ISHIKAWADAI DENIM


Crafted from 100% Suvin Gold — The Finest Indian Cotton
After captivating denim lovers through its launch on the Japanese crowdfunding platform Makuake, the legendary ISHIKAWADAI Denim — a faithful revival of Japanese denim from 50 years ago — is now available as part of our regular lineup.
Revival of the 1950s Ishikawadai Denim
This is more than denim. It’s a journey back to the roots of Japanese craftsmanship, reimagined with premium materials and time-honored techniques.
1. Beyond Selvedge — Denim Crafted from the Yarn Itself
Unlike conventional denim, which often begins with fabric, this revival starts from the yarn. Spun on the legendary "phantom machine," the Ishikawadai loom, the yarn itself embodies the soul of vintage denim.
2. Returning to the Origins of BIG JOHN Jeans
Inspired by the early days of BIG JOHN, Japan’s first domestic jeans brand, this denim pays homage to the pioneering spirit of 1960s Japanese craftsmanship.
3. Vintage Texture from a Slow and Deliberate Spinning Process
By taking the time to spin slowly and carefully, we’ve recreated the distinct slub texture that defined the rugged beauty of mid-century denim.
The Ishikawadai Loom — A Machine from the Past, Powering the Future
Built in 1953, the Ishikawadai loom is a true industrial relic—an enormous machine reminiscent of a steam locomotive. Maintained by the master artisans of Taisho Spinning, this loom is essential in faithfully recreating the bold, raw texture of vintage denim.
Material Matters — U.S. Texas Cotton
To reproduce the original yarn used by Canton Mills in the 1960s, we turned to the archives. After analyzing the fiber length, slub character, and texture, we selected U.S. Texas cotton for its strength and ideal length—perfect for reviving the thick, uneven yarns of that era.
We kept the cotton in its most natural form, preserving bits of husk and leaf to highlight the raw beauty of the fabric.
Spun by a Cotton Meister, Woven with Time
With the expertise of Mr. Morita, Cotton Meister of Taisho Spinning, we carefully selected materials and spun the yarn with unmatched precision.
Woven slowly—more than twice the time of modern methods—this process ensures superior durability and an authentic vintage texture.
Rope-Dyed in Kojima’s Historic Showa Factory
The indigo dyeing takes place at Showa, a Kojima-based factory with a heritage dating back to 1905. Here, rope-dyeing, starching, and finishing are performed using traditional methods.
The denim is then woven on the iconic TOYODA GL-3 shuttle loom, a vintage machine that continues to honor the spirit of craftsmanship.
A Masterpiece 50 Years in the Making
To celebrate 50 years of Japanese-made denim, we’ve brought together:
The finest Suvin Gold cotton
Authentic U.S. Texas cotton yarn
The historic Ishikawadai loom
The expert craftsmanship of Kojima’s Showa factory
The result is an extraordinary pair of BIG JOHN jeans—rich in history, quality, and soul. Now part of our regular collection.
Experience the denim that redefined an era.

4 products