How Japan Saved American Style

[@WalterDEgger]

in the beginning of the book he talks about how Japan adopted American style in part to defend against colonialism. around 1910, the Japanese upper class adopted suits and short haircuts in place of robes and top-knot hairstyles. it's harder to colonize people when they present themselves in the same way as the colonizers. having the same wardrobe conveys "we have the same ideals" instead of being viewed as an "other."

[@Ebathora]

I haven't read the book, but does it discuss Japan's colonialism at this time? Like how did adopting the costumes of colonizers track with Japan's own colonization (and human sex trafficking/genocide/military dictatorship/etc.) in Asia at that same time? It's an interesting connection I drew from your comment.

[@tamnguyen-ou6es]

@@Ebathora no it doesn't go deep into war and colonization. the main focus is around fashion trends such as the Ivy, and the people behind them

[@jpeg204]

Ah yes because the japanese famously were never colonizers

[@WalterDEgger]

@@jpeg204 I'm clearly talking about American colonialism from the very first sentence...

[@Ebathora]

@@tamnguyen-ou6es such a missed opportunity from my perspective 😭 like how did the author draw the connection between American colonization to Japan and then not take that one extra step to talk about Japan as active colonizers. We deadass fought a world war about this

[@motar6825]

there was this “fashion in japan” exhibition in tokyo last year, where they showed how japanese fashion have changed and evolved since 1945, right before ww2. they didn’t talk much about meiji era but still it was absolutely wonderful. and i went with my grandma, who has lived in tokyo all her life, since 1948. she basically knew all the “japanese american” fashion eras. it was by far one of the best fashion history exhibitions in japan.

[@presidentgibby1319]

drew is my fav fashion youtuber because of his style. not many of his contemporaries share it. i see a lot of “all black silhouette rick owens raf stan yohji yamamoto archive” it’s nice to see something different

[@metonika1591]

Thanks Drew for introducing "Japanese Americana" to me. Hope you can make a video about it for beginners/starters/newbies like me. Like maybe how to style, trends, or any references we could look at and hopefully I could find something similar in a thrift store. :D

[@MattyIceIceMan]

He’s got an older video about Japanese Americana if I remember correctly

[@pimpom5355]

Well Japanese Americana is just carbon copy of old american clothing catalogs, might start there. I think the main charm of JA is authentically made clothes, not the styling themself

[@bymesco1416]

Love the vid! I worked for Asics for bout four years and dove deep into Japanese fashion history. Keep the series going so many layers.

[@sivane.2485]

I have been a BIG fan of Japanese Americana. You should definitely listen to the Podcast "Articles of Interest" season 3, titled American Ivy. The season dives deep into the Kensuke Ishizu influence. So interesting. Thanks Drew for being awesome !

[@DrewJoiner]

Thank YOU for another place to learn more I will definitely give this a look

[@aaronglacier9213]

Great subject, I’ve been fortunate enough to live in Japan for 3 years. Greatly opened my eyes to fashion and I absolutely love their Japanese Americana

[@zacharystrohschein6997]

Love that Jacket... I fall into the "importance of craftsmanship" in fashion category.. so this video holds a great deal of significant for me! When the culture values shifted from quality to quantity the american standard was KILLED ☠.. Japanese culture seems to value high quality and craftsmanship, which I am very thankful for. Japanese denim FTW

[@juunji]

Love it when you talk about Japanese Americana Drew! Definitely great to see your perspective, thoughts, and the history of the niche I love

[@thatorthisway]

If you’re interested in the history of how collegiate and prep fashion that was founded in the U.S. and was later adopted in Japan definitely listen to the podcast “Articles of Interest”. Their 3rd season is about “American ivy” and dives into some subcultures in Japan that adopted that look. Really informative and their other seasons are great as well talking about the history of other types of clothing and stuff that people wear

[@vladabalinsky7276]

I was about to write the same thing begging him to listen to it.

[@anonymousotter6455]

My feelings towards Japanese Americana are fully represented by that wonderful thumbnail LMFAO The prominence of Japanese influence on Americana is clearly seen by the bespoke brands which make this style of clothing. The Real McCoys, John Lofgren, Clinch Boots, like 80% of selvedge denim brands, Kamakura Shirts, MoonstarJP shoes, White Kloud, The Flathead... You get the point. In my opinion, these brands not only keep that style alive, they elevate it. I'm extremely grateful that this genre exists.

