Okayama Denim (a representative of Japanese denim) - JAPAN CRAZE Magazine vol.7 -

j-Grab Mall introduces a selection of Japanese products, divided by region.

Among them, let's take a deep dive into Japanese domestic denim fabrics originating in Okayama Prefecture in the Chugoku region, a popular destination for tourists from overseas.

岡山県 児島のジーンズストリート

The word "denim" is thought to have originated in the U.S., but it actually came from a fabric made by people in the Nîmes region of France.

Fabrics from the Nîmes region began to be traded in the United States and other English-speaking countries, where the word "denim" was derived from a root word.

Now, let us look into how this denim came to Japan and how Okayama Prefecture became a major producer of this denim.

デニムストリート入口

The first time the Japanese got the denim fabric was after the earthquake.

After the 1923 Great Kantō Earthquake, when relief supplies were sent from overseas, It is said that jeans made of denim material were among the supplies, which was the beginning.

Later, jeans were imported from overseas, but they were said to be made of hard fabric, which was uncomfortable to wear and unpopular among the Japanese.


Kojima, Kurashiki City in Okayama Prefecture – a historical textile town.

First, to expand the sales of domestic jeans in Japan, they tried to process hard fabrics.

The first Japanese denim was produced in Kojima, where the wash process, now known as one-wash, began in the pursuit of comfort.

The best thing about Kojima denim is its texture, which dispels the impression that denim is stiff and hard. The greatest characteristic of Kojima
denim fabric is its softness.

The excellence of the denim fabric attracts jeans fans from all over the world and tourists who come to the area in search of denim fabric.

児島ジーンズストリート

Source: Kurashiki City Official Tourism Site
https://www.kurashiki-tabi.jp/

We offer a wide selection of items at j-Grab Mall that are designed by designers who have fallen in love with the fabrics made by the hands of artisans.

You can find special items at j-Grab Mall!

 

JAPAN CRAZE Store Manager
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Naoko Saito
Japan craze magazine