Why Japanese Denim Is So Expensive | So Expensive

A pair of typical blue jeans might not cost you much, but it could set you back a few hundred dollars if it's the renowned Japanese selvage variety. Japanese denim from a brand like Momotaro in Kojima, Japan, can cost over $2,000. Today, Japanese denim is often regarded as one of the finest types of denim in the industry. So what's so special about Japanese denim? And why is it so expensive?
For more information about Momotaro, visit: momotaro-jeans.com/
Editor’s Note: In this video, the translation at 10:40 is incorrect. The year should be 1965, not 1964. The correct translation of Manabe’s quote is “It was during this time that jeans production began in Kojima, in 1965.” Insider regrets the error.
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Why Japanese Denim Is So Expensive | So Expensive

[@TheLegoblockstudios]

Anything made in japan: it takes 15 years of training and takes 6 months to produce one thing

[@Anikodi2612]

Fr

[@koshile3794]

Hence why all my art tools are from japan.

[@Clarkem1]

Time is money

[@rdvgrd6]

Except anything from Sony.

[@superokapi5950]

Like the PS5.

[@jemi3843]

While my brother was teaching abroad in Korea, he bought a pair of Japanese Jeans during vacation. He brought them home and still wearing them 13 years later. High quality materials and technique last a long time.

[@giovanibruno4152]

Depends on your occupation

[@llammapajama4824]

I mean, I've bought old navy jeans for like 10 bucks? that still are fine a decade later.

[@mackerelle9789]

@@llammapajama4824 I heard this and paid $50 2 years ago for a pair. They didn't last 2 years.

[@amarbinay6654]

@@llammapajama4824 LOL

[@attn.]

@@llammapajama4824 Can't weather your jeans if you don't wear them!

[@danielernst419]

I can't even begin to think what kind of grip strength Manatabe has from wringing clothes all day long.

[@jamestait12]

RIght? I wanna see his forearms haha

[@214GNR]

Pause

[@2adamast]

Looks like a demonstration workplace

[@jekku4688]

I just love how the Japanese take such pride in the craftsmanship of everything they do. They don't shortcut, they don't scrimp, they don't cut corners. Such a wonderful aesthetic!

[@tomservo5007]

not quite, fraud is common

[@I-See-In-The-Dark]

Takata Airbag

[@chronicillz1879]

they're the complete opposite of the chinese, the japanese create, and the chinese are a copy machine

[@tomservo5007]

@@chronicillz1879 I wouldn't say 'create', more like innovate

[@dearcoolz]

​@@chronicillz1879 That's true 13 years ago. Time is not stastics. Japan is learning from China now days. According to a Toyota Times interview with the Japanese company’s newly established BEV Factory’s president, Takero Kato, he was shocked during a business trip to China. “For the first time, I came face to face with the competitiveness of Chinese components,” Kato said. “In China, they were not simply learning and applying technologies, but also rapidly transforming manufacturing.” “Laying eyes on equipment that I had never seen in Japan and their state-of-the-art manufacturing, I was struck by a sense of crisis - ’We’re in trouble!’ At the same time, I began to think that I would like to spend the rest of my career in China,” he added.

[@crp5591]

The Japanese never do ANYTHING half-assed! Any time I see a video about something made in Japan, I know it will have an insane attention to detail, craftsmanship, and honor to tradition. Truly remarkable! Heck, just to make sushi rice, you have to apprentice for 350 years just to learn how to properly wash the rice!!!

[@GreasyFox]

That is what professionalism will get you, a high quality product or service that will earn your respect.

[@invest_with_gerald_william6399]

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[@kasikwagoma6740]

@@GreasyFox what a beautiful comment, full of wisdom and so right too. This is what capitalism should look like. Selling quality goods and services to the people and not inferior quality rubbish.

[@Anmolnegi-yw7hg]

It is called marketing and fooling people

[@edzehoo]

That's why i'm 2570 years old now, but I've finally gotten my long overdue recognition of being the rice roller.

[@ArkayeCh]

We need more things like this. Long-lived, quality items made from self-finished materials with natural ingredients and manpower. Feels way more sustainable than fast fashion which chew through fabric, chemicals and sweatshops. Then again, not everyone has 300ish$ to spare.

[@th3kid13]

What's salvaged here?

[@ArkayeCh]

@@th3kid13 Typo. Meant 'selvedge' or self-finished. This type of denim usually goes unwashed out of production. Means less chemicals.

