The Legendary "Ishikawadai" Denim — A Faithful Revival of Japanese Heritage

After captivating denim enthusiasts on the Japanese crowdfunding platform Makuake, the legendary Ishikawadai Denim—a masterpiece recreating the soul of Japanese denim from 50 years ago—is now officially part of our regular lineup.

1. Beyond Selvedge — Spun on the "Phantom Machine"

While most denim focuses on the fabric, our revival starts with the yarn. We use the 1953 "Ishikawadai" spinning machine, the oldest of its kind still operating in Japan. This "phantom machine" spins at much slower speeds than modern equipment, creating a natural, hand-spun texture that modern technology simply cannot replicate.

2. Returning to the Roots of BIG JOHN

This project is a tribute to the 1960s—the dawn of BIG JOHN and the birth of Japanese-made jeans. By analyzing the original archives of Japan's first domestic denim, we have successfully recreated the rugged, honest character of the pioneering era.

3. Material Excellence: From Texas to Suvin Gold

To capture the authentic vintage feel, we utilize premium raw materials selected by "Cotton Meisters" at Taisho Spinning. Our collection features:

• U.S. Texas Cotton: Analyzed and selected to match the fiber length and strength of the original 1960s yarns, complete with natural husks for a raw, organic beauty.
• Premium Blends: Select models feature 100% Suvin Gold—the world’s finest extra-long staple Indian cotton—combining vintage texture with unparalleled softness and luster.

4. Traditional Dyeing and Weaving in Kojima

The yarn is rope-dyed at Showa, a historic factory in Kojima established in 1905, using pure indigo. It is then woven on the iconic TOYODA GL-3 shuttle loom. This vintage machine weaves at a deliberate pace, ensuring superior durability and a unique "slubby" surface that ages beautifully over time.

A Masterpiece 50 Years in the Making

By combining the historic Ishikawadai loom, the expert dyeing of Showa, and the finest selection of cotton, we have created more than just a pair of jeans—we have revived a piece of history. Experience the denim that redefined an era.