Skip to content
Step into the vibrant, ever-evolving world of Japanese streetwear, where tradition meets innovation, and design knows no bounds. As a melting pot of unique aesthetic choices, the Japanese streetwear scene has much to offer. From pioneering powerhouses to emerging trendsetters, these 10 Japanese streetwear brands are shaping 2023’s fashion landscape, each with its distinct interpretation of style, culture, and self-expression. Ready to take a journey through the streets of Tokyo and beyond? Alright, let’s go.
Bape
Ever the pulse of streetwear fashion, BAPE, short for A Bathing Ape, sits at the forefront of a movement that has now entered the mainstream. The Japanese brand, founded by the visionary Nigo, weaves a virtually dynastic history, from its origin in the bustling ura-Harajuku scene of the early ’90s to its current global appeal. Deeply rooted in pop culture, with nods to the iconic 1968 film Planet of the Apes, BAPE emerged as a beacon of style-conscious youth, their insatiable thirst for self-expression encapsulated in the brand’s emblematic camo pattern.
BAPE’s allure lies not only in its distinctive aesthetics, but also in its pioneering approach to streetwear. From its inception, the brand has been a master of scarcity, creating an irresistible aura of exclusivity that birthed a new cultural phenomenon. The result is an array of iconic pieces, from the coveted BAPE shark hoodies and insulated snow jackets to the highly sought-after Bapesta sneaker. Despite the changing tides of fashion, the brand’s enduring appeal testifies to its deep connections within hip-hop and street culture. BAPE remains a brand defined by its consumptive young audience, their voracious appetite for all things BAPE continuing to drive its success and legacy.
Kapital
Kapital, the brainchild of father and son duo Toshikiyo and Kiro Hirata, is an emblem of Japan’s rich culture and history. Beginning its journey as a devoted manufacturer of meticulously crafted American denim, Kapital has emerged as a trendsetter, leading the way in the realm of contemporary Japanese fashion. Unbound by the generalized aesthetic often associated with Japanese labels, Kapital bravely steers clear of the mainstream, preferring the path of singularity. Tracing its roots back to a humble operation in Kojima, the so-called ‘denim capital’ of Japan, the brand has grown leaps and bounds since Toshikiyo’s first encounter with American denim in the United States, a fascination that sparked his journey into mastering the art of denim manufacturing and led to the inception of his first factory in 1984.
The brand underwent a radical transformation when Kiro Hirata, Toshikiyo’s son, decided to join the family business in 2002 after his return from studying art in America. The innovative designs that evolved from this collaboration were a mix of tradition and modernism, a marriage that continues to define Kapital’s unique aesthetic. From its renowned Century Denim, known for its intricate indigo dyed Sashiko stitching that gracefully ages with each wear, to its whimsical takes on vintage bandanas, Kapital’s eclectic mix of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and avant-garde fashion has ensured it a place of high regard in the Japanese heritage scene. Even their unconventional approach to distressing clothes, described by author David Sedaris as looking like they’ve been “pulled from the evidence rack at a murder trial”, has won them accolades for authenticity.
Furthering its journey of reinvention, Kapital introduced its Kountry line in 2010, celebrating the art of dying and washing techniques while reimagining existing Kapital pieces to introduce a new level of individuality to each garment. In addition to exploring the nuanced relationship between Japan and America in its design philosophy, the brand’s ethos extends to acknowledging this complex interplay in their first runway show held in Hiroshima. Kapital’s bold, yet balanced, fusion of Japanese detailing and fit with American military functionality, reflected in pieces like their signature Ring Jacket and Mountain Parka, is a testament to the brand’s commitment to reinvention. Each season is inspired by a different region or culture, providing a vivid cultural narrative through their acclaimed seasonal lookbooks. In its quest to redefine Japanese fashion, Kapital not only pays homage to Japan’s history but also dares to critique it, turning it into a cult favorite in modern Japanese fashion in the West. Despite its bold approach, at its heart, Kapital remains a brand dedicated to craftsmanship, attention to detail, and individuality, making it a beacon in the ever-evolving world of fashion.
If you don’t want to read the full post, check out our video of the top Japanese Streetwear Brands
Neighborhood
Once a well-kept secret in the vibrant backstreets of Tokyo’s Shibuya district, NEIGHBORHOOD has blossomed into a beacon of global streetwear. Pioneered by the esteemed Shinsuke Takizawa in the culturally chaotic days of the early ’90s, the brand represents an exquisite blend of Americana and punk rock embedded in its core. Takizawa’s love for motorcycle culture reverberates through each piece, lending the brand an edge that’s as authentic as the Ura-Harajuku landscape from which it sprouted.
NEIGHBORHOOD is more than a brand; it’s a testament to mutual support and collaboration. It was born in an era where designers pooled their talents and resources, blurring the lines between where one brand ended and another began. Takizawa’s creation, known for its American military, biker, and rock & roll-inspired aesthetics, captures the essence of Japanese streetwear with a sharp, blacked-out and skull-adorned flair. Although initially recognized only by streetwear aficionados making their pilgrimage to Japan, the brand’s masterful craftsmanship, superior quality, and meticulous attention to detail have earned it a global stage.
