Big John

Big John | URAHARA

Big John

Big John are the godfather of Japanese denim and responsible for the selvedge denim manufacturing scene in the now famous Kojima, Okayama. Founder Kotaro Ozaki initially began his business manufacturing school uniform, work wear and U.S military inspired clothing. Kotaro is known for producing the first pair of jeans entirely made in Japan in 1965 using fabric from Canton Textile Mills from America under the brand name ‘Canton’. He would then later develop the first denim fabric made in Japan in 1972. Big John pioneered the Japanese Selvedge Denim scene as we know it today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Was Big John the first Japanese Denim brand?

Big John was founded in Japan in 1940. It is one of the oldest and most respected denim brands in Japan and is known for producing high-quality jeans using traditional Japanese techniques.

There were some companies that produced denim fabric in Japan before Big John, but these companies were focused on manufacturing uniforms for railroad workers and factory workers.

Big John was instrumental in popularizing denim jeans made with Japanese denim, which eventually led to the rise of the Japanese denim industry.

Where is the Big John head shop?

The original Big John head shop is located in Kojima, Okayama. Known as the birthplace of Japanese Denim, the area is home to many more of the country's most famous denim brands; such as Momotaro, Iron Heart, Japan Blue, and Studio D'Artisan.

Big John has since expanded to other locations in Japan and around the world, but the Kojima store remains a key part of the brand's history and heritage.

Do Big John produce apparel as well?

In addition to denim jeans, Big John also produces a range of other apparel and accessories. Their product lineup includes jackets, shirts, T-shirts, sweatshirts, and accessories such as hats, belts, and bags.

Like their jeans, Big John's apparel and accessories are known for their high-quality materials, attention to detail, and traditional Japanese craftsmanship. They often incorporate Japanese motifs and traditional patterns into their designs, giving their products a unique and distinct style.

If you're after any specific Big John products, reach out to us and we'll see what we can do!