Hello everybody! It is How Unique Japan again! This time, we would like to introduce a unique Japanese jacket.
It is like a Stadium jacket that has some embroidery instead of patches. They are called Suka-jam. In English, it is the Souvenir Jacket.
The history
Why is it named (Souvenir), and how was it born? There are several theories about it. At least, it is concerned with World War II.
After the war ended, the Americans established military bases in Japan. These bases served as preparations for the Korean War from 1950 to 1953.
During their stand-by, they were impressed by some of the beauties of Japanese art and traditional clothes (for example, kimonos).
Such a beauty easily tied off their wallets because they thought those oriental things could be good souvenirs.
Eventually, one unique idea happened to souvenir sellers who might have lived around the Yokosuka base.
It combined oriental embroideries, such as tigers, Chinese dragons, and eagles, with stadium jackets and military uniforms.
Thus, the time of souvenir jackets was born.
Coincidentally, some soldiers at the Yokosuka base also ordered tailor shops to arrange their army uniforms with the embroidery they purchased. It is also the origin story.
So, nobody knows the origin of the jacket. Was the seller first? Or the soldiers?
By the way, the Japanese called it Suka Jan (Jum). That is the shortened name of Yokosuka Jumper.
The materials
They are made from Niron now. It replaced the acetate ration to imitate the vintage silk taste in old times.
One more fun fact. The Jacket / Jumper is from the army uniform.
Hence, the back of the jacket has a bright color. It is usually colored orange or red. It is for emergency signs.
Latest style
The embroidery’s design is deeply concerned with oriental images. But nowadays, its design has been developed uniquely. Some have famous Japanese cartoon/manga characters on the back, chest, or around the arms. The others can have Avenger heroes, like Iron Man.
It is a simple article about the Suka Jan today.
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See you for the next Japanese article!