[@crazycowboy213]

fast fashion is cheap to produce and can be produced in mass. Since people don't have 2k for jeans, fast fashion wins for the seller and the consumer. But it isn't sustainable. Which really isn't a concern as no one wants to pay 2k for jeans or 10k for an Iphone. Chemicals and child labor will continue paving the way into the future.

[@powerpc127]

My first pair of raw denim cost $75. It wasn't selvedge, but it was untreated denim. It lasted me 2 years of college before it started to tear. Since then I've owned ~5 other pairs and never paid more than $350 for one. $2000 is only the price tag for a seriously high end pair of jeans, but at that point it's more of a conversation starter for a wealthy showoff than the last pair you'll ever need.

[@NOTTIBOPPINtwitch]

@@powerpc127 these r supposed to be the last jeans u buy mine barely crumble or even get close to tearing the point of these jeans is to last u forever i havent needed new jeans since i got the first but i have to support a company that try’s and support me so i try and get custom made jeans for a price or I’ll buy their jacket or a different color in their store some jeans have been there for years and all have a diffrent type of meaning or influence to them

[@SauravKumar-ce7lq]

I love how it is well priced for the labour and hard work is devoted to it , not like the other jeans which are rather "ripped off" and sold overly priced in name of style

[@betamax1091]

The Japanese dedication to artistry and craftsmanship is amazing. And they do this for so many products and industries. What a fascinating culture.

[@Bahamut3525]

European countries used to have same craftsmanship but was diluted by modernity.

[@iitn8437]

​@@Bahamut3525same used to go for indian craftsmanship where it had very high demands but britishers just destroyed that art and made them unemployed.

[@travel.with.frances]

It always seems to go like this "Why Japanese [insert object] is so expensive" Their level of craft and attention to detail is top class! This is also why I love to buy Japanese appliances.

[@J3unG]

No....it's because they're doing everything BY HAND and silly Westerners will pay exorbitant prices for shit they think makes them better than all the rest of us. They're bloody work pants, for fuck's sake.

[@godzillaking1594]

Its a ripoff

[@michaelkmiec5842]

@@godzillaking1594 if you can’t see the culture and straight up art behind it then for it will never be worth justifying. Same really goes for anything custom or nice in this world. I’m confident you are plenty happy wearing your Taiwanese children in a sweatshop made sweat pants or jeans that are 12.99 at walmart, just saying man some people just enjoy nicer things in life.

[@godzillaking1594]

@@michaelkmiec5842 I'm just saying paying $2000 for a pair of jeans is ridiculous. I like nice things but these are not worth that much, it doesn't matter if you justify it by saying it's cultural or art.

[@nobodyspecial4702]

@@godzillaking1594 It's a status thing in Japan. The same people paying $2000 for jeans are also paying $1000 for a bunch of grapes. Are those grapes honestly so delicious that each grape is worth $100? No, but it's not about the taste, color or enjoyment, it's about telling everyone else they're a bunch of losers who can't afford them. In the 1930's, Japanese culture centered around their military and the top of society were the highest ranking officers. That mentality failed them hard and they saw capitalists occupying their homeland so they embraced capitalism hard and now the top of their society are the people who out-capitalist everyone else. They show off by demonstrating that they have so much money that they can piss it away frivolously and not care.

[@ccengineer5902]

I know these will last 10x longer, and is 3x the quality...but $1000 is a lot for a peasant like me.

[@GameFuMaster]

i mean, cheap clothes can last a long time too, unless you're working in rough conditions. $1000 for pair of pants is only worth it if you really enjoy it or plan to live for 1000 years

[@Waldemarvonanhalt]

Even Momotaro makes much more affordable selvedge jeans than the ones highlighted here.

[@Jesusholmes64]

Buy a pair of Wranglers cheap and last years

[@t-.-t.]

Levis jeans lasts very long as well. $1000 is insanely expensive for a pair of jeans

[@joek1353]

Levi will do

[@rebecca_stone]

Did anyone else notice the fabric of the jacket the man is wearing who's dyeing the thread? It's the most extraordinary chunky weave denim I've ever seen. You can almost see how incredibly soft and tough it is. Stunning stuff if you're a textiles nerd. :) I'd like to buy him some rubber gloves tho...

[@Mythical4227]

I’m glad someone is able to make something so high quality! If most things were this carefully made and even cared for we would have a lot less textile waste and fix clothing less often.

[@haydechman]

I think the mentioned $2000 price point can be a little misleading. The vast majority of Momotaros jeans sold come in at around $300 with many other companies selling at the same or cheaper price points. It really depends what details you are looking for. You can certainly get a fantastic pair of new Japanese denim jeans in the $200-$300

[@1989Nihil]

Yeah, the Goldlabel ones, the ones that a woven with the ancient, manual loom are the ones that cost 2000$. The ones made on the old Toyoda mechanical looms cost 300$. But both are hand dyied with natrual indigo.

