The Birthplace of Japanese Jeans: Where New Fashion Style Are Born

Kojima District Jeans Street

(Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture)

【Seni (繊維)】 means fibers in Japanese, which are used to make textiles and fabrics. In Japan, Okayama Prefecture is the largest producer of fiber products. Over the years, the fiber-related industry and skills of craftsman has been cultivated in this region that turned into the world famous jeans district.

In the 17th century, during the feudal era, the Kojima and Ihara Districts in Okayama were famous for growing cotton and indigo plants that became speciality of Okayama Prefecture. As time went on, Japan opened its doors to the world in the 19th century. The new government encouraged the introduction of Western technologies, and three spinning factories with the latest machines from England were built in Okayama. This was a big step forward for the fiber industry. By the 20th century, Okayama had become the largest producer of student uniforms in Japan, making 80% of all the student uniforms. This success laid a strong foundation for the fiber industry in the region.

The skilled craftsmen in the Kojima district of Kurashiki City had honed their abilities over many years. When jeans imported from the U.S. became popular among young people, the craftsmen decided to make their own jeans in Japan. However, it wasn’t easy. The denim they imported was tough and thick, much different from the fibers they used. They described its hardness as like tinplate. Their sewing machines couldn’t handle the sturdy fabric.

But the craftsmen didn’t give up. Through continuous trial and error, they modified their sewing machines. Finally, in 1965, they created the first jeans made in Japan.

They did not stop there. The first product was made of all imported items: denim textile, zippers, and rivets. They only stitched the denim in Japan. This time, they were enthusiastic about producing all-Japan jeans. The companies in the fiber industry of this area brought their skills and techniques together to develop Japan-made denim and create Japan-made jeans. They also adjusted the size and shape to fit the Japanese body and invented the one-wash technique to soften the sturdy jeans. The craftsmen have continued to innovate and lead the jeans fashion, creating high-quality textiles and jeans that are loved by many. Japanese denim and jeans have become influential in the global fashion industry.

The denim, called KD8, used for the first Japanese jeans is still manufactured, and jeans made from it are available.

Now, the Kojima district is well-known as the birthplace of Japanese jeans. Stepping out from JR Kojima Station, you immediately find jeans everywhere. Many shops line Jeans Street, ranging from big to small, well-known to new brands. It is the fashion street of denim, offering not only jeans but also a variety of denim products such as clothes, jackets, and bags. A big jeans sign at the entrance of the street and jeans hanging over the street lift you up. You can find your best fashion item on this street.