Japanese denim manufacturers are hailed by enthusiasts around the world for their attention to detail and high-quality production. Here, a worker sand blasts denim by hand at a fabric mill in the Okayama area.
Japanese denim manufacturers are hailed by enthusiasts around the world for their attention to detail and high-quality production. Here, a worker sand blasts denim by hand at a fabric mill in the Okayama area.
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Denim in Japan is often made on old and dated machinery to create an authentic vintage feel. <br /><br />"Denim makers brought back old fabric machines which were being phased out due to technology developments over the years," says Devin Leisher, the director of the denim documentary "Weaving Shibusa."
Denim in Japan is often made on old and dated machinery to create an authentic vintage feel.

"Denim makers brought back old fabric machines which were being phased out due to technology developments over the years," says Devin Leisher, the director of the denim documentary "Weaving Shibusa."
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As other denim factories around the world shift towards a mass-production model, mills in Japan still offer quality fabric, some of which are treated by hand. Here, an employee at an Okayama mill distresses denim by hand.
As other denim factories around the world shift towards a mass-production model, mills in Japan still offer quality fabric, some of which are treated by hand. Here, an employee at an Okayama mill distresses denim by hand.
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To improve fit and form, creases are shaved into the denim during production.
To improve fit and form, creases are shaved into the denim during production.
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Japanese denim brand Momotaro is widely regarded for its attention to detail. Momotaro's premium jeans (which uses a denim made on a wooden hand-loom) can sell for $2,000.
Japanese denim brand Momotaro is widely regarded for its attention to detail. Momotaro's premium jeans (which uses a denim made on a wooden hand-loom) can sell for $2,000.
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Leisher believes that it is the attention to detail that makes Japanese denim stand out. <br />"It's the dying, the cotton, the way the fabric has been treated, everything."
Leisher believes that it is the attention to detail that makes Japanese denim stand out.
"It's the dying, the cotton, the way the fabric has been treated, everything."
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The denim in Okayama is often dyed using older machinery, but for some premium products, the denim is hand-dyed.
The denim in Okayama is often dyed using older machinery, but for some premium products, the denim is hand-dyed.
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Here, an employee uses an vintage machine to lightly bleach the jeans after they have been dyed.
Here, an employee uses an vintage machine to lightly bleach the jeans after they have been dyed.
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This love affair with jeans can be traced back to the 1950s, when students and Japanese youth took interest in American vintage apparel.
This love affair with jeans can be traced back to the 1950s, when students and Japanese youth took interest in American vintage apparel.
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Within Okayama, the district of Kojima is celebrated as a denim haven, and is even referred to by some as a "denim mecca."
Within Okayama, the district of Kojima is celebrated as a denim haven, and is even referred to by some as a "denim mecca."
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