10 Japanese Brands You Need to Know Right Now, and Where to Buy Them
And guess what? You don't need Google Translator to cop.
Image via Complex Original
A few years ago, in order for obscure Japanese brands to see American soil requirements included a bomb ass proxy, an accurate dollar-to-yen converter, and a translator. And unless you had the in on the Japanese blogs or a bookstore that sold rare magazines from the Far East, the likelihood of even hearing about some of the best brands were slim-to-none.
Now, much like food, sex, and the economy, the U.S. has gotten a stronghold of these once-obscure Japanese brands and damn near ruined them. Tons of shops are picking up the same brands no one heard about two years ago but are up on now, thus diluting that product exclusivity we all yearn for, hypebeast or not. But while Japanese brands have flooded the American marketplace, there are always more dope labels out there, and all it takes is a little digging. In case you forgot your mental/Internet shovel today, these are 10 Japanese Brands You Need to Know Right Now, and Where to Buy Them.
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Tiger Brocante
Where to buy: Blue Button Shop
Too many brands go overboard with having fun and venture into clown territory. Tiger Brocante, on the other hand, strikes a great balance between keeping it light without getting too risky (even in American standards) while making gear that's still fun and stylish. Repurposed fabrics for jackets, mismatched naval stripes or loopwheeled tees are Exhibits A, B and C.
NOMA t.d.
Where to buy: MAAS & Stacks
Regular clothes are boring, which is why we're all so appreciative of all the Japanese brands that give new outlooks on classic pieces. NOMA t.d. is another one who does a great job of doing things like taking a good shadow flannel and removing the collar and elongating it to make it uncommonly cool. Or adding some extra leg to some floral chinos. Who needs those regular items when NOMA t.d. will make that shit pop?
FDMTL
Where to buy: Blue Button Shop
While many great brands coming out of Japan give you a wide array of raw denim in unthinkable weights like 21oz., FDMTL of Japan mixes raw, distressed, ripped and dyed denim together for an amalgamation of awesomeness, perfecting the art of Japanese boro-ing. The best part is all of their denim is sourced from the denim capital of the world, Okayama, Japan.
Individual Sentiments
Where to buy: Patron of the New
Individual Sentiments is the Rick Owens of Japan. Designer Yoko Ito has taken her experience under now-defunct label Carpe Diem and rolled it into a brand that focuses on the darkest palettes and the drapiest silhouettes. Couple that with unique woven and textured fabrics and Individual Sentiments sets itself apart from other Japanese brands that are slowly creeping into our favorite shops.
Yaeca
Where to buy: Inventory
Its hard to put a brand on this list that's been around since 2002 because you should've been heard about Yaeca by now. They could be floating under the radar because they produce understated pieces that are carefully crafted in Japan. Or maybe you've just been lazy in discovering new shit. Whatever the case, each piece features details you don't see in your staples everyday, like braided hems on their crewneck sweater or the large waist pockets on their pullover shirts.
is-ness
Where to buy: Blue Button Shop
Is-ness is probably one of the best brands you've never heard of. Insane knits that blend marled and aran cableknit wool together like some Frankenstein science experiment? Cropped hooded puffy vests with floral lining? Only a Japanese brand like is-ness could take a funkadelic California lifestyle filled with cozy knits and cotton parkas with relaxed pants and shock the system with unique colors and previously unattempted pattern mixtures.
Digawel
Where to buy: MAAS & Stacks
Digawel should be a favorite among all avant-garde sportswear enthusiasts, if that genre even exists (and it should). The Tokyo-based brand certainly has no issue with experimental cuts and silhouettes on classic sportswear pieces like windbreakers, bomber jackets, oxford shirts and crewnecks. One of the riskier Japanese brands to hit the states in a while, and definitely one to keep an eye on.
Buddy
Where to buy: Hypebeast Store
With brands like visvim and Hender Scheme running the Japanese sneaker scene recently, it's easy to overlook any other brand coming out of the country. Especially such a simple shoe like the ones Buddy offers. When all-raw-leather-everything or frilled moccasins aren't the move, Buddy's subtle suede uppers and rubber midsoles put together with the highest standards should start grabbing your attention. Impressive for a brand that launched in 2012.
Minotaur
Where to buy: Haven Shop
Minotaur's FW13 "Dawn" collection blew away everyone who was in the know with some incredibly unique pieces. The Japanese brand has produced amazing collections with a large focus on technical outerwear and classic construction with a modern twist like a cableknit body on a blazer or a crazy ombre fade on a Tartan wool flannel. They've also collaborated with the likes of Stussy and Levi's in the past, so they have a great foundation to build on as they start popping up more and more in North America.
Ganryu
Where to buy: Union LA
The brainchild of former Junya Watanabe patternmaker, Fumito Ganryu, with guidance from Comme des Garcon and its venerable leader, Rei Kawakubo, Ganryu is pretty much everything you could want in a Japanese brand. Premium fabrics. Provocative patterns you either fall in love with or won't go anywhere near. And a youthful touch everyone needs at least a smidgen of. Get on board now to avoid major regrets later.