[@khairulhelmihashim2510]

Immediately in post WW2, Hollywood films were allowed to be screened again in Japanese cinemas. It creates demand from Japanese youths on popular Americana styles portrayed by Hollywood actors in the movie. As Japanese in general is quite a conservative society, such demand for new, foreign style was met by small, independent clothing firms taking risk of producing such clothing style for youths. They went to a great detail to achieve proper Americana look, not just by producing clothing of similar cut, material and quality, but also guide the youths on how to properly style them in fashion/lifestyle magazines.

[@busychilling9190]

Please talk about it more, you just introduced japanese americana to me, and it was really intresting and a fun to watch video😁

[@aqilahchase-hill]

Living in Japan has really inspired me fashion wise. Like I literally found my style here😊

[@ready2start]

Yo! I remember talking with you back when you dropped your old Japanese Americana video about the manufacturing shift from USA to Japan. It's so cool to see you go deeper down the rabbithole (the history is fascinating). Thanks for the informative content as always :) By the way, you are one of the featured creators in my latest newsletter so check it out!

[@DrewJoiner]

🫶

[@zenniszarkov2271]

Super interesting Drew, great tip of the iceberg for Japanese Americana. I’ll be picking up Ametora now👌 I’ve been watching Daniel Simmons lately, his style isn’t exactly like what I wear personally but I like his formats as they’re very chill. Keep up the great work in your videos Drew👊

[@rhinestonesamurai]

Great video bro! Been really loving Beams and Kapital stuff lately

[@DrewJoiner]

same!!

[@meadow3598]

Thank you so much for the book recommendation! One of my 2023 goals is to read more books too, and I must say: audible fits like a glove, especially for those who want to practice their "english listening" (like me). so thank you for the book and platform rec! I would love to see more videos on the topic, you're awesomeeee! Sending peace, love and positivity from Brazil 🇧🇷

[@noiretblancetmoi]

It goes without saying that Japanese Americana also was heavily adapted into the Japanese culture via the economic boom around the 70s - 80s. If you dive deeper just into that era and see designers and culturally influential people from Japan around that time the people were not only able to have other companies and fashion brands introduced into Japan but it was also a time where most to all of the people we look up to were returning from trips to America further adapting what was going on over there throughout those years. There is a lot of interesting things linked to how the state of imagination of the "golden era" of 40s-60s America is celebrated through the techniques of manufacturing and cultural/social sensibilities within the Japanese Americana genre of fashion.

[@ranchblonde]

Love the vid, you should make more Japanese Americana videos. Cheers

[@jessicam.9751]

I’ve been really into rian phin’s videos. Her takes on the fashion world are just so well informed and interesting. Understitch also makes really great videos

[@iot9510]

Fun fact is American style is trending in Japan. I love Japanese American style. They are retro and dope.

[@Colourisedspoon]

it never really left tho

[@danshakuimo]

@@Colourisedspoon I thought it was trending since the end of WW2

[@Colourisedspoon]

@@danshakuimo thats right

[@tuesdayallweeklong]

Oh man - I could watch an hour long essay on this topic. Definitely get into it more if you feel inclined to - I'd love to hear about some more of the prominent Japanese Americana designers, and what their trademark touches were. #pvv I watch wayyyyy too much KZbin, and I'm super eclectic with it. If I had to just throw three names out though, it's prolly Ro Ramdin (social commentary video essay-ish stuff), Scott Cramer (comedic commentary videos, often about 90s nostalgia stuff), and (you're usually in my top three, but because that's not helpful in this instance:) Will Tennyson (bodybuilding tips, delivered with 10000 jokes). I also watch a lot of cooking content, but don't have any real "standout" favorites in the category.

[@make-it-funky]

I’m Japanese and this video is well-organized! As cosplay culture was brought into Japan from America, I think Japanese culture is shaped by lots of elements from other culture. Unlike New York or London, Japan is not a cultural centre, but I think we are able to express our Japaneseness by incorporating various cultures. Japanese dainty and careful craftsmanship makes them possible. 英語の勉強になるのでいつも見てます。次のビデオも楽しみにしてます😙

[@pantone.17]

Your english is very good! Im glad we can both enjoy Drew's videos together, even from different parts of the world 🙇‍♂️

[@maeldnt]

