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In the world of fashion, where the styles keep changing every day and night, Japanese streetwear has been popular for a very long time. Japanese streetwear brands combine traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern street culture and have a big influence on the worldwide fashion landscape. Renowned for their distinct styles and creative ideas, these brands have amassed a loyal global fan base. 

According to a survey by Hypebeast, 70% of people purchase streetwear products, of which 54% spend $100- $500 on streetwear each month. This growing demand highlights the influence and popularity of streetwear products, making it a key player in the fashion industry. 

In this detailed blog, let us learn about the top Japanese streetwear brands that are leading the world in the dynamic fashion niche, showcasing their contributions and highlighting what sets them apart in the ever-evolving streetwear landscape.

The Evolution of Japanese Streetwear 

Japanese streetwear brands have a long history reflecting a fusion between conventional Japanese culture and Western influences. Here is an overview of how the streetwear in Japan evolved: 

• Traditional Beginnings (Pre-1940s):
  • Traditional Wear: Until the 1940s, traditional wear, such as kimonos, dominated Japan's streets. Fashion was driven socially by class and culture.
  • Minimal Western Influence: Japan had little or no contact with Western fashion throughout the turn of the century until the middle of the 20th century.
• Post-War Influence (1940s-1970s):
  • Western Introduction: The arrival of American soldiers after World War II introduced Western fashion styles to Japan.
  • Adoption of Western Styles: The genres of American music like hip-hop and rock, along with their associated fashion styles, began influencing Japanese youth, by the 1970s.
• Subcultures and Experimentation (1970s-1980s):
  • Rise of Subcultures: Harajuku became a point of origin for many different subcultures like Visual Kei and Lolita fashion. These designs were experimental and bold.
  • Kawaii Culture:  The "kawaii" (cute) culture was popularized through magazines like "Olive", and saw the rise of styles like Lolita, characterized by Victorian-like dresses.
• Golden Era of Japanese Streetwear (1980s-1990s):
  • Boutique Boom: The 1990s saw a surge in boutique culture that emerged to accommodate various styles found in areas like Harajuku and Shibuya.
  • Urahara Movement: It was also the time for the Urahara movement, a time characterized by the blending of Western and Japanese fashion influences. Brands such as "NOWHERE" and "UNDERCOVER" led the way in this movement.
  • Shibuya Casual (Shibukaji): Made popular by Kurt Cobain and other inspirations, this casual style was influenced by Western grunge.
• Modern Influence and Global Impact (2000s-Present):
  • International Collaborations: Japanese streetwear brands started collaborating with Western designers and brands, and suddenly Japanese streetwear was hitting the global runways.
  • High-Quality Craftsmanship: Japanese brands are known for their attention to detail in terms of craftsmanship. This has been another reason contributing to its international appeal.
  • Affordable Options: Brands such as UNIQLO offer very reasonably priced options on streetwear styles, hence making it easier to access Japanese streetwear for a larger audience.
• Cultural Integration:
  • Lifestyle Choice: Japanese streetwear is not just not about fashion anymore, but has turned out to be a lifestyle choice. It reflects a commitment to community and individual expression.
  • Pop Culture Influence: Japanese pop culture, including anime, manga, and music, has played a significant role in popularizing Japanese streetwear.  The connection between pop culture and streetwear has created a dynamic and symbiotic relationship, elevating Japanese streetwear's global visibility and appeal. 

Japanese streetwear brands continue to evolve, maintaining their unique identity while embracing global influences. This dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity ensures that Japanese streetwear remains at the cutting edge of fashion innovation. 

Top 10 Japanese Streetwear Brands 

Here is a detailed guide to the top Japanese streetwear brands:

1. A Bathing Ape (BAPE)

A Bathing Ape, founded in 1993 by Tomoaki Nagao in Ura-Harajuku, Tokyo, is the leading Japanese streetwear brand. It was very well recognized in the world of streetwear and built its reputation in the global fashion industry through its inimitable designs.

BAPE is inspired by pop culture and the iconic film "Planet of the Apes" and has become synonymous with youthful trendiness. 

• Brand Aesthetic: It is known for bold, vibrant designs, including iconic camo patterns and the ape head logo.
• Signature Products: It offers graphic t-shirts, shark hoodies, BAPE STA sneakers, and accessories, often in limited-edition releases.
• Collaborations: BAPE's collaboration with brands like Adidas and Coca-Cola has significantly boosted its international visibility and sales.
• Influence: The brand merged street culture with mainstream fashion, impacting both Japanese and international streetwear.
• Expansion: The flagship stores of the brand are in major cities worldwide, including New York, Los Angeles, Paris, and London.
• Celebrity Endorsements: The brand is popular among celebrities and influencers, contributing to its cult status.
• Cultural Impact: It is known for unique designs and limited releases, leading to high demand and resale values.
• Strategic Marketing: It uses exclusivity, hype, and collaborations to maintain its leading status.
• Legacy: The brand continues to innovate and influence the streetwear landscape, a staple for fashion enthusiasts globally​.

