How many things can we find in life that we can truly become passionate about?
Simply going on to higher education or getting a job does not necessarily lead us to our calling, and some people may find themselves working while unsure about the job in front of them.
The original denim jackets made by apparel brand Danjo Denim may offer a clue to finding something you love.
The story behind the creation of Danjo Denim, which specializes in denim jackets—commonly known as jean jackets—with designs not found in ready-made products is shaped by the many experiences of its representative, Fukukawa Taro.
Through an interview with Fukukawa, we explore the experiences that led him to create such original jean jackets.
The information presented here was accurate when this article was published in December 2021. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is Danjo Denim?
About Danjo Denim
Danjo Denim is an apparel brand specializing in denim jackets, commonly known as jean jackets.
It was launched by its representative, Fukukawa Taro, to bring jean jackets with designs not found in ready-made products to the world.
The brand opened its store on October 26, 2021, in Shimotsui, Kojima, Kurashiki City, where streetscapes remain from the town's heyday as a port of call for Kitamaebune ships during the Edo period.
These distinctive jean jackets are sure to delight customers who have not been satisfied with ready-made products.
The career of Danjo Denim representative Fukukawa Taro
After graduating from university, Fukukawa joined a major electronics manufacturer.
Later, he quit his job and began making music with friends from his hometown, deciding that he would give up if he had not achieved results by the age of 30.
He sent a demo tape of the song “Danjo” to a major record company to enter an audition. Its innovative melody and lyrics attracted attention, and he made his major-label debut.
Having worn jean jackets since high school, Fukukawa tested the question, “How much would a jean jacket fade if you walked from Tokyo to Kojima?” as part of a music video project.
During the journey, he learned about the “Practical Jeans Sewing Course” held in Kurashiki City and enrolled after completing his walk.
After gaining knowledge of sewing denim products, Fukukawa felt that he could make jean jackets on his own.
Dissatisfied with the designs of ready-made jean jackets, he went on to launch an apparel brand to bring new jean jackets to the world.
Danjo Denim's jean jackets
Product introduction
Here is a brief introduction to some of the products made by Danjo Denim.
▼Danjo Denim's signature product, the “Danjo Denim Jacket.”
The rounded collar makes a striking impression.
Attention has been paid to the details, and the cuffs are also made differently from those on ready-made products.
▼The cuffs of the “Danjo Denim Jacket.”
The cuffs are wider to make the arms look longer.
Also, the fabric's rib pattern on ready-made products is often misaligned between the cuffs and sleeves.
The Danjo Denim Jacket's rib pattern runs in the same direction to create a slimmer impression.
For a more detailed introduction to the products, visit the Danjo Denim website.
Sewing work
We were given a special look at part of the sewing process.
Several sewing machines are used to make jean jackets.
He told us that some parts cannot be sewn with the kind of machine found in an ordinary home, so he bought several specialized machines costing hundreds of thousands of yen each.
For example, a chainstitch machine folds the fabric edge in two and sews it in a way that encloses it, hiding the cut edge.
▼A chainstitch machine.
Fukukawa learned the basics of sewing, including how to use sewing machines, through the “Practical Jeans Sewing Course.”
He said that during his journey to investigate how jean jackets fade, he borrowed books from the library and studied sewing on his own. At the time, however, he had no sewing knowledge or skills, and found making them quite difficult.
Fukukawa handles the planning, design, and sewing of every product sold by Danjo Denim.
In an interview, Fukukawa told us about the experiences that led him to create original-design jean jackets.
This interview offers a glimpse into Fukukawa's sensibility, shaped by the care with which he has faced each event in his life.
Danjo Denim details
| Name | Danjo Denim |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-9-31 Shimotsui, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Parking | Available |
| Hours | 1:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. ※Please make an advance reservation through the website |
| Closed | Irregular holidays |
| Payment methods |
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| Website | Danjo Denim |
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