I'm really surprised when you say Japan is not a cultural centre with a proper japaneseness. From a European perspective, on the contrary Japan Soft Power, Cool Japan, Japanese streetwear, Anime and Manga industry, Cosplay, Tokyo Street Fashion, Kawaii aesthetic and industry have a major impact. Japanese culture's enthusiast are even called by the derogatory moniker 'weebs'. I would even say , As America was in the 20th century, Japan is the country with the biggest influence in the early 21st century, within a few years it influenced fashion, design, Technology, youth culture (Emo, Cosplay, E-girls, ...) the way we consume goodies, fiction tropes, the way we relate to fictitious characters(moe) what we eat (Sushi and ramen can be found as easily as Macdonald in any city), the way people create new communities, or even music pastiched by westerners (future bass, future funk, City pop). What is interesting is even though cool Japan was intended to be an exportable soft power, all the things mentioned were developed by the Japanese for the Japanese in the first place(島国だから) as a really personal take on popular and modern culture (alas, often perceived a west-centric way). Korea (Halyu) on another hand, has a great impact in the west, but it does incorporate a blend of things from many cultures to cater to both the west and Asian countries. This pop culture is developed in light of its exportability in the first place. I'm really happy that lately, Asian impact on global culture starts to be widely acknowledged.

[@capngrimm3684]

Yes to more Japanese Americana

[@carloamirante5325]

Could you make a video that also delves into the culture of fashion in Italy? that would be really cool because i live there but i don't know enough about it. thank you

[@gggsss4969]

Man, great video! I think Japanese Americana is so interesting because its so unique and you don‘t see it that often

[@monog762]

Really enjoyed this deep dive into Japanese Americana. I am still figuring out my style and it's strange how I always end up being influenced by Japan. Current content Creators I'm watching this guy named Drew Joiner I think you know him? The Casual, and Frugal Aesthetic 😂.

[@DrewJoiner]

😂 just read this

[@stormzybanksy]

love this, and love the respect for japan conveyed in this video.

[@nickbeach2679]

Gifted Hater is the funniest person on skate KZbin, and fashion YT a lot of Kenijima, Keezy and Jacob Wallace lately. Always making classics. #pvv

[@CrucifiedinChrist]

Yes we should continue to talk about the ties between america and japan fashion wise

[@flipo2009]

Love that book! Ametora is amazing!

[@mahinislam5575]

Reading "Ametora" right now. About a third of the way through...This is a great summary so I know what to look forward to...

[@TongTong-or2bh]

Would love to hear more about this topic!! I think I’ve been really inspired by this style from images on Pinterest but didn’t know any terms until now

[@studyboi9433]

Love how you execute your content, something about it feels so soothing. Keep up the good work drew ❤

[@noppongtomprom1393]

Japanese fashion style were all about expression and using different elements in other’s style and add some twists to its , in Japan you can see anything from ivy league, military style or street fashion .

[@Mars-uz3xt]

I admire your passion for finding the facts in your research and adding your natural stance on that, really inspiring honestly. Brilliant work! Love your vids

[@keithwong5541]

Really appreciate content like this. The reference point where you come from is priceless information.

[@kanavgupta1086]

Im so glad that someone made a video about this. Even though japan has had such a big influence on fashion, its not widely covered. Great Video, hope you make more about this topic.

[@elfedelaforet8]

Great video! Ametora is such an excellent book.✨

[@emoba_8381]

Gotta feel Japanese Americana had something to do with pop/rock culture in the US which spread to Japan in the 60-80s

[@jimshen0308]

#PVV Almost vintage style is on the top of my list. His videos and blogs have helped me figured out sizing and brands to keep an eye on when it comes to Japanese Americana. Another one is the Casual, because I am a sucker for contemporary Japanese street wear and how they are able to incorporate kimono into modern fashion

[@matthewraleigh5751]

Yes I love the Japanese Americana!!! I like when you talk about specific pieces, maybe a vid about your favorite Japanese Americana pieces! (You a hopper too, I like that, fashion and hoops you my man!!!)❤

[@tydo2991]

No way u made a vid on this book, was such an amazing read!

[@kanavgupta1086]

please make more videos about japan-american fashion ties. PLEASE!!

[@액-o3r]

I'm watching your video from the latest and really liked everything. I got into ivy style lately and your videos help so much. Thanks alot. It's good to study English as well. lol

[@liowalker5365]

Always excited to see an upload, thanks for another great video drew!

