SUKAJAN KIMONO – A Fusion of Japan’s Iconic Souvenir Jacket and Traditional Kimono.
This innovative “SUKAJAN KIMONO” blends the essence of Japan’s souvenir jacket, commonly known as the Sukajan, with the elegance of the traditional Kimono.
Born from a collaboration with TAILOR TOYO, a brand that has been crafting souvenir jackets for over half a century since the post-war era, this creation embodies the heritage of both styles.
By incorporating the intricate embroidery and piping details characteristic of Sukajan while embracing the sleeves and collar symbolic of traditional Kimono, YAMATO Lab. proudly presents a new interpretation of Japanese fashion.
TAILOR TOYO is a heritage apparel brand from Toyo Enterprise.
Its predecessor, Kosho & Co., dominated the production of souvenir jackets during their peak in the 1950s, holding an impressive 95% market share.Having crafted souvenir jackets for over half a century since its origins with Kosho & Co., TAILOR TOYO has not merely followed fleeting trends but has continuously preserved and evolved the Sukajan as a lasting cultural tradition.
The Souvenir Jacket, commonly known as the Sukajan, originated shortly after World War II. U.S. soldiers stationed in Japan began embroidering oriental designs (such as eagles, tigers, and dragons) or the names of their units and bases onto jackets as mementos of their time in Japan.The design was inspired by the baseball jacket, which was familiar to Americans, and the embroidery work was entrusted to artisans from Kiryu and Ashikaga.During this time, due to post-war material restrictions, obtaining silk threads was difficult, so acetate fabric, which resembled silk, was used. These jackets were then commercialized as souvenirs and sold at PX (Post Exchange, a shop on U.S. military bases).At that time, it was Kosho & Co., the predecessor of TAILOR TOYO, which supplied clothing, including the souvenir jackets, to U.S. military bases—a company with roots going back to the pre-war era.
This special collaboration item, created by TAILOR TOYO, who has been crafting Sukajan jackets for over half a century, and YAMATO Lab., features a unique Kimono that blends the reversible design and intricate embroidery details of the Sukajan with the iconic sleeves and collar of traditional Japanese attire.
It’s a new take on the Kimono, infused with the essence of both cultures.
The embroidery has been carefully selected from the vintage Sukajan collection held by TAILOR TOYO, and features a “Double-A Side” design, where the two main sides of the jacket are combined into one.
On the front, the design depicts a white dragon emerging from the clouds, its long body partially visible as it approaches. The embroidery is done in white thread on a black body, following the style of vintage pieces made in the early 1950s. The black-on-black body is paired with black ribbing, and the embroidery threads are primarily white, enhancing the dramatic effect. The sleeves feature rope piping, which is elegantly matched in black and gold, complementing the color scheme of the body and embroidery for a sophisticated, chic look.
The reversible side showcases a landscape design, typical of the Sukajan jacket, which originated as a souvenir for U.S. soldiers in post-war Japan. This side depicts the beautiful scenes of Japan in spring, including Mount Fuji covered in snow, pine trees, and full-bloom cherry blossoms, along with red torii gates and Buddhist pagodas. These vibrant, picturesque motifs are embroidered in colorful threads on a green acetate fabric, highlighting the stunning beauty of Japan’s springtime landscape.
To celebrate the launch of the SUKAJAN KIMONO, a special launch event titled “SUKAJAN to KIMONO” will be held from April 19th (Saturday) to April 27th (Sunday), 2025, for a period of 9 days. The event will take place at the gallery and shop “YAMATO Lab. TOKYO” in Kagurazaka, Tokyo.
Event Details
Title：SUKAJAN to KIMONO
Date：April 19th (Saturday) – April 27th (Sunday), 2025
Hours：11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (On the final day, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
Location： “YAMATO Lab. TOKYO” in Kagurazaka, Tokyo
The event will offer the first opportunity to see and experience the “SUKAJAN KIMONO” collaboration items in person. There will be special collaboration pieces, along with limited-edition original items featuring embroidered vintage kimonos inspired by Sukajan jackets. Thanks to the collaboration with TAILOR TOYO, there will also be a special exhibition showcasing the history and techniques behind the Sukajan. With a rich history and expertise, YAMATO Lab. and TAILOR TOYO continue to embrace change and innovation without fear. This unique collaboration, born from the meeting of these two companies, is sure to be a special experience. Don’t miss it!
For inquiries regarding the project, please contact us via the dedicated form below.