Beams
Born out of a fascination with American fashion, Beams is a hidden gem within the rich tapestry of Japanese streetwear. With roots dating back to 1976, Beams was founded by Etsuzo Shitara in the vibrant Harajuku neighborhood of Tokyo. Echoing a UCLA dorm room’s warmth and simplicity, Beams’ early offerings showcased a unique blend of varsity-inspired clothing and quaint home wares. As the brand grew, it expanded into various sub-brands, each with its unique perspective on East Coast American prep, including Beams F (“future”) which melded traditional prep with contemporary trends.
Beams’ transformative journey from a small Americana-obsessed store to a cultural force in Japanese retail is testament to its versatility and vision. The brand diversified its offerings to include a record label, a furniture shop, and home goods. Among its most significant triumphs was the launch of Beams Plus in 1999, a line dedicated to reimagining the golden age of American menswear (1940s-1960s), producing pieces meant to stand the test of time. While the brand’s reach has primarily remained within Japan, its push into the American market through Beams Plus has started turning heads in the Western fashion industry. Its mastery of Western tailoring traditions and the introduction of a Japanese flair have propelled Beams’ team into minor celebrity status within the menswear world. Though Beams remains under the radar for many Western consumers, its profound influence on the fashion industry and its commitment to quality and innovation continues to shape the world of streetwear.
South2 West8
From its inception in the serene streams of Northern Japan, South2 West8 has cast its net far and wide, carving a niche for itself in the realm of global streetwear. Founded by Kaname Nagaoka with the backing of Nepenthes founders Daiki Suzuki and Keizo Shimizu, this brand drew inspiration from Tenkara, a traditional Japanese fly-fishing method. Despite its evolution and growing fan base beyond Japan, South2 West8 has managed to maintain its unique aesthetic—playful utilitarianism—that sets it apart in a world brimming with outdoor fashion brands.
South2 West8, known for its inventive and functional pieces, successfully straddles the line between urban and wilderness fashion. Each garment is crafted to be purposeful yet stylish. Its designs cater to the urban commuter and the outdoor enthusiast alike, making the brand both utilitarian and chic. Priding itself on its obscurity, South2 West8 has recently started to pique the interest of the style-savvy populace, promising that its obscurity may not last much longer.
Undercover
Jun Takahashi’s Undercover, a brand synonymous with Tokyo’s subversive underground, straddles the world of streetwear and high fashion effortlessly. Imagine if Supreme and Chanel had a lovechild with a rebellious streak, that’s Undercover. Its eclectic aesthetic, birthed amid the bursting Japanese economic bubble, is a potent blend of chaos, resolve, fragility, and humor. Since its inception in the late 80s, Undercover has echoed with the beat of an unstable world, a place where ambiguity isn’t just tolerated but celebrated. The brand gained early momentum with Nigo, the branding maestro behind A Bathing Ape, and started to disrupt the fashion scene from a small boutique in Tokyo, Nowhere. Even with its punk influences, Undercover transcends the genre, distilling the enigmatic and whimsical spirit of Takahashi into wearable art.
Undercover isn’t just about clothes; it’s a sartorial commentary on culture and society, an idea brought to life through remarkable tailoring, femininity, and a unique sense of beauty. From his first runway collection in 1994, Takahashi has redefined familiar clothing staples into distinct fashion pieces. A B-3 flight jacket cinching a long skirt or lingerie morphing into utility gear are just a few examples of his disruptive designs. Over time, the brand evolved from Sex-Pistols-meets-Harajuku punk to a sophisticated exploration of style. Take the Fall/Winter 2005 coat made from hundreds of skull-shaped felt cutouts – elegant, macabre, humorous, it perfectly embodies the Undercover ethos. Takahashi’s iconic collections also include collaborations with names like Nike, Supreme, Uniqlo, and Hello Kitty, creating a brand that is more a worldview than a simple label. One where pieces of clothing share the runway with Takahashi’s handmade “Graces” – intriguing, eerie stuffed creatures with bike lights for eyes. This multi-layered narrative is what defines Undercover and its global fashion influence, keeping enthusiasts forever guessing and always wanting more.
VISVIM
When it comes to balancing heritage with innovation, Visvim, a Japanese brand established in 2001, is the ultimate standard bearer. Hiroki Nakamura, the brainchild behind Visvim, elegantly fuses Americana ruggedness with artisanal Japanese traditions, capturing the essence of this fusion in every piece. Growing up amidst Tokyo’s fascination with casual American clothing, Nakamura’s love for Americana style deepened during his travels across rural America and encounters with indigenous Alaskan communities. These diverse influences materialized into a brand that is now revered for its beautifully aged clothing and footwear that seamlessly blend tradition and modernity.