[@thomasbalaoing7520]

yes, I've actually been wondering alot on "what are the lines between Japanese Americana vs just Americana"

[@danshakuimo]

Now that I think about it, I'm not sure what Americana even refers to nowadays. Does it refer to the American fashion in that time period? Or the American fashion now? Though when people say Japanese Americana I think of it as referring to both the past and the present. Though a funny thing nowadays in the States is the obsession with heritage workwear and the like and how Japanese Americana brands are being recognized by Americans. The loop has come full circle back lol.

[@miguelrivera4314]

Pvv question answer: tbh your my new hidden gem of a content creator

[@DrewJoiner]

🫶

[@CokeWithIceAndLemon]

Stumbled upon your channel and easily subscribed, thank you for what you do brother, sending you love and respect from Saudi!

[@DrewJoiner]

love right back! I appreciate you

[@tameelaclaver3080]

Love this style of video!

[@martyrx3436]

Did Black Americans not build the foundation for Japanese streetwear? In fact, streetwear wouldn’t exist without them😂…

[@abiwall7949]

Definitely going to give Ametora a read! I recommend Avant Magazine by Eric Maggiori if you haven't heard about it already, he puts together Vintage workwear anthologises that are so detailed and his collection is insane....

[@luisclavijo983]

I just voted in your poll but nah man, your audio is great!

[@DrewJoiner]

Thanks for letting me know!!

[@DrDrMr]

Hello, interesting video, love this format of videos 📖. Actually I prefer Japanese Americana. From what brand is this cap? Awesome one.

[@moien997]

I love your videos. Very interesting topics and good research.

[@Emiljep2509]

Ive really wanted to look more into Japanese selvedge denim. Is There some Japanese brands People Can recommend, When it comes to that?🌻

[@cameront.9638]

#ppv Hello Drew this was a very interesting video about Japanese Americana, I knew so little of it. Im watching FrugalAesthetics, KSI and Coryxkenshin

[@AjniraBloom]

Hi Drew, my NUMBER 1 fashionista influencer and content creator is not Tamara, not Karen Britchick, not Niki Skyyy, it's Laura Blair, or The Laura Blair. She's definitely a person for whom fashion and style weave and dance in her blood. A former ballerina with Vivienne Westwood inspo she'll find what is unique and eye-catching and put her spin on it that is unlike anyone else's. Definitely Laura. High-Low and watch that strut. Just an icon.

[@lukelukeluke_]

woooow, very interesting, thx for the video xoxo from belgium !

[@francescomaffei799]

Hi Drew! Could you suggest me instagram pages with regular posting outfits inspiration that you like? Japanese Americana would be great

[@jamesbarker5650]

Very well researched video Drew, talking of sources of joy, your videos are that every time for me regardless of the specific topic, big pvv guy right here, big fan bruh keep it going ❤

[@kouseitakeda9611]

Although I like the concept of "Japanese Americana" and the history of its uprising in Japan, I think it's unfair to say that Japan before that was a "nation with no style." Just because Americans brought their own culture to Japan and infused its stylistic motifs with the existing culture doesn't mean that Japan before this time had no set style or fashion. Though, style is kind of a broad word, especially now, so I understand when someone says that "Japan had no style."

[@DrewJoiner]

Very valid point

[@mungy27]

Drew Joiner? I barely know her! idk what else to comment I'm never this early

[@DrewJoiner]

lmao

[@jordachejordan90]

I think the same thing may be said abt Japan saving American streetwear. Japan's reverence in it's interests always comes off as genuine.

[@kogas101]

I want more videos on street fashion and alternative fashion from Japan if you feel interested

[@mac5333]

Gr8 book indeed!

[@TundeEszlari]

Sensational content.

[@RampzProducer]

btw 'Swathe' is pronounced 'sway-the'

[@jacobmperry]

Great video as always Drew. You gotta come to the UK at some point man. #PVV my most watched KZbinrs right now besides you are Daniel Simmons, Frugal Aesthetic, Nathan Zed, Starlinc and Volksgiest.

[@KyleFlores]

I keep on coming back to watch the Levi's documentary about Made and Craft from Japan! kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5TXdZ-cft6mask

[@evzzs]

LOVE THIS SO MUCH 👖 🇺🇸 🇯🇵

[@robithesir]

#pvv There this guy called Young Don The Sauce God, he’s been making animations for years, but of late, he streams a lot on his other channel, he’s a very religious guy (Christian). He also has the funniest podcast with two friends called This Is Not A Cult

[@DMorgan77]

Pvv: Carl Muralski and Timothy Desaint (sorry for any spelling errors) Great video Drew.