[@theMOCmaster]

4:30 - $200-$300

[@arain764niara]

She mentioned that

[@Scrapbooking.CreativeMemories]

Yes, both price points use the same dye however, the $2000.00 jeans take one hour just to produce together 10 centimetres of fabric so of course the $2000.00 price would be justifiable.

[@diablvta]

And you can get some for 5-10$ at thrift shops 😘

[@nerd26373]

When I heard Japanese denim right from the get-go, Daniel Caesar immediately comes to mind. I was just humming along to the lyrics of his song a moment ago. I admire the intricate mastery of crafting Japanese denim. It’s a very long yet drawn-out process, and by no means that it is a simple job for a simple person.

[@addj7093]

I love watching the process that goes into these quality products it’s fascinating. You are paying for the time it takes to make the item.

[@sunnyirissohlei7266]

Such workmanship is satisfying on a level of its own and I bet wearing those jeans feels amazing

[@shukkahh]

Literally anything crafted in Japan is made to perfection and with the utmost reverence towards the process, I absolutely admire this about the Japanese culture.

[@realmoiesesb5187]

Japanese Provide Quality, Something american companies Cant do

[@ryanyablonski9643]

It’s a great hustle if you believe it

[@kakyoin3856]

We have very poor standards about the world around us in general, so im appreciative towards that kinda stuff work.

[@bunnieskitties293]

Admire it while it lasts. Theyre goign to die out soon.

[@RandomUserX99]

It's due to Japanese artisan spirit.

[@Jams90.]

There was a time when Seven Jeans cost $300 or more for no reason other than being labeled Seven. At least there’s a reason why these cost so much. The amount of skill, effort, energy and time it takes to make something of such high quality makes it worth the money. You’re buying the quality, not just the name.

[@janami-dharmam]

what about the profit? you must create a myth that will make the customer happy to pay more.

[@ronlevin2339]

@@janami-dharmam like Apple

[@spritemon98]

I thought you literally meant 7 pairs of Jeans till i figured it out

[@armagetronfasttrack9808]

What aspect of the quality makes them worth $2000? They could last 50 years and still look new and still not be worth near $2000. Either this is price gouging, or a huge waste of time and resources.

[@janami-dharmam]

@@armagetronfasttrack9808 If you consider a painting, it is nothing but a piece of cloth, some paint and a few hours of labor. Same way a sculpture is nothing but a piece of stone plus some labor. Some things are more than the sum of the part or labor.

[@alexvansteinburgh1268]

Watching Katsu hand-dye the thread in genuine indigo is an honor and a pleasure. So few things these days are ad genuine as his work.

[@shooziki]

Thanks for the good content!

[@kmoov90]

Bought a pair of Japanese selvage denim by Evisu 14 years ago and they really do feel different than any other jeans I've worn. I still have them today and it's still in pretty good shape as well. Most jeans I've owned were thrown out within 4-5 years.

[@Eyegobuyspeedy]

I got a pair of selvage Evisu jeans in 07 and they still fire 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@jungleno.]

@William Shakespeare The Turd you really need to get a life.

[@alienshe-officialchannel9686]

@William Shakespeare The Turd how much r they that's my size

[@sweetLemonist]

But why do people want to wear the same piece for so many years?? I get bored of my old stuff after some time even if they're in pristine condition.

[@starjadiancloneinvestigato1772]

@@sweetLemonist this is why the world produces so much waste and the planet is going to shit. Be happy with less

[@sophroniel]

I have natural indigo dyed jeans from my mother and they're right, it is an unmistakable, but unreplicatable colour. It doesn't fade really, but the colours get brighter, but in a very smooth, artistic way. I highly recommend this sort of dye and it makes fabric even feel different , not softer but more pliable kinda.

[@humblewiz4953]

Cost to made it?

[@gunarsagerry3502]

Lucky you are

[@AnonymousReader-er4eg]

what if we're broke :I

[@pecelirovucago7149]

Thanks for your video!, interesting indeed.

[@vishals7433]

everything, literally everything can be replicated. if u invest enough

[@alonzobishop3671]

I can still remember when buying a nice product meant it would last for a long time- perhaps a lifetime… In today’s “disposable” economy it is refreshing to see artisanal goods built to last! The pride these men and women must feel is quite inspiring…

[@Incinerate7]

Thank you for this video

[@alejandrodejan9250]

So aside from making cars that barely break down, Toyota was a maker of weaving machines back in the 1920’s and some of them are still working to this day. Now that’s real commitment to quality.