2. Comme des Garçons

Comme des Garçons, a leading force in avant-garde fashion, was established in 1969 by Rei Kawakubo in Tokyo. The brand is famous for its unconventional designs, which often feature asymmetrical shapes and unusual fabric uses. CDG's impact extends beyond clothing and affects art and design through various exhibitions. It has a great reputation among high fashion and streetwear brands in Japan.

• Brand Aesthetic: It offers innovative, deconstructed styles that challenge accepted fashion norms.
• Signature Products: The brand products are distinguished by their striking, asymmetrical cuts and mainly black color palette.
• Runway Presence: A major presence at Paris Fashion Week that influences trends in the fashion world.
• Collaborations: It has combined streetwear and high fashion in partnerships with brands like Converse and Nike.
• Influence: CDG has pioneered the concept of "anti-fashion," impacting both Japanese and global fashion scenes.
• Expansion: It is continuously establishing stores in major global cities such as Tokyo, Paris, New York, and London.
• Celebrity Endorsements: The clothes of CDG are worn by fashion-forward celebrities, enhancing its prestige.
• Cultural Impact: CDG is acknowledged for pushing the boundaries of fashion design and creative expression.
• Legacy: It remains a key player in the fashion industry, renowned for its uniqueness and originality.

3. Undercover

Undercover was established by Jun Takahashi in Tokyo, in the year 1993. The Japanese streetwear brand blends streetwear with high fashion, creating a unique and edgy aesthetic. The brand launched in the era of Y2K fashion outfits, goes beyond simple fashion, with its motto "We make noise, not clothes," and embodies audacity and rebellion that connects deeply with its target audience. 

• Brand Aesthetic: The brand combines punk rock influences with high fashion, known for its rebellious and edgy designs.
• Signature Products: It features graphic tees, distressed garments, and statement pieces with intricate details.
• Collaborations: The brand has worked with brands like Nike and Uniqlo, bridging streetwear and mainstream fashion.
• Influence: Takahashi often draws from music and subcultural movements, infusing narratives into his collections.
• Expansion: It has stores in major cities, including Tokyo, New York, and Paris.
• Celebrity Endorsements: The brand is endorsed by high-profile fashion icons, increasing its visibility.
• Cultural Impact: It is recognized for its unique blend of streetwear and high fashion elements.
• Strategic Marketing: It uses limited releases and high-profile collaborations to maintain exclusivity.
• Legacy: Undercover continues to be a trailblazer in the streetwear industry, known for innovative designs​.

4. NEIGHBORHOOD

NEIGHBORHOOD was founded in 1994 by Shinsuke Takizawa and draws inspiration from Americana and motorbike culture. The brand is known for its rugged, utilitarian designs which regularly incorporate military themes and excellent craftsmanship. From its beginnings in the Shibuya neighborhood of Tokyo, NEIGHBOURHOOD has expanded to become a well-known Japanese streetwear brand worldwide.

• Brand Aesthetic: It is inspired by motorcycle culture, military apparel, and workwear.
• Signature Products: The brand includes biker jackets, denim, and graphic printed t-shirts with a rugged aesthetic.
• Collaborations: NEIGHBORHOOD has partnered with brands like Adidas and Converse, blending streetwear with classic styles.
• Influence: It is heavily influenced by the Ura-Harajuku movement of the 90s and is shaping Japanese streetwear.
• Expansion: It has several stores in Tokyo and international locations, including New York and Los Angeles.
• Celebrity Endorsements: It is popular among streetwear enthusiasts and celebrities, which keeps endorsing the products on their social media accounts.
• Cultural Impact: The brand is known for its high-quality craftsmanship and detailed designs.
• Strategic Marketing: It uses exclusivity and limited releases to maintain a strong brand presence.
• Legacy: It continues to be a dominant force in streetwear, known for its distinctive style and influence.

5. Yohji Yamamoto

Yohji Yamamoto is the illustrious Japanese fashion designer of the 20th century, who created the clothing brand in 1981 in Tokyo. He is renowned for his innovative designs, which include massive silhouettes, and monochromatic color palettes, that often challenge gender stereotypes. The motto of the brand and its product is "I don't bother you - don't bother me”. Contemporary fashion continues to be inspired by Yohji Yamamoto's unique design philosophy and craftsmanship. 

