Top Japanese streetwear brands

Streetwear has boomed in recent years, propelled by the rise of social media and the emergence of a new crop of celebrities and influencers. Its success and acceptance also have a lot to do with the emergence of sneaker culture and the dominance of hip-hop in modern music. But nowhere is this more apparent than in the growth of street fashion in Japan, says fashion enthusiast Janet Pribanic. Hereunder are some of the most prominent Japanese brands who’ve made it big in the streetwear scene.

Undercover

Collaborations with the likes of Nike and Uniqlo has made Jun Takahashi’s brand Undercover one of the most recognized brands to come out of the Asian country. The label’s road to success began in the early 1990s and it has steadily established itself as one of the most sought-after, cutting-edge brands in Japan, combining the sophistication of high fashion with streetwear aesthetics.

Image source: sowht.com

COMME des GARÇONS

It’s easy to mistake this for a French brand because of its name, but Comme des GARÇONS is distinctly Japanese both in its commitment to preserving the Asian country’s fashion traditions while aspiring for a more high-fashion, deconstructed appeal. It’s the oldest brand on our list, having existed since the early 1970s. Its recent success in the streetwear scene is attributed to the rise of its ready-to-wear “Play” line.

Image source: fashionbeans.com

A Bathing Ape

Simply put, Japanese streetwear would not reach its current reputation as one of the most collectible in the world without the success of Japanese designer Nigo’s A Bathing Ape, or Bape for short. Though Nigo has sold the rights to Bape to Hong Kong’s IT group, its relevance continues, the Asian equivalent of the U.S.’s Supreme. Some of the most sought-after Bape hoodies, shirts, caps, and collaboration items go for thousands of dollars today, adds Janet Pribanic.

Janet Pribanic is currently pursuing a Public Relations degree at the New York University. Fashion is among her various interests. More musings and insights on the streetwear scene here.