Japanese Fashion Brands

Japanese fashion balances design and wearability: from the distinctive silhouettes of Yohji Yamamoto / Y’s and ISSEY MIYAKE, to the city-ready functionality of THE NORTH FACE Purple Label and nanamica, and the easy-to-style edits from BEAMS and UNITED ARROWS. Low-saturation palettes and comfortable cuts make dressing effortless from weekdays to weekends. SolyJapan curates trending pieces, unique finds, and Japan-only colorways to elevate everyday style.

45R

45R(原名45rpm)於1977年在東京代官山創立,由設計師井上保美等人共同打造。品牌堅持「穿著舒適、令人開心」的理念,設計風格帶有復古特色,如借鑑美式復古和常春藤風格。其採用津巴布韋棉等頂級天然素材和藍染等傳統工藝,加上高品質用料與隨時間更顯韻味的特色,深受日本消費者好評。

atmos

Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Tokyo, atmos specializes in trendy apparel, limited-edition shoes, and accessories. Committed to promoting Tokyo street culture, its designs blend bold creativity with traditional Japanese elements. Its collaborative footwear is a favorite among young Japanese consumers, and its unique collectible value is also highly valued by consumers in Hong Kong and Taiwan, earning it an excellent reputation and a global reputation in the fashion world.

visvim / WMV

Founded in 2000 by Hiroki Nakamura, Visvim fuses American retro with Japanese craftsmanship, using natural dyes and traditional methods to create a future vintage look. His wife, Kelsi Nakamura, leads the women's clothing line WMV , which expands the brand's worldview through spaces like FIL. Recognized for its exceptional craftsmanship and quality, WMV is a beloved brand among Japanese consumers.

NANO universe

NANO universe was founded in 1999. Starting from a selected clothing brand, it later established its own brand clothing. It has been well received in Japan and Asia for its accessible and simple everyday style and is regarded as the first choice for urban office workers.

Key Memory

KEY MEMORY, a men's and women's fashion brand originating from Kamakura, Japan, is centered around the concept of "Special Moments in Kamakura." Drawing inspiration from loungewear, they create comfortable, high-quality everyday wear. Popular in Japan and other parts of Asia for its natural, comfortable designs, KEY MEMORY is considered a great value for couples and a great value for money.

WIND AND SEA

Founded in 2018 by stylist Takashi Kumagai, WIND AND SEA draws inspiration from surfing and skateboarding culture and is known for its minimalist "SEA" print T-shirts and loose-fitting hoodies. The brand has been endorsed by celebrities like Takuya Kimura and Shawn Yue.

Taiga Takahashi (TT)

Founded in New York in 2017 by Japanese designer Taiga Takahashi (TT) , the brand blends traditional Japanese craftsmanship with American retro styling. Renowned for its high-quality jeans and outerwear, the brand has received awards in Japan and is a favorite among fashionistas in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia.

Margaret Howell / MHL.

Margaret Howell / MHL. was founded in 1970 by British designer Margaret Howell, advocating minimalist and practical style. Inspired by Japanese workwear and modern denim, MHL. operates over 80 stores in Japan and is a favorite among artistically inclined young people, offering a blend of wearability and understated elegance.

ZOZOTOWN

Founded in 1998 by Yusaku Maezawa, ZOZOTOWN launched its fashion e-commerce platform in 2004, bringing together over 9,000 brands. As Japan's largest apparel e-commerce platform, ZOZOTOWN has gained popularity in Hong Kong and Taiwan thanks to its extensive selection of limited-edition items and fast delivery. Consumers praise its limited-edition items, fast delivery, and innovative designs for an enhanced shopping experience, earning it an excellent reputation.

URBAN RESEARCH

Founded in 1996 by Masanori Ishii, URBAN RESEARCH blends Japanese minimalism with urban style, emphasizing practicality and fashion. With over 100 stores in Japan, the brand is highly popular among young people in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore, focusing on durable and affordable luxury designs.

UNITED ARROWS

Founded in 1989 by Osamu Shigematsu, Yasuto Kamoshita, and others, United Arrows is a leading Japanese select shop, blending Japanese aesthetics with European and American styles. Its diverse brands cover the mid- to high-end market. Their pop-up and pop-up events in Xinyi District, Taipei, are highly popular, earning them a strong reputation among young Asian fashionistas.

LIMI feu

LIMI feu (originally named Y's bis LIMI, renamed in 2002) was founded in 2000 by Satomi Yamamoto, daughter of legendary Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto. Known for its serene atmosphere, voluminous garments, and unique draping colors, LIMI feu has received high praise at Tokyo and Paris Fashion Weeks, and is a favorite among Japanese and Asian fashion icons.

Yohji Yamamoto / Y's

Yohji Yamamoto / Y's founded Y's in 1972 and launched his independent label in 1977. Since his debut in Paris in 1981, he has become known for his deconstructed aesthetic and exaggerated tailoring. His black philosophy and anti-trend designs have long influenced fashion enthusiasts in Japan and around the world.

ISSEY MIYAKE

ISSEY MIYAKE , founded in 1971 by Issey Miyake, innovated the product category with its "One Piece of Cloth" concept and its "Pleats Please" product line. Its Bao Bao geometric bags and L'EAU D'ISSEY fragrance are particularly popular among young Asians and design enthusiasts.

THE NORTH FACE Purple Label

THE NORTH FACE Purple Label is a collaboration with Japan's nanamica in 2003. Designed by Nagaichiro Honma, it combines classic outdoor functionality with Japanese minimalist trends. It is only sold in Japan and features Mountain Parka, Day Pack, etc., which are deeply loved and praised by urban consumers in Asia.

nanamica

Founded in 2003 by Eiichiro Homma, nanamica inherits Goldwin's expertise in outdoor functional design. Focused on the principles of "utility" and "sports," it blends minimalist aesthetics with technical fabrics such as GORE-TEX®. Nanamica is a favorite among fashion-conscious individuals in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore who pursue both urban functionality and style.

9090

9090 is a sub-brand launched in 2018 by yutori, a subsidiary of the popular Japanese boutique WEGO. Focusing on "revival of culture" and the retro campus style of 1990s and 2000s youth, it has become a trending topic in Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong, and Taiwan through pop-up stores and social media engagement.

BEAMS

BEAMS was founded by Etsuzo Shitara in Harajuku, Tokyo in 1976. Under the name "American Life Shop Beams", it introduced the American college dormitory style, integrating lifestyle and fashion. It is also famous for its diverse sub-lines and cross-border collaborations, and is widely loved in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore.

FAQ|Japanese Fashion Brands

Q1: Which Japanese fashion brands are evergreen?
Yohji Yamamoto / Y’s: black aesthetics and relaxed avant-garde silhouettes.
Margaret Howell / MHL.: low-saturation palettes and clean cuts for timeless daily wear.
visvim / WMV: premium fabrics and refined workwear.
Common keys: consistent shapes, reliable materials, easy coordination.

Q2: Which rising Japanese labels to watch?
WIND AND SEA: bold graphics and frequent collabs.
9090: retro-sport vibe with relaxed fits.
Taiga Takahashi: meticulous archival-inspired craft.
They balance buzz with real-world wearability.

Q3: Three current trends?
Urban tech: lightweight, water-repellent, quick-dry fabrics in commute pieces.
City workwear: pocket-rich, 3D cuts with cleaner lines and lighter weight.
Gender-neutral silhouettes: relaxed and boxy fits. Tip: build outer 1 + bottom 1 + accessory 1, start with low-chroma tones and add one statement piece.

Q4: Can’t find a brand or flavor?
Message us on WhatsApp SolyJapan will assist.