[@nomadenview]

Wow that's cool

[@gwot]

To be fair, anything back in the day rarely breaks. It's so much harder to find things that last now-a-days.

[@slayerbllade]

@@hhjhj393 It's because of Japanese work ethic. Although it is also one of the big reasons why they have such high suicides per year compared to other countries. Workers are expected to pretty much dedicate their 100% to their job. Workplace efficiency is off the roof, but such environment is hella toxic. So yes, they produce top quality products but at the cost of unimaginable stress to the workers.

[@andricrypto2852]

Enjoy it while you can guys, Japan's birth rate continues to decline and more than 20% of the population is older than 65. If they cannot solve this conondrum, they would need to encourage mass immigration of foreigners to fill their workforce. I don't think it's easy for foreigners to have the same mentality and work ethics.

[@rom668]

No that was wrong info. The companies aren’t connected at all.

[@psp785]

The Japanese jeans I have just look superior to every pair I had

[@babyyoda1898]

Which brand?

[@toussaintlouverture5149]

Yea... right. You really can afford to pay 2k for jeans. Probably fake just like the ones everyone was wearing in 2005. Super fake. Rappers were wearing that fake bs too. Those jeans probably cost 40 bucks in Japan.

[@debbiemarquis3231]

@@toussaintlouverture5149 you sound like you can't afford real Japanese jeans..

[@miguelsermeno8200]

@@toussaintlouverture5149 literally only one pair they mentioned is $2k. Thats not the most expensive pair I’ve seen. And it is certainly not the cheapest. Most quality pairs of raw selvedge denim range from $150-$400. Which is not expensive if you are into the hobby or appreciate slow fashion/Amekaji style. Especially not expensive if you compare it to fast fashion clout brands. Cheers.

[@thatlendy9696]

@@toussaintlouverture5149 Go somewhere else with that negativity 💀 you really think every pair of Japanese denim jeans cost 2k ? Apart from your disastrous comment, I like your username.

[@joseratahi4692]

Everything about Japan I've loved growing up from the cars, fashion, animation, video games, movies, food etc. They have an eye for perfection at a fraction of the cost to other developed countries.

[@MobstersInc]

Great video 🍿

[@Niyet22]

I like how the Japanese have made everything obsolete and unreasonably hard profitable. Goes to show that you need to value what you do, even if the world thinks it is useless and not required.

[@Takeitlightly6]

They have conquered the blue ocean strategy by aligning all three factors together

[@gwot]

it takes a rich country with centuries of history that has gone stagnant to achieve this.

[@nanalcd5628]

It calls a weird lifestyle, just like China.

[@AutitsicDysexlia]

I love PBJ XX-011's... Left hand twill, grey weft. Wears beautifully.

[@bojanpejovic7691]

@@gwot gone stagnant? The third largest economy in the world has hardly gone stagnant.

[@FinanceMind]

While this practice certainly isn't the most efficient or effective way to produce denim, it is so cool to still see such bespoke and particular manufacturing methods. I love Japan and how much pride and care people take for so many things!

[@condorX2]

Aye I don't see much of a difference from a regular gean. Imaging putting that on a homeless person.

[@samuraicop4930]

@@condorX2 it’s about the quality dummy

[@condorX2]

@@samuraicop4930 Tell me more about the quality when it's wore by a homeless person. Don't use the word dummy when you failed to get the original point.

[@henrybarnhart1518]

@@condorX2 why are you bringing homeless people into this 😭😭

[@platinumsugartrend21]

Chemicals that’s difference this is natural color from earth

[@AcidCristals]

I had no idea there was such thing. Im impressed

[@TuhanRock]

Finally I've been waiting for this

[@user-kp2ov1gm4w]

Anything made in Japan, even pinch of salt, SO EXPENSIVE.

[@kevinjenner9502]

...maybe a trade off...One of the safest, cleanest countries in the world, with life expectancy among the highest.

[@GowGows]

@@kevinjenner9502 and one of the most Xenophobic! Try enjoying it as a Korean!

[@ferretappreciator]

@@kevinjenner9502 it appears to be safe because criminals aren't convicted to make their crime rates lower to keep tourists coming in

[@alwaysbadideas]

@@ferretappreciator You are wrong and ignorant. Yes, governments are very corrupt, but crime is low due to strict enforcement (lack of rights even) and... cultural homogeneity

[@johnl.7754]

It’s what is necessary to keep jobs in Japan instead of moving production overseas.

