The birthplace of domestically produced denim is not in Tokyo or Osaka...
It is actually Okayama.
It was in "Kojima, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture," which has prospered as a textile town since ancient times, that the development of jeans first began in Japan.
Today, "Okayama Denim" is attracting attention from jeans lovers all over the world.
In this article, we would like to tell you the history of the birth of domestic jeans in Okayama and the charm of Okayama denim.
Premium jeans, tapered straight, indigo color / Men's
Why were domestically produced jeans born in Okayama?
Kojima, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, the birthplace of domestically produced jeans, has long been known as a textile town, where the production of student uniforms flourished.
However, after reaching its peak in 1963, production of school uniforms gradually declined.
Jeans emerged as a substitute for school uniforms.
Maruo Hifuku (now Big John), which handled student uniforms at the time, pioneered the development of jeans.
However, the American denim fabric used at that time was very hard and stiff, and it was not comfortable to wear.
In order to expand sales of jeans in Japan, a washing technique was developed in Okayama to soften the fabric in pursuit of comfort.
Later, in 1973, Kurashiki Spinning produced the first domestically produced denim fabric.
This made it possible to complete all the "fabric, sewing, and processing" processes necessary for making jeans in Okayama Prefecture.
As a result, jeans production flourished in Okayama Prefecture, and today the high quality of "Made In Okayama" jeans is recognized around the world, making Okayama internationally famous as a sacred place for denim and jeans.
Even today, Okayama is home to more than 100 famous jeans-related companies.
What is the appeal of high-quality Okayama Jeans?
The charm of Okayama jeans lies in their high quality.
Each pair of jeans is filled with the knowledge, experience, and skills of craftsmen that have been cultivated over a long period of time.
Many people are fascinated by the high quality of Okayama Jeans, which become more and more tasty every time they are worn.
World-class indigo-dyeing technology
One of the most attractive features of Okayama Jeans is the indigo-dyeing technique.
Utilizing the traditional indigo dyeing technique, the center of the denim yarn is kept the white color it was before being dyed with indigo.
Therefore, when the jeans are worn and the color fades "shinpaku" (a color change called "shinpaku" in Japanese) This is why, when the denim is worn and the color fades, it produces a beautiful change over time called "shinpaku" (a color change that occurs over time).
The more you wear them, the more beautiful they become. This is the greatest charm of Okayama Jeans and the reason why they are loved by many people.
All processes are completed in Okayama. High quality and stable production
In Okayama, there are factories specializing in each process: spinning, dyeing, weaving, cutting, sewing, and processing.
Cooperation among factories in Okayama Prefecture makes it possible to manufacture high quality and stable products.
Therefore, not only the jeans fabric, but also the button fly, leather patches, belt loops, zippers, rivets, and other details are carefully and consistently made to the highest quality standards. The "red" is the name given to the fabric of the jeans.
Red-ear (selvedge)", a technique only a limited number of craftsmen have mastered.
Have you ever heard of "selvedge denim"?
Selviches, also known as "red ears," are the edges of the fabric.
When jeans are rolled up, the "selvedge" is glimpsed and becomes a subtle accent of the coordination, and is very popular among jeans lovers.
Such selvedge denim can only be woven on a shuttle loom (old type power loom), which is a skill that only a limited number of craftsmen have.
Jeans craftsmen in Okayama continue to carry on these old techniques in the modern age.
Functionality of jeans continues to evolve
Okayama jeans are constantly evolving.
Stretch jeans combined with synthetic fibers
Jeans with added functions such as warmth and coolness
More attention to raw materials and dyes
We are always pursuing the infinite possibilities of jeans, not only for their beauty but also for their comfort.
BOBSON is also a jeans brand born and raised in Okayama
BOBSON is a jeans brand that was established in Okayama in 1969 and has grown up there.
We would like to talk a little about the history of BOBSON.
The Bobson brand was founded by Yamao Hifuku Kogyo Co., Ltd. which was engaged in manufacturing uniforms at that time.
Anticipating the arrival of the jeans boom in Japan, the company transferred the business it had been engaged in to another company.
In 1969, the company changed its name to Bobson, specializing in jeans, and started manufacturing and selling jeans.
By the way...
The name BOBSON is a combination of "Bob (BOB)" and "Son (SON)," which are common American names.
The name was given so that it would be familiar to many people.
In 1992, in cooperation with Toray Industries, we developed "04 Jeans," soft jeans made of cotton mixed with rayon and polyester.
The softness added to the jeans, which used to be hard and difficult to wear, made them easier to wear and gained the support of middle-aged and older customers who used to shy away from wearing jeans.
The brand also introduced a number of other trends, such as "chemical wash" and "bell-bottom jeans," and developed while enriching the jeans culture in Japan.
However, price wars of jeans broke out after that due to the birth of low-priced jeans from fast fashion brands such as UNIQLO.
BOBSON entered a period of stagnation and went bankrupt and went into liquidation in June 2012....
But don't worry, BOBSON is not defeated!
In November of the same year, the founding family of BOBSON bought back the Bobson brand and started anew in Okayama, Japan.
Today, as in the past, BOBSON continues to produce timeless, high-quality jeans and functional products that are easy to wear and care for.
BOBSON online store offers a wide variety of high-quality and low-priced denim from Okayama.
- Bell Bottom" for beautiful legs for both men and women
- Premium classic jeans" of overwhelmingly high quality made in Okayama
- White denim" with super water-repellent and stain-proof finish that "makes dirt go away
- A total of 10 different colors to choose from! Bobson Workers
- Easy to move and fashionable "Sports Jeans
and more.
Please find your favorite one that suits you.
