There’s no denying Japan is one of the most fashionable countries on the planet. From Rei Kawakubo, founder of Comme des Garçons, to Bape's Nigo, the East Asian island has supplied some of the biggest names in fashion and streetwear, period. And best yet, the country’s output of stylish trendsetters shows no signs of stopping.
Sometimes, though, keeping up with all of the latest, promising designers from across the globe can get overwhelming, so that’s where we come in. We've scoured the interwebs for noteworthy designers and brands—such as Diaspora Skateboards, the crew of skaters who now run a label boasting two collabs with Gap Japan—and compiled a list of fresh and fascinating Japanese imprints everyone should know. With skilled creatives like Masayuki Ino building up brands with impeccable taste, it doesn’t hurt to read up. Who knows, maybe one of the designers or crews below will turn out to be the next Nigo or Rei?
SUB-AGE
Founded: 2014
Where to Buy It: Opening Ceremony
Formed in 2014 under the creative guidance of Japanese retailer CANNABIS, SUB-AGE is a streetwear label rooted in bringing the innovative work of young, fellow Japanese creatives to the forefront. In three short years, the brand has gained a solid following of fans who can't get enough of its '90s punk and grunge-inspired collections.
Doublet
Founded: 2012
Where to Buy It: Dover Street Market, FourTwoFour on Fairfax, Farfetch
Masayuki Ino and the other designers behind Doublet often make over-the-top or brash statements with their apparel. For example, the brand boldly takes two vintage tees and construes them together with emblazoned lettering like "Integrated" on the front, or slaps bold graphics of the Kardashians on their T-shirts with cheeky Instagram tags. The brand brings a refreshingly unique take to streetwear design, and it isn't afraid to make fun of anyone. Add on a bold, overall '80s punk aesthetic to its multiple collections of vintage denim, baggy tees, tracksuits, and more, and it's no wonder Doublet has gained such a cult following and the favor of the likes of Travis Scott.
Have A Good Time
Founded: 2010
Where to Buy It: Have A Good Time Online Shop
Tokyo’s Have A Good Time has quickly gained notice in Japan, thanks to collaborations with established brands and retailers, like Asian department store Isetan. With their often-cheeky graphics and stand-out “Have A Good Time” logo, it’s only a matter of time before the surprisingly small skater group/label starts to make major waves in the U.S.
Diaspora Skateboards
Founded: 2010
Where to Buy It: Diaspora Skateboards Online Shop
The riders of Diaspora Skateboards are quite the multi-talented bunch. Starting off in 2010 as just a skate crew, Diaspora soon started producing and releasing quality videos on YouTube (see the Kid Fresino starring, Vainl Archive video for details). Once the Diaspora skaters started dabbling in streetwear, the rest was history. Now they sell minimal and modern T-shirts, hats, and sweaters, and often emblazon their clothing with bold graphics—like the “DSP” reinterpretation of Gap’s iconic blue box logo for Gap and Diaspora’s second collab in Japan.
Scye
Founded: 2000
Where to Buy It: Scye Online Shop, Rakuten Global Market
Founded by Hideaki Miyahara and Hisayo Hidaka in 2000, Scye blends Japanese styling with classic 19th century British silhouettes. Its collections, which often consist of uniquely tailored pants, chinos, suits, and waistcoats, are often minimal and don't chase trends. Instead, as head designer Miyahara said in an interview in 2007, they "base everything in traditional, classic British styles." Six years later, Scye is a brand you should definitely keep an eye on.