• Brand Aesthetic: The brand is known for its avant-garde style, characterized by oversized silhouettes, black color palettes, and a strong emphasis on fabric and texture. 
• Signature Products: The signature products of the Japanese streetwear brand include deconstructed garments, flowing coats, and asymmetrical designs.
• Runway Presence: The brand regularly showcases at Paris Fashion Week, influencing the global fashion landscape with its unique vision.
• Collaborations: It has partnered with brands like Adidas for the Y-3 line, blending high fashion with sportswear.
• Influence: Yamamoto's designs challenge conventional norms, emphasizing androgyny and minimalism.
• Expansion: It has stores in major cities worldwide, including Tokyo, Paris, and New York.
• Celebrity Endorsements: Yohji Yamamoto is frequently worn by fashion icons and celebrities, reinforcing the brand's avant-garde status.
• Cultural Impact: He has pioneered a new era of Japanese fashion, blending traditional elements with modern aesthetics​.

6. Sacai

Sacai is a favorite Japanese streetwear brand among fashion fans because of its hybrid clothing and forward-thinking philosophy. Established in 1999 in Tokyo by Chitose Abe, Sacai is well-known for its avant-garde approach to fashion. The brand represents a combination of both formal and casual wear. Sacai soon became well-known in both the high-fashion and streetwear worlds for its gender-blurring designs and meticulous attention to detail.

• Brand Aesthetic: It is known for its innovative approach to fabric and design, which often merges contrasting elements to create hybrid garments. 
• Signature Products: The brand features knitwear, layered pieces, and unexpected fabric combinations.
• Runway Presence: It has made a notable presence at Paris Fashion Week, celebrated for its experimental and distinctive collections.
• Collaborations: The brand collaborated with brands like Nike, The North Face, and A.P.C., bringing a unique twist to each partnership.
• Influence: It is recognized for redefining modern femininity and pushing the boundaries of traditional fashion.
• Expansion: The brand is available in high-end retailers and boutiques around the world, including stores in Tokyo, Paris, and New York.
• Celebrity Endorsements: It is endorsed by fashion-forward celebrities and influencers.
• Cultural Impact: Sacai's innovative and dynamic designs have made a significant impact on contemporary fashion, blending luxury with streetwear elements​.

7. Visvim

Hiroki Nakamura founded Visvim in 2001, and it is widely recognized for its exquisite craftsmanship and vintage-inspired designs. The brand produces classic, meticulously created products by fusing traditional Japanese processes with Americana ruggedness. Visvim's attention to detail and use of premium materials demonstrate its commitment to quality. The Japanese streetwear brand draws inspiration from a variety of sources, such as Native American culture and traditional workwear, and often incorporates handmade elements into its creations. 

• Brand Aesthetic: The brand combines traditional Japanese craftsmanship with contemporary design, focusing on high-quality materials and vintage aesthetics.
• Signature Products: Visvim is well-known for its handmade approach to fashion and it is popular for its FBT moccasins, denim, and outerwear. It’s a blend of natural leather construction and ornate tassel detailing with a durable Vibram outsole.
• Runway Presence: Although not a frequent participant in major fashion weeks, Visvim holds exclusive presentations and showcases.
• Collaborations: It has worked with brands like Nike and Supreme, as well as artists like Futura.
• Influence: It is influential in merging heritage craftsmanship with modern streetwear.
• Expansion: It has several boutique stores in Japan, the United States, and Europe, along with a strong presence in luxury retailers.
• Celebrity Endorsements: The streetwear brand is worn by celebrities such as Kanye West and John Mayer.
• Cultural Impact: Visvim has a cult following, admired for its dedication to quality and artisanal techniques.

8. Kapital

Toshikiyo Hirata established Kapital in 1985 with the objective of using it as a sewing and dyeing factory. The name Capital was chosen to reflect Kojima, Japan's "denim capital." The brand evolved into a reputable denim expert as a result of Toshikiyo Hirata's fascination with American denim, which was kindled during his travels in the United States. The company changed its name to Kapital in 1996, following an enormous transformation. With this change, it started on its path to becoming a forerunner in the world of modern Japanese fashion. Kapital stands out in the field of fashion innovation with its distinctive cut-and-sew artisanal approach, which has been honed over years of practice.

• Brand Aesthetic: It is known for its eclectic, American-inspired style with a Japanese twist, featuring patchwork, denim, and vintage influences.
• Signature Products: The brand's intricate details and the iconic smiley face motif have become trademarks. The signature products include denim jeans, boro jackets, and bandana-inspired pieces.
• Runway Presence: This Japanese streetwear brand does not follow traditional runway schedules but releases collections in unique, thematic lookbooks.
• Collaborations: Kapital has worked with brands like Hysteric Glamour and retaW, as well as various artists.
• Influence: It is renowned for its craftsmanship and innovative use of dyeing traditional techniques. 
• Expansion: The brand has boutiques in Japan and select international locations, with a strong online presence.
• Celebrity Endorsements: This brand is frequently worn by fashion-forward celebrities and influencers.
• Cultural Impact: Kapital has a loyal following, known for its distinct aesthetic and high-quality garments.