[@AM-mv6ro]

My dad bought a pair of jeans from Japan 37 years ago on holiday and they still look brand new! There are no signs of wear and tear and he wears them at least twice a week Edit: grammar

[@ruvin7023]

Did the color fade from all the washing?

[@aliumer3973]

Wow

[@AM-mv6ro]

@@ruvin7023 nope! The colour is still the same as when he purchased it all those years ago

[@oportillo02]

@@AM-mv6ro What brand are those?

[@cristinagusatu6323]

Japanese clothing and jeans are very good quality mine has 15 years and looks good

[@blahhdittyblahh]

After watching this and seeing the craftsmanship and care I had to get a pair of momotaro jeans!

[@tylerlaiche8443]

Love this series

[@spinitback8884]

Huge fan of Japanese denim. I've never spent $1k on Momotaro's but some of my favorite denim in my collection are MIJ. They break in beautifully.

[@The3nd187]

I have a pair of Flat Heads and the quality is insane, I wish I had the disposable income for some Momataros tho

[@stillbaomatsuo]

Momotaro is actually worn while you fight orges. That's why it's called momotaro. (Google can help you find out who's momotaro, if you dont know) That's why they are expensive but you will survive a direct hit from an orge's club. Highly recommended! White dog, monkey and pheasant not included.

[@assortedpov9722]

I've never spent $1k on Momotaros but the G004s are a beautiful straight cut jean for whatever £240 is in $s. First pair lasted me 4.5 years with the crotch patched up by a good shop after about 1.5 years of daily wear. The fade patterns as they wear out are beautiful too. The sack cloth material they use for the pockets is shit though. I have 2 more pairs because I loved the first pair so much.

[@da_pawz]

MIJ by Levi's cost around $200...

[@JDBass36]

Japan quality standards are amazing! They always pride themselves to make everything of great quality no matter how big or small product is.

[@cowsmuggler1646]

Anyone can waste a bunch of money and time to make the best. But nobody can afford that. What you want is quality that people can afford and that is a lot more difficult.

[@maalikserebryakov]

@@cowsmuggler1646 exactly

[@seyedkashani6992]

Craftsmanship and the passion goes into it making these jeans is just insane. Naked & Famous, Momotaro, Samurai, Iron heart to name a few.

[@rolandmalebogo]

If made in Japan = Quality, Bespoke, Care, Tact, pure awesomeness.

[@jjjjjjj111]

it's not just so expensive. its also the highest quality.

[@HBG313]

What do you think the point of this vid is

[@MagikFingers420]

Hence the 'Why' in the title

[@salsa83]

Pre-ordered hand dyed denim jacket. Can’t wait to get it in 10 months 😅

[@harikadas99]

Love Japan from the deepest of my heart.

[@anathans001]

The high price is coming from multiple variables; 1. Hand-made - labor cost is high in japan 2. Machinery used - they use vintage machinery, which delivers better denim construction but low on production capability if compared to modern machinery 3. They use selvedge denim 4. Cotton used - they use high end cotton, which can deliver a nice aging to the denim 5. Indigo - the one you see here is the hand dyed natural indigo, no chemichal used to preserve the 'blueness' in the denim, so eventually the denim will display a natural blue fade 6. Other gimmicks - stitch used, leather tag, pocket design, etc Fashion premium product is essentially aesthetic > functionality

[@jyc313]

Japanese are good at selling gimmicks to make it seem like it’s so uniquely different and that equals higher quality. All the qualities you mentioned, are found it denim not made in Japan. Yet, you’ll find prices are more affordable. And no, the Japanese doesn’t; necessarily have a uniquely superior craftsmanship. That’s another story they create for the mass public. That somehow, they’re craftsman are better. Like any society, they have both good and bad “artisans”.

[@n.ayisha]

the quality of the cotton and the indigo dyeing are the only two real factors that affect the end quality. all the rest is just justification to add a zero to the cost of everything. and the indigo factor is only because of the cost of base material. synthetic and natural indigo are indistinguishable, but starting out with the indigo plant automatically increases the cost. plus, synthetic indigo is more intense than the natural stuff, so you end up having to use even more of the natural dye (usually means more dips in the dyebath to reach the desired color), which means more manual labor... and more cost to the consumer. one of the charms of natural indigo is that it includes pigments other than the main blue, so you tend to get interesting tonal differences between the different skeins of fiber. then, when you interweave those fibers to make the denim fabric, those slight differences between the individual threads add a bit of depth to the fabric (the color is less flat than if it was all dyed a consistent shade). they are using pre-existing machinery (instead of buying newer models). it slows down the process, but it produces the same woven fabric. i'm not knocking the re-purposing. i own a vintage loom and a ton of related materials, so i appreciate this sort of stuff. however, i also recognize when people are trying to bee-ess their consumers to justify ridiculous cost of items.

