#1 INTRODUCTION The Origin and Charm of Okayama Denim: Kojima

The Beginnings of Okayama Denim

Nestled in a natural landscape overlooking the serene Seto Inland Sea and its islands, Kojima in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, is the birthplace of domestic jeans and is now fondly called the “Jeans Mecca.” The story of Okayama denim is deeply tied to Kojima’s history and craftsmanship.
In the past, Kojima was an island where rice could not be cultivated. This led to the cultivation of cotton and the rise of skills in crafting military uniforms and workwear. Over time, the area became a hub for various textile industries. With the post-war popularity of denim in Japan, Kojima transitioned into a town known for jeans production, leveraging the skills developed through the manufacture of tabi socks and school uniforms.
It all began with artisans disassembling jeans to study stitching and dyeing techniques.

The Birth of Okayama Denim

Their efforts bore fruit in 1965 when Japan’s first domestically produced jeans were born here. In 1973, Kurabo developed Japan’s first domestic denim fabric, marking the start of full-fledged distribution of entirely Made-in-Japan jeans. Today, Kojima is home to over 200 companies involved in the denim industry, and in 2009, the “Kojima Jeans Street” was established. Renowned globally, it attracts denim enthusiasts and European designers alike, solidifying its place as a rare denim hub in the world.

The Unique Appeal of Okayama Denim

What sets Okayama denim apart is the use of shuttle looms for selvedge denim and “rope dyeing.” These methods create jeans with exceptional durability and beautiful fading. Shuttle looms, now primarily found in Japan, produce fabric with a unique texture and rarity. Each piece is meticulously crafted by skilled artisans, imbuing it with warmth and character.
Okayama jeans are more than just fashion items—they are cherished as part of a lifestyle that celebrates aging gracefully. Kojima continues to evolve, creating “valuable jeans” that cannot be mass-produced and delivering them across Japan and the world.

#2 BEGINNING OF JAPAN BLUE JEANSThe Origin of JAPAN BLUE JEANS

The Diversity of JAPAN BLUE JEANS

"JAPAN BLUE JEANS offers the joy of variety combined with the reliable craftsmanship of Okayama jeans.
As the brand originates from a fabric manufacturer, it boasts a wide range of denim fabrics and processing options. From authentic jeans that let you enjoy gradual aging over time to pre-washed denim that you can enjoy right away, there is an extensive selection to choose from.

Using diverse fabrics such as heavyweight, lightweight, and stretch denim, including selvedge denim, each material offers its own unique fading and aging characteristics. In particular, the selvedge denim woven on shuttle looms stands out with its rich, deep hues and beautiful fading patterns that emerge over time. The more you wear them, the more distinctive and unique they become, offering a level of character and evolution that no other denim can replicate. This individuality also varies depending on the type of fabric used.

It's not just about the fabric — even the buttons, leather patches, and other details are crafted exclusively for the brand. These jeans are meticulously designed, reflecting a commitment to quality and originality in every pair.

#3 FABRIC GUIDE A Wide Selection of Premium Fabrics

Each denim fabric used by JAPAN BLUE JEANS is carefully curated. Choose the perfect material to match your style.