Japanese Culture in New York - Chopsticks NY

The history of Japanese jeans began in Kojima, located in Okayama Prefecture.  The early 1900's marked the prime period of production for tabi socks, and Kojima became known as "the town of Japanese clothing production."  In the Showa Era, by utilizing Japanese clothing technology, it became the largest school uniform production area.  With world-class events such as the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and the 1970 Osaka World Expo being held, it was an active period.  Jeans became popular due to their young, free and open image.  During this time, Kojima grew from being a jeans producer.  Currently it exists as a series of companies where it makes jeans for over 100 other companies.   The vanguard of domestically produced jeans is Big John, a company which originated in Okayama.  In 1965 it announced "M1002" as its first model, and it led Japan's jeans industry.  The world-famous, high-quality, Big John manufacturing technique has attracted even overseas luxury brands, and multiple OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing) is carried out.  In particular, the company maximizes the quality of the denim material, and it would not be an exaggeration to say that its sewing, dyeing and bleaching techniques are the best in the world. You can find Kojima jeans at Vari, a jeans shop, managed by the men's fashion company Udono, which has four locations in Tokyo.  It sells men's casual wear centering on Levi's and Japanese premium jeans such as Evisu.  Vari is proud to recommend the 23-ounce jeans produced in Kojima, Okayama. By maximizing Kojima techniques, these jeans are produced with the motto "low price, high-quality."  Because they are often the focus of special features in Japanese magazines, the store receives many calls about this product.  Customers abroad should absolutely experience the quality of these "Japanese premium jeans."

The second recommended product is BUNACO brand lamps made from processing the beech tree.  BUNACO is a company with a 50-year plus history that produces items made from beech trees located in Aomori Prefecture, the area in Japan where they are most plentiful.  It utilizes a unique production method which involves slicing the beech wood into a ribbon-like strip with dimensions of 1 mm thickness, 1 cm width and 2 m length.  This is then wrapped to make a coil base, and the coiled thin plate is moved to make a variety of shapes. Because each BUNACO product is handmade by craftsmen, it is of the highest quality.  Additionally, it is not easily breakable or warped so can be used without worry in places abroad that might have different climates. Japan Bridge, a company found on Rakuten which handles not only overseas products but also many Japanese-made products, has selected lamps to recommend out of BUNACO's lineup. The series of lamps carry quality design with a Japanese modern feel, and they are widely used in many places such as Japanese cafes and restaurants. For those who are looking for a product that will spice up your interior, make sure to check out what BUNACO has to offer on the site.