Supporting the Japanese denim industry
The first jeans in Japan were manufactured in 1960. A company here in Kojima of Kurashiki city called “Maruoka Hifuku” who handled school uniforms, was the pioneer. They were committed to making jeans in order for their business to survive, which resulted in great success. They changed the company name to “Big John” and grew into a large manufacturer of jeans. In the 70’s, they became a sponsor of the television show “Monday Roadshow” which made them well known across the nation. These circumstances made Kojima the “holy land of Jeans”, having more than 100 companies associated with the denim industry at present. Famous brands such as Betty Smith and Bobson are also based in Kojima.
Enjoying the museum
We visited Betty Smith which has a “Jeans Museum” filled with the history of Kojima jeans. The museum is an impressive wooden building. The building itself is nostalgic, and the items on display also deliver sentiments from the past. The ingenious history of Japanese jeans can be seen at the museum. It is also possible to have jeans made to order at the museum. After making new discoveries about jeans that we are so accustomed to, you may want to order a pair made just for you. This is a place to make such exciting plans.