[@krm5693]

#pvv The Casual and Greg Ntore for fashion and Aaron Terrence Hughes for fragrances

[@JesseBesse]

Really glad the style's been reflected on more. Hope you don't mind me asking but where is that blue shirt from? I've been looking for button ups that have a slightly thicker and firmer material and it really fits the bill

[@tekufu]

As soon as I read the title, I was like "Drew read Ametora didn't he?"

[@DrewJoiner]

haha yup!

[@ewancloake792]

What are the boots behind you on the table. Look very cool

[@Whodnl]

Drew giving us the best content

[@ZaydWalid]

Can someone list some good Japanese Americana brands

[@jminor318]

Thanks so much

[@TheShortMeadow]

Japanese person here. For anyone wondering, Kensuke should be pronounced like Ken-skay. Thanks for your interest!

[@DrewJoiner]

thanks for the correction!

[@snacknnap]

Yes! Quit asking us "should I make a vid-" Yes! Make it, we love them!

[@DrewJoiner]

haha roger that

[@esock2001]

Wish you would delve more into the practical applications of Americana into Japanese culture. All you really said was “America stopped making jeans so Japan started making jeans”.

[@bradycat7526]

Fire vid you should cover like different countries style progressions ya feel gotta get those different sources of inspo 🐛

[@Shing02tv]

great read!

[@ttamfam222]

I felt the beginning glorified Westernization a bit and suggest traditional Japanese style was not there unless they looked like Americans?

[@methodenglish6148]

I didn't get that vibe, personally. From my own perspective, the US and the west in general, have an appreciation for traditional Japanese styles. So when presenting an idea that is not ell known, such as the :preservation of a era past in American fashion", that is to be implied without the need of making a statement. Instead, I would imagine he felt it more important to just keep the video and his points from that standpoint. I wouldn't think of the remark diminishing Japan's style, but instead making a assertion taken from the book, that fashion in Japan had stayed course for such a long period, due to isolation, that it hadnt' progressed in the same direction of other countries that had continued changing, especially in the sense of the social changes at the time. (eg: accepted garments between genders becoming more blended, etc.) However, that is just my own perspective. Your perspective is just as valid, of course.

[@mash12372]

I thoroughly enjoyed this video! Love these essay style explorations into style history.

[@DrewJoiner]

🫶

[@y2j138]

Pvv Forrest ripperton , Keezy

[@lorenzogodio7371]

HI Drew, first of all, great video, thank you for introducing me to this! for the #pvv question of the day: 3 creators that I've really been into in the period are Daniels Simmons, Deon Hinton and Bliss Foster!

[@Von199X]

Talk about Old Money aesthethics next :)

[@stefanurquidi1492]

If you want to learn more about the history of Japanese fashion check out “the casual” on KZbin, Reggie has a lot of great videos on the topic

[@donskidarko]

Reggie Casual from The Casual is based in Tokyo, Japan...if you're into Japanese stuff, you'll learn a lot from him. :)

[@DrewJoiner]

He is the best!!

[@britneydaniels6294]

Yeah this was great. Would love to learn more.👍🏽

[@internetuser985]

Nice, you finally uploaded a video like this I was waiting for you since this was definitely your type of book I have the hardcover!

[@hermitpurple3]

China is a merchant society, Japan is a craftsman society. In the past, Japan imitated Europe and the United States, with respect for people and techniques, as if imitating the movements of a karate instructor. When my master scolded me not to imitate him, I realized that it was time to master the technique and graduate. During the 30 years from 1950 to 1980 after the war, Japanese products gained credibility. On the other hand, Chinese products have accumulated wealth in the 30 years from 1990 to 2020, but have not gained sufficient trust. The number one disciple who was kicked out of the dojo continues to hone his techniques in a corner of the world even now♪ (google translate)

[@mcl223]

KeezyTV he dont miss with the vlogs #pvv

[@kallmeej9106]

Fashion is abt having cool and comfortable stuff to wear

[@onaopemipoadeniyi]

drew is a hooper hooper

[@DrewJoiner]

you seen that 👀 haha

[@Sturnburn772]

You should go deeper into the topic Drew