INTRODUCING KAMIKAZE ATTACK JEANS
I was first attracted to Kamikaze Attack because it isn’t a well known brand, and it’s a bit more rare which makes it fun. 2 years ago in Tokyo I tracked down a little shop called Gorilla that prefers to carry the smaller Japanese denim brands like Kamikaze Attack and Trophy. When I saw the quality of the construction and the simple but well detailed styling, I was hooked!
Of course their humorous and dark brand name, and their motto “Project to Conquer the World” also make me smile.
The brand was created by Mr. Kanazawa, who I have to describe as an ex-recluse badass who loves motorcycles, vintage punk rock, and anything grim and dark. Perhaps if the psychobilly band “The Cramps” mutated with a Japanese Bosozoku, Kamikaze Attack would be the result.
We are proud to be the only store outside of Japan to carry Kamikaze Attack!
Before 1995, Kanazawa thought mass market society was crappy. He was homeless and needed a change. In 1995, together with some friends Kanazawa san created a tattoo shop / clothing store called Wire. Their main customers/visitors were homeless, struggling musicians and artists, bikers and even puppies. But Kanazawa wasn’t satisfied and wanted to move on. He opened a store in Okayama station and decided “Since there are no jeans which I would put on, let’s make them ourselves!” Kamikaze Attack was born out of the creative DIY rebel attitude that reminds me of garage punk music.
All Kamikaze Attack jeans are proudly sewn using vintage machinery in Kojima, Japan. Though this denim is a bit cleaner in appearance, the 14oz unsanforized denim from Texas cotton creates a rough gritty surface texture. The fit is simple and straight, slim but not skinny.
Their jeans feature all the good details we are used to like:
- Hidden Rivets
- Chain-stitched hems
- Iron logo waistband button
- Half-lined flannel rear pockets
- Flannel pocket bags
- Red leather patch
Check out the jean and some tshirts here: http://tateandyoko.com/by-brand/16-Kamikaze-Attack.html
Ok, enough talk, onto some fun photos…
Kamikaze Attack Kojima head office and workshop
Playing with Kanazawa-san’s 2 cute dogs
KA bicycle with leather seat and Grimm Reaper handles
KA branded denim drink machine
Left to right – KA pattern maker, Bahzad, Yamane-san, Brandon, Kanazawa-san.
