It’s no secret that Japan has a knack for re-defining Western fashion. One could argue this all began with one specific item: Levi's 501 jeans. In the aftermath of World War II, American G.I.s sold their used Levi’s on the black market—essentially introducing denim to the East. Once America’s occupation of Japan ended, Japan’s economy underwent a revitalization where young style conscious men found a myriad of opportunities to adopt and re-imagine the American styles they witnessed during Japan’s occupation. Today, there are a number of Japanese labels known for their creative takes on Western wardrobe staples. However, between brands that are rooted in tradition and those that appeal to the avant-garde, there are few that manage to embody both.

Father and son duo Toshikiyo and Kiro Hirata’s Kapital is the culmination of Japan’s dense history and culture. What started off as a label dedicated to manufacturing meticulous reproductions of American denim is now a trailblazer in defining contemporary Japanese fashion. Many Japanese labels are often consigned to a generalized aesthetic, but Kapital eschews any trends in favor of singularity.

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