Visvim emerged from Nakamura’s obsession with American work boots, moccasins, and a vast collection of vintage clothing. Its initial offerings were focused on footwear, but the brand soon expanded into ready-to-wear clothing. Visvim’s iconic product, the Visvim FBT, epitomizes Nakamura’s innovative approach. This unique sneaker design draws its inspiration from traditional Native American moccasins, reinventing the classic by replacing the leather sole with an EVA-phylon midsole, and adding heel counters and a synthetic footbed. Moving into apparel, Nakamura employed a ‘future vintage’ approach, crafting garments that nod to the past while retaining a timeless appeal. Today, Visvim’s collections—ranging from military-inspired apparel upgraded with modern technologies like Gore-Tex, to artisanal denim jackets—are celebrated for their exquisite quality and craftsmanship.
Y-3
For two decades, Y-3, the audacious partnership between Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto and sportswear titan adidas, has been redefining the borders between high fashion and streetwear. The brand was conceived in 2003, after Yamamoto, already a well-established name in the luxury fashion sphere, was thirsty for a new venture blending luxury with street and sportswear. This thirst, coupled with adidas’ openness to breaking the mould, gave birth to Y-3, a brand that would go on to pioneer an entire category of streetwear defined by minimal branding, tasteful patterns and neutral tones.
Y-3’s most iconic pieces aren’t just clothing; they’re design statements that have left an indelible mark on the industry. The brand made waves with its unorthodox footwear like the Y-3 Qasa and the Y-3 Platform Sandal, pushing the envelope with their contemporary and sporty designs. Its athletic apparel like hoodies, tracksuits, and jumpsuits have not only found a place in streetwear but also influenced the industry with Yamamoto’s unique interpretation. Y-3’s essence lies in this synthesis of sportswear, streetwear, and luxury, a blend that’s given us memorable pieces like the futuristic Y-3 PureBOOST, Y-3 Run Boost, and the avant-garde Y-3 4D Runner. Despite the cooling hype, Y-3 continues to make strides in lifestyle footwear and athleisure capsules, proving that the brand has plenty left to offer.
Needles
Born out of an obsession with Americana style and an appreciation for the refined craftsmanship of Japanese production, Needles has established itself as a brand that strikes an appealing balance between these two aesthetics. Established in 1997 by Keizo Shimizu, the brand stemmed from his vision of combining the casual American style he admired with unique Japanese flair. Shimizu’s career in fashion began at Redwood, where he worked alongside Daiki Suzuki, a like-minded creative with a shared interest in traditional American workwear. This partnership continued when Shimizu launched his distribution company, Nepenthes, with Suzuki later joining him. Their combined aesthetic and mutual respect for high-quality American and Japanese production standards laid the groundwork for what Needles would become.
Needles emerged from Shimizu’s desire to create something unique that they could not find elsewhere. The brand became a testament to their experimentation and creative expression. Known for its unique interpretations of American style, Needles often draws inspiration from icons like Miles Davis and Steve McQueen, but with a distinctive, often flashy Japanese twist. The brand’s extensive repertoire includes loose-fitting blazers, lightweight floral shirts, and billowing BDU pants. Each season, Shimizu’s collections are centered around a specific inspiration, creating pieces that effortlessly weave into the overarching Needles narrative. These garments can range from resembling finds at an army surplus store to wardrobe staples of a 70s chemistry teacher. Whether it’s simple suits, military-style outerwear, or exceedingly luxurious loungewear, the core ethos of Needles is all about ease and coolness.
Wacko Maria
In the eclectic world of Tokyo streetwear, WACKO MARIA reigns supreme. The brainchild of ex-J-League soccer players, Keiji Ishizuka and Atsuhiko Mori, the brand was born in 2005 and has since become a major player on the global stage. Saturated with a unique blend of American culture influences – music, films, photography, art – the brand’s aesthetic is both distinctive and universally appealing. WACKO MARIA’s collaborations with leading names like WTAPS, Yoshida & Co, nonnative, N. Hoolywood and UNDERCOVER have further cemented its cult status. The brand is notably recognized for its lettered and embroidered apparel, emblazoned with phrases like “PARADISE TOKYO” and “GUILTY PARTIES,” nods to its roots in the Nakameguro district and their subsidiary brand, respectively.
For co-founder Atsuhiko Mori, WACKO MARIA is about more than just fashion. It’s a cultural institution, melding influences from music, cinema, and even architecture into a unique narrative. Italian cinema’s masters like Luchino Visconti, Federico Fellini, and Bernardo Bertolucci resonate strongly with him, adding an extra layer of artistic influence to the brand’s designs. Moreover, Mori’s dedication to his vision means that collaborations are driven by passion and alignment, rather than industry politics. His modus operandi? If it’s cool and steeped in music, it’s got a place in WACKO MARIA. While future expansion abroad isn’t off the cards, Mori’s focus remains on elevating the brand, favoring authenticity and good timing over hasty moves. Whether you’re a streetwear aficionado or just a casual enthusiast, WACKO MARIA’s unique blend of cultural and artistic influences makes it a brand worth watching.
Additional Japanese Streetwear Brands
We recognize that taste is incredibly subjective. There are countless iconic and innovative Japanese brands that resonate with different individuals for varying reasons. Therefore, any top 10 list can only serve as a snapshot. You definitely want to check out these additional brands.
