold out in the blink of an eye. Made from deadstock fabrics and materials, getting anything by NFPL is truly a feat unto itself. 

SASQUATCHfabrix

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SASQUATCHfabrix

SINCE: 2003

FOUNDER: Wonder Worker Guerilla Band

WHY WE CO-SIGN: Recently teaming up with Inoue Brothers on a collection of toggle knits and prints, SASQUATCHfabrix's philosophy is, "HIGH PERFORMANCE VANDALISM. ALWAYS PRESENTING A SENSE OF FRESHNESS." That pretty much defines the culture in Tokyo.

WTAPS

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WTAPS

SINCE: 1996

FOUNDER: Tetsu Nishiyama aka TET

WHY WE CO-SIGN: The philosphy behind WTAPS stems from taking the history of Japanese master craftsmenship, and using it to create clothing. Placing a pocket in an unexpected place, offsetting the buttons, or mixing fabrics is something that WTAPS does in an unparalleled way. 

NEIGHBORHOOD

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NEIGHBORHOOD

SINCE: 1994

FOUNDER: Shinsuke Takizawa

WHY WE CO-SIGN: Created to counter the Harajuku movement during its height in Tokyo, NEIGHBORHOOD was designed to be "basic clothing" with inspiration from moto, outdoor, and military influences. With constant collabs with A Bathing Ape, adidas, and Stussy, there's no wonder why we covet the brand so much. 

SOPH / SOPHNET

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SOPH.NET

SINCE: 1998 / 2002

FOUNDER: Hirofumi Kiyonaga / Tatsuo Miyajima, Julian Opie, Jack Piersen

WHY WE CO-SIGN: "Minimal-design" or "daily-wear" might sound boring, but that's not the case when it comes to what Soph.net offers. Focusing on detail, and incorporating high-tech materials, everything Soph.net releases sells out instantly. Talk about limited edition.

@soph_net

Bedwin and the Heartbreakers

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Bedwin and the Heartbreakers

SINCE: 1996

FOUNDER: Masafumi "Bebetan" Watanabe

WHY WE CO-SIGN: Bedwin's motto is "Paramount Quality," which can clearly be seen in each garment in just the fabric choices and construction techniques alone. Peep the varisty jacket—'nough said. 

@BEDWINPR

uniform experiments

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uniform experiment

SINCE: 2008

FOUNDER: SOPH.co,ltd.

WHY WE CO-SIGN: What started as an experimental project by parent company SOPH.co,ltd. quickly rose to the top of the Japanese menswear food chain. Designed around a keyword or free standing idea every season, they've come up with fresh ideas for classic items we need in our closet. 




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