[@anathans001]

@@n.ayisha its a high end product, and for a high end product its all about creating a narrative.. If you think the narrative its not justified, then probably youre not their targeted consumers..

[@jorndoff2002]

@@n.ayisha you don’t know anything about selvedge denim. It is completely different than a modern shuttle loom and when you wear it you can feel the difference.

[@n.ayisha]

@@jorndoff2002 i own a vintage loom. i actually understand how weaving works. selvedge means that the cloth is woven in such a way that it is used right up to the edge (usually only on the outer seams, in the case of selvedge denim), so that you do not have to trim and finish that edge. the jeans are usually sewn in such a way that you see that selvedge edge on the sides when you turn up the cuffs. it is a PURELY STYLISTIC detail, and it has zero impact on the actual jeans.

[@semirrahge]

I have a pair of 18oz Momotaro jeans and I can tell you that even the $300 pairs are luxuriously comfortable with incredible texture and subtle details.

[@billted3323]

$20 jeans are good enough. They look the same and are durable

[@Gautam_k04]

@@billted3323 you think that until you try Japanese jeans.

[@billted3323]

@@Gautam_k04 I guess that could be said about any luxry good. I try not to find fault is something i'm already satisfied with. Put my money to work in other places that have larger impact.

[@billted3323]

​@Andrew Garcia Yes $20 pants have that problem, but $50 pants probably have the same problem. iphone cost $1000 and china still takes advantage of the labor. I suppose I could look up the company of everything i buy from corn to shoes. but I'm lazy

[@tejinderseera1280]

Been there to Kojima, loved it !

[@bretthughes4990]

Cheers my friend i really like them. Thankyou

[@alnabulsi313]

I was given a pair of Japanese selvedge jeans and they lasted for years, just wore them in beautifully! Definitely not accessible to me now or most folks, but it's a really lovely product

[@billted3323]

ive never worn out a pair of levi's

[@misakiyoshida]

@@billted3323 me neither but this was back in the day when i bought my doc martens which also haven't chipped in 20 years. the kids today are buying crap that rips and falls apart so easily. I feel bad. They need a good pair

[@haxboi5492]

@@misakiyoshida pre ripped jeans are sadly a thing

[@mesedusa]

you could just call these series ‘Japan is so expensive’

[@Baegitte]

The only thing I can think of that’s is Japanese and affordable is instant ramen 🍜 🥲

[@craiganczelowitz7225]

Actually with the Yen is about 30% weaker to the dollar pre-covid so, everything is fairly cheap here if you earn dollars or Euros. Just hope that travel opens up again so people can enjoy this....

[@hanswurst3811]

awesome story and a beautyful craftsmanship

[@kincamell2]

Much Gratitude

[@tokyugaijin9327]

Such a good video. Makes me appreciate my denim collection even more. 🔥

[@hilohahoma1547]

At last I can agree with the value assigned to a fashion product that rivals my own pain staking time and quality control I demand of my own work, bravo Kojima.

[@danylol772]

While i myself aren't a fan of jeans, i can definetly appreciate the dedication and expertise of the people with passion making them

[@architecturesupport7386]

Love that devotion to the craft and material. Slow fashion will be the future -

[@brimmed]

Whenever I get around to visiting Japan I'll definitely have to try looking around Kojima for some new denim. I've always been intrigued by selvedge and raw denim

[@h82w83]

I was waiting for the narrator to say: “However, due to global warming and climate change, the growth of denim slowly declined. “ 😂

[@Anthony-du5uf]

👏🏽🤣

[@billybats4745]

I was waiting for him to say we produce non binary denim

[@arjunchatterjee1696]

i thought they would say that about the indigo production.

[@ansar4454]

@@billybats4745 Hilarious

[@ctncumcollector8574]

Very rarely can they not blame something on climate change

[@jojobear88]

These videos always make me sleepy. So interesting though!

[@thatsasian5290]

I read somewhere that if it’s a natural indigo vat you just dip the yarn and then hang it to make contact with air so it will turn blue. To keep it darker, you just have to dip and hang multiple times. In his case he dips it then it turns blue instantly.

[@gundammon]

I could go either way with the jeans, but Manabe's robe looks comfy as hell.