9. Uniqlo

Global retail giant Uniqlo is renowned for its premium basics and innovative fabric innovations. Established in 1949, the company has emerged as a prominent name in affordable fashion, providing an extensive variety of apparel for men, women, and kids. Uniqlo's competitive advantage is its capacity to blend fashion, simplicity, comfort, and affordability.

• Brand Aesthetic: The brand focuses on simple, high-quality basics at affordable prices, often using innovative fabrics and technologies.
• Signature Products: The main products include the HEATTECH thermal wear, Ultra Light Down jackets, and AIRism innerwear.
• Runway Presence: It is not typically involved in traditional runway shows, but engages in high-profile collaborations and marketing campaigns.
• Collaborations: The brand has expanded its appeal by working with companies like Disney and designers like Jil Sander.
• Influence: It is known for democratizing fashion and bringing high-quality clothing to the masses.
• Expansion: It has a global presence with stores in major cities worldwide, including flagship stores in New York, London, and Tokyo.
• Celebrity Endorsements: It has collaborated with various celebrities and influencers to promote their collections.
• Cultural Impact: Uniqlo's affordable, high-quality basics have made it a staple in wardrobes around the world, influencing everyday fashion​.

10. WTAPS

WTAPS was founded by Tetsu Nishiyama, also known as TET, in the early '90s. The brand's name is derived from the military term "double-taps," which refers to two shots fired in quick succession at the same target. The design philosophy of the brand incorporates aspects of contemporary streetwear with true military aesthetics, reflecting this concept. Being a top name in Japanese street style, the brand is known for its meticulous commitment to quality and attention to detail.

• Brand Aesthetic: WTAPS is popular for its military-inspired designs, functional aesthetics, and high-quality materials.
• Signature Products: The signature products of the brand include the M-65 jackets, Jungle Stock cargo trousers, and graphic design tees, which are among the military-inspired designs.
• Runway Presence: This brand typically avoids traditional fashion shows, opting for lookbooks and exclusive drops.
• Collaborations: It has partnered with brands like Vans, Supreme, and Stussy.
• Influence: Renowned for its authentic military-inspired streetwear and attention to detail. 
• Expansion: The Japanese streetwear brand is available in select boutiques and online platforms globally.
• Celebrity Endorsements: It is seen worn by streetwear enthusiasts and celebrities alike.
• Cultural Impact: WTAPS has a strong cult following and is highly respected in the streetwear community for its ability to blend rugged military wear with urban fashion sensibilities, dedication to quality, and authentic design​.

Current Trends in Japanese Streetwear

Japanese streetwear continues to captivate the global fashion scene with its innovative designs and unique aesthetic. Here are some of the current trends that mold the outlook of 2024:

• Oversized Silhouette: Japanese streetwear is known for its preference for oversized clothing. Baggy pants, loose-fitting shirts, and oversized jackets are really in vogue, which creates a fun, stylish, and very relaxed look.

• A Mix of High and Low Fashion: Japanese streetwear smoothly blends together luxury fashion with affordability streetwear. This eclectic mix brings along unique styles that turn out to be very accessible to a large part of the audience​.
• Bold Graphics and Logos: Some of the most popular fashion choices are graphic T-shirts, hoodies, and other fashion accessories dominated by bold designs and logos. Such clothing pieces normally help individuals express their personalities and make bold style statements.
• Sustainability: With eco-friendly products becoming a hot topic lately, the majority of Japanese streetwear brands engage sustainably. This includes using recycled material, ethical methods of production, and creating awareness about nature preservation among consumers​.
• Techwear: Technical fabrics and functional designs are increasingly used and included in streetwear. Pieces with utility pockets, weather-resistant materiality, and other practical features that fuse style with functionality fill the streets​.

Wrapping Up

Japanese streetwear continues to make a powerful impact on the global fashion scene, offering a unique blend of traditional aesthetics and modern innovation. From its origins in traditional Japanese wear to its current status as a leading force in fashion, Japanese streetwear brands like A Bathing Ape (BAPE), Comme des Garçons, and Undercover have established themselves as trendsetters. Their commitment to high-quality craftsmanship, bold designs, and cultural influence has set new standards in streetwear.

As the popularity of Japanese streetwear grows, the rise of clothes dropshipping has made these iconic styles more accessible to fashion enthusiasts worldwide. By leveraging dropshipping platforms, you can easily incorporate these sought-after brands into your store and offer their exclusive designs to a global audience.

Exploring and supporting Japanese streetwear brands not only enriches your wardrobe but also connects you with a rich fashion heritage that continues to evolve and inspire. Dive into the world of Japanese streetwear and stay ahead of the trends, whether you're a fashion expert or looking to expand your dropshipping business.