Big John Jeans
Big John isn’t just a denim brand; they are the "godfather" of Japanese denim. Rising from humble beginnings in post-WWII Kojima as a family-run sewing business, Big John changed the game forever in the early '70s by producing the first-ever jeans made entirely in Japan. Rooted in tradition yet driven by innovation, the brand continues to honour its heritage while leading the charge in the world of Japanese denim.
Founded by Kotaro Ozaki, Big John started with crafting school uniforms, workwear, and U.S. military-inspired clothing. In 1965, Kotaro made history with the first pair of jeans entirely made in Japan, using fabric from America’s Canton Textile Mills under the brand name ‘Canton’. Not stopping there, in 1972, he developed the first Japanese-made denim fabric, laying the foundation for what would become the world-renowned Japanese Selvedge Denim scene centred in Kojima, Okayama. Today, Big John remains a trailblazer, offering an extensive collection of some of the finest Japanese Selvedge denim that Okayama has to offer. It’s more than just clothing; it’s a legacy.
