15 Japanese designer clothing to buy on your trip to Japan!

 

One of the joys of traveling is shopping.

So far, we have introduced a variety of foods and cosmetics, but this time we focus on Japanese designer brands!

When you think of Japanese designer brands, which brand comes to mind?

Although it may not have much of an image, there are many world-famous fashion brands in Japan.

Here we detail the features of the recommended Japanese brands!

And if you can’t make it to Japandon’t worry, you can still make a purchase using Payke’s substitute purchase service!

 

We hope you enjoy your shopping experience with this article!

1. Onitsuka Tiger

Onitsuka Tiger is a sports shoe brand founded in 1949, and its sneakers that combine retro design and functionality have become popular.

It features the brand’s iconic “stripes” and is perfect for casual fashion.

 

By: onitsukatiger.com

The recommended items “MEXICO 66” and “SERRANO” are popular products with many color variations, and some products can be purchased for less than 15,000 yen, so they are recommended for Onitsuka Tiger beginners.

Please check out our flagship stores in Tokyo and Osaka for items that are not available overseas.

 

2. TAKEO KIKUCHI

TAKEO KIKUCHI is a leading brand of classic Japanese menswear design, with a simple yet sophisticated English style design and use of high quality materials.

The brand offers stylish suits and jackets for businessmen as well as shirts, bottoms, and wallets for everyday use, for a wide range of occasions.

https://store.world.co.jp/s/brand/takeo-kikuchi/

 

3. Comme des Garçons

From Comme des Garçons 2024AW collection

Comme des Garcons is a brand known for its avant-garde and unique designs.

The innovative style by designer Rei Kawakubo is characterized by unisex designs and bold cuts.

Comme des Garcons currently has 19 different concept lines.

PLAY COMME des GARÇONS was the first Comme des Garçons brand to introduce an item with a symbolic logo, and it has gained recognition.

https://shop-jp.doverstreetmarket.com/

 

4. Issey Miyake

Issey Miyake is a brand that has many core fans because of its designs that fuse Japanese tradition and innovation with art and fashion.

https://www.isseymiyake.com/

In particular, the “Pleats Pleats” series is popular for its lightweight, wrinkle-resistant material that is also practical, which is not the case with high-end brands.

  1. Yohji Yamamoto

Yohji Yamamoto is a brand known for its -specific silhouettes and black-based designs.

https://www.yohjiyamamoto.co.jp/collection/femme/autumn-winter-2024-25-yyf/

The brand offers avant-garde styles characterized by oversized silhouettes and innovative cutting.

The designer’s second brands “Grand Y” and “Y’s” have also attracted attention recently, so be sure to check them out!

7. A Bathing Ape (BAPE)

A Bathing Ape is a leading street fashion brand. Camouflage patterns and shark parkas are symbolic of the brand, which boasts immense popularity among young people.

https://jp.bape.com/

The main store is located in Harajuku, Tokyo, and the brand is visited by fans from all over the world.

In addition, there are many limited items and collaborative products in Japan, making this brand a must-visit for street fashion lovers.

7. KENZO

KENZO is a luxury brand founded by Japanese designer Kenzo Takada and based in France.

https://www.kenzo.com/ja-jp

 

The designs are characterized by ethnic costume influences, bright colors, bold prints, and a fusion of costumes and cultures from various countries.

Also, the tiger motif is now so much a part of Kenzo’s identity that it is hard to miss.

If you are new to KENZO, this is an item you cannot miss!

 

8. SACAI

SACAI is known for its self-hybrid designs, which combine different materials and styles in a way that is uniquely different.

https://www.sacai.jp/

There are many layered styles and asymmetrical designs, and wearing them will surely make you feel different from others!

9. Mame Kurogouchi

Mame Kurogouchi is a brand characterized by delicate details and feminine designs. Many items are a fusion of traditional techniques and modern design, with silhouettes that enhance femininity.

https://www.mamekurogouchi.com/ 

The collaboration project with UNIQLO that began in 2021 has been very popular in Japan, with the brand selling out every time it is released.

10. FETICO

FETICO is a brand characterized by elegant yet modern design.

https://fetico.jp/

The silhouette emphasizing femininity, delicate materials and urban, sophisticated design are recommended for those looking for a dress for a special occasion.

11. Hanae Mori

Hanae Mori is one of Japan’s leading designer brands, with elegant and florid designs.

https://www.hanae-mori.com/

 

The designs are often based on butterfly motifs, which reflect the desire to “spread Japanese culture” and the wish that “Japanese women should flap their wings like butterflies,” and have an elegant, classical style that is attractive.

13. Junko Koshino

 

Junko Koshino is a brand characterized by innovative and artistic designs.

http://junkokoshino.com/fashion

The brand’s bold colors and  silhouettes have won over many fashion enthusiasts around the world.

13. JUNYA WATANABE

JUNYA WATANABE is a brand by Junya Watanabe, who was a member of the COMME des GARCONS team.

Many of the designs fuse technology and art, and are characterized by experimental materials and  their own cutting.

Junya Watanabe Fall-Winter Collection 2024-25

The brand is recommended for people with high fashion sensitivity because of its many bold styles that are conceptual and propose new values to fashion.

14.UNDERCOVER​​

UNDERCOVER is a Japanese street brand launched by Jun Takahashi in the 1990s.

https://undercoverism.com/

 

The brand’s  graphic and avant-garde designs have established a style that crosses the boundaries between street and upscale fashion.

 

  1. TADASHI SHOJI

TADASHI SHOJI is a brand founded by Japanese-born designer Tadashi Shoji, whose particularly elegant dresses are popular worldwide.

https://www.tadashishoji.jp/

The feminine and sophisticated designs are favored by many celebrities.

Summary

What do you think of the Japanese designer brands?

We have introduced various genres from mode to street style, so we hope you have found a brand that suits your style.

Some brands have special items and limited editions that are only available at Japanese stores, so be sure to stop by during your trip to Japan.

And if you don’t have plans to visit Japan, that’s okay, too!

Payke’s substitute subscriptions allow you to get the items and limited editions you’ve been eyeing.

Depending on the timing, you may be able to get a good deal, so please feel free to contact the button below to discuss your needs with Payke staff!