[@NICO-zl3vd]

And here I am who thought $50 jeans from Levis are great quality. Now I want Japanese denim pants. 😭

[@invest_with_gerald_william6399]

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[@miguelsermeno8200]

Check out the raw denim subreddit! We are there to help newcomers and experts alike! There are a bunch Of affordable brands too. Cheers!

[@NICO-zl3vd]

@@miguelsermeno8200 Thanks bro!

[@batturbilguun2275]

Levis also has their line of jeans made from Japanese denim. Ask for their selvage jeans. They are usually cheaper than the made in Japan ones

[@NICO-zl3vd]

@@batturbilguun2275 ohhhh thank you !!!

[@mikedavis2566]

Nice clean shop!

[@jeancolley8908]

I love these glimpses into the production of such quality items! One small thing with this one video though... The narration keeps talking about "non selvage fabric" and how the selvage edge is part of what makes the fabric special. It's not - nearly all fabric has a selvage. The difference with "selvage denim" is that they're weaving a narrower fabric on these older machines. The narrower fabric means that the pant leg will be the width of the fabric and the edges will meet at the seam - compared to a modern, wider fabric where you have to cut the width of the fabric down so as not to have a giant wide legged pant. You have a slimmer seam since you don't have to finish the fabric with additional stitching or folding to hide raw edges

[@babydoc_reels6801]

When you put your heart and soul to every detail. Much love and respect to Japan. I wish i was born there. 😊😁

[@assortedpov9722]

Can't lie, I bought my first pair of Momotaro G004 straight cut jeans, loved them immediately and wore them for 4.5 years (crotch wore out and was patched up by a good shop after 1.5 years). Never had a pair of jeans wear so well or wanted to keep wearing an item of clothing for so long. Eventually the crotch wore through again and then the seat of my bicycle got caught and tore them open so I threw them out but I have 2 more pairs.

[@paulandersbullecer3152]

Damn. What a flex

[@assortedpov9722]

@@paulandersbullecer3152 Not all Momotaro jeans cost $1000. I've paid £240 per pair and don't mind paying that when they wear so well. I used to buy jeans from Topman or H&M (cheap, 'fast fashion' shops in the UK) for £35 and they would completely fall apart after about 3 months. Or the Gap jeans in Kaihara selvedge denim for £60 would last around a year.

[@pujasherpa5295]

My mom's aunt brought a jeans from Japan when she was like 18 and it has been 16 years and it still has that pigmentation on it and I were it now it's so freaking good 😭💗💗

[@abdallahal-nachar5501]

How's it's durability so far with you?

[@rangatr]

Great work !! Same thing we still have it as hand loom back in kanchipuram in south India

[@ralone8314]

Literally everything that being made in Japan is an art.

[@haxboi5492]

😏

[@soulofchild6970]

If its made in Japan then no need to worry.. Skills are at best❤️🇯🇵 love Japan for detailing

[@schonkigplavuis8850]

Japan’s entire production economy is based on: making items with the least efficiency as humanly possible to up the price by unreasonable amounts.

[@pokemon100200]

Never realized how popular denim and jeans are in japan and asia in general. It's super cool to see a different perspective on jeans than what I am used to.

[@benjaminblakemore9704]

No one makes bespoke items better than the Japanese!!! 😎👌👏😍😊😉 Magnificent

[@lpacheco06226]

This is one of so many reasons I want to go to Japan.

[@haroldjames7259]

when i know something is made from japan i know it will be high quality. that's why most of my watches are seiko, casio and citizen, the oldest one I have is a Seiko Skyliner from my granddad to my father then to me and hopefully to my future son so far i only have 2 daughters atm 😂

[@Taizuren]

Not gonna lie, I haven't worn jeans since 2019 but I loved this video so much

[@sunnygogoi5072]

One day I will visit Japan. Really appreciate the culture and the seriousness they take in their work.

[@Hotsauce1984]

I got Momotaro denim jacket, jeans & also a sling bag. Such an honor to be able to own them! Arigato gozaimasu🙏🏽

[@lisamcgee8535]

My $29 pair of jeans from Winners from 2002 still looks great after 20 years too. It's a beautiful tradition nevertheless and I admire their dedication.

[@SzPHamer]

Love it!

[@shraddhagurung19]

I have full trust and faith in everything Japanese create. They're hard-working, they put their heart and soul into everything and their attention to quality and detail is a standard in itself in EVERYTHING they do. Love from INDIA.

[@gorkyd7912]

Except Nissan Sentra.

[@Daniel-pc2ov]

@@gorkyd7912 French own Nissan

[@jetcitysinatra7300]

Well it is an art that has been taken for granted. People want clothing cheaper so you have to cut corners. There are still people out there who appreciate quality.

