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?