Retro Fashion Lovers Unite: Finding the Perfect Sukajan in Tokyo

Sukajan are retro Japanese bomber jackets. Easy to spot by their silky fabric and detailed embroidery, sukajan are an iconic feature of Japanese fashion culture. Now, they're experiencing a huge boom in popularity. Worn by A-list celebrities and street-fashion enthusiasts alike, sukajan have become a must-have item in the last few years. Read on to learn where to find your ideal souvenir sukajan in Tokyo.

Okuma Shokai: Finding your perfect sukajan in the heart of Ueno

For anyone new to sukajan and feeling unsure of where to start, Okuma Shokai is a safe bet. Located just steps away from Ueno Station on the famous Ameyoko shopping street, Okuma Shokai is packed floor to ceiling with a wide variety of sukajan in lots of colors, designs, and sizes. The sukajan here cover all of the basic traditional designs, like those with motifs of Mt. Fuji, dragons, cherry blossoms, and koi carp. There are lots of more modern options too, such as sukajan featuring popular anime characters. If you're in a hurry, you can purchase jackets straight off the rack. For those seeking a more personalized sukajan, customization options are available. In fact, Okuma Shokai accepts requests for totally custom sukajan, and has made sukajan for use in television and movies.

Freak Market in Ueno: Sukajan and edgy fashion

If you didn't quite find what you were searching for at Okuma Shokai, not to worry: just down the street, you can find Freak Market, another well-known sukajan retailer. In addition to sukajan, you can also find other cool and edgy clothing items with a Japanese twist, like T-shirts, button-downs, and denim—a great option for those from regions that are too warm to wear jackets year-round! These are also an excellent choice for those purchasing souvenirs for friends and family back home, as embroidered T-shirts run a bit cheaper than a full-fledged sukajan. For those with a rebellious style, there's no better way to show off your love of Japan than with a new fit from Freak Market!

+8 Paris Rock and Sukajyan Dept. in Harajuku: Secondhand sukajan with a sense of adventure

It's no secret that Harajuku is one of the biggest hotspots for subculture fashion in Tokyo. If you're after a truly one-of-a-kind retro sukajan, then secondhand shopping may be for you. As the stock varies from day to day, there are no guarantees about size, design, or availability. But those with time to spare or who want to try their luck should look no further than Harajuku. +8 Paris Rock, a shop selling original and vintage clothing, has opened a retail space called Sukajyan Dept. dedicated to stocking high-quality, vintage sukajan. Here, you'll find a wide variety of sukajan that can be worn by anyone. For those looking for truly original pieces, stop by +8 Paris Rock.

Kinji in Harajuku: Vintage sukajan and more

Kinji is a vintage clothing store located right in the heart of Harajuku, and literally just around the corner from Sukajyan Dept. Though the shop has some racks dedicated to sukajan, they aren't purely a sukajan specialty shop—Kinji is home to all manner of vintage, pre-loved clothing and accessories. The shop has various locations around Tokyo (including in secondhand shopping wonderland Shimokitazawa), so there are plenty of amazing fashion pieces just waiting for you to discover them. For the all-around Japanese fashion lover, Kinji is the place for your treasure-hunting needs.