[@soda5730]

Awesome fades on his indigo kimono.

[@shaunhall960]

As an artist this was wonderful to watch.

[@mattman8685]

much respect for anything made in Japan

[@mohamadazam2545]

Don worry they are not chinese everything about Japan is great

[@melodysplay9156]

Japan really produce high quality products, they are so long lasting. My mom still has denim jackets and jeans from early 2000s and still in good quality

[@abdallahal-nachar5501]

Does she wears them or they'r just sitting in the closet?

[@brainiacbold169]

Japanese value craftsmanship.. I have to respect that

[@middleclassic]

I’ve worn Levi 501s my whole life, 59. Recently needed some but $60 was a bit much for me. Bought some Wranglers first time ever for $30. I’m happy 😊

[@DominicNJ73]

I swear, everything in Japan has to be extra, can't just be regular shit. But hey, that's the Japanese work ethic, everything must be perfect and I can respect that, greatly.

[@monkeybusiness2204]

It's what's great about Japan but a lot of times it also impede competition with cheaper alternatives from overseas and could be its downfall.

[@evd549]

@@monkeybusiness2204 tbf I think stuff like this is still accessible rather than expensive food. So there’s a better marketability. Also if you only had like 3 to 5 pairs of jeans. Easily one of them could be these

[@blueCRAByo]

nah its cuz everything is import and the only way you can do homemade profitably is if you GO TO THE EXTRA

[@vezzy_3221]

bruhh i was just thinking this. lets try and name it all. Sushi, jeans, calk, technology, robotics, cars, fishing, house framing, ramen, anime, beef (kobe & wagyu), bullet trains (public transport in general) this is all i can think of

[@nikosaronim]

Yeah but it's not like everything is expensive, there are so many cheap options. But the expensive makers do have a certain aesthetic to them that is quite different than expensive western brands.

[@JSWang-ii8kd]

The attitude determines, not just the price. If you put enough effort and commitment to make even daily items, they become masterpieces and grant deep meaning to people building and buying/supporting them.

[@billted3323]

I find this to be true. If you make anything high quality. The buyers will find you.

[@neil8lin]

We (Americans) showed the authentic way of making quality jeans, the Japanese upheld the tradition and improved it. Sadly we don't even make our own jeans nowadays; almost everything is imported, cheaply made and still priced as premium.

[@shellpose]

Love momotaro ❤

[@charliesav4902]

Some will watch this and still say "jApAnEsE dEnIm iS oVeRprIceD" and that's subjective, You're paying for a unique pair of jeans that are sustainable, but also made in a unique way that's thousands of years old, Manabe is an artist and his jeans are his canvas. *In essence, you're buying a first edition piece of artwork. * Hats off to this dude and his technique.

[@captainsuckbutt3917]

The people that wanna whine about specific denim prices are the same people that exclusively shop at Walmart. Those kinds of people think traveling to a neighbouring state is an “exotic vacation”

[@finnxs3664]

@@captainsuckbutt3917 Bro hates poor people

[@MrAwesomeSquad]

"It stains his hands for 3 weeks" Wait till this guy hears about gloves.

[@allgoo1990]

One of the trail blazers of the premium price jeans brand is Evisu. (They are now priced at $200-300.)

[@afic10]

I had my Japanese jeans for over 12 years, paid 200 bucks which back then was insane, however, I can still wear them, somehow they look even better with the wear and tear, the cut is a classic, slim, straight dark jean.

[@slowvintagedays5963]

You CANNOT gain or lose weight after purchasing a pair! 🙈😂

[@Edithhandle]

Lol

[@2g4u7y]

Great ‘affordable’ brands for denim like this are Evisu, Cheap Monday, and Naked & Famous. Great places to start if you want to get into nice denim. The jackets are amazing and probably going to be my next splurge ❤️👖

[@calvancandy8384]

I bought 3 pairs of Levis recently. I feel great about it.

[@gbrlcntno]

addicted to fashion and japanese denim

[@zahranafisa8757]

Hi bussiness insider, i'm from Indonesia. I know in my country not every product is as expensive as other country. But in my country, we have like Batik or Tenun that also Expensive too. Batik, especially Batik Tulis have a most expensive price from another batik. Maybe your team wanna make a content about that, i will be grateful 🙏🏻

[@nomadenview]

Mantab

[@sharonleman]

Yep agree. I think Oey Soe Tjoen Batik from Kedungwuni is a great example to begin with. The level of details put to a single OST batik is immense. One OST batik would take years to finish!