Sukajan reversible Hanabi Fireworks, bordado de figuras de kimono y faroles, negro × gris ahumado, talla M-L

Hanabi, the summer fireworks that light Japan's riversides and shrine festivals, unfold across both faces of this reversible sukajan: vivid and theatrical on black satin, then hushed and moonlit in smoky gray and silver. A complete matsuri scene in thread, far rarer than the familiar dragon and tiger.

The Piece

This reversible souvenir jacket presents one festival atmosphere through two dramatically different palettes. On the black face, three oversized fireworks spread across the back in red, blue, pink, violet, orange and white embroidery, each burst articulated through hundreds of radiating stitches. Below them stand two finely dressed women in patterned kimono, likely inspired by maiko, geisha or traditional festival imagery, beside a red lantern, while a flowing gold embroidered line crosses the lower back like a river, a pathway or a drifting ribbon of light.

The front continues the composition asymmetrically, with fireworks extending across the shoulder and lower body. Red piping follows the raglan seams, sharpening the silhouette and framing the artwork.

Reversed, the mood changes entirely. A muted gray-brown satin body is paired with pale cream sleeves and restrained striped ribbing, and the fireworks return in silver, gray and white thread with a misty, moonlit effect. Tonal kimono figures and a lantern appear near the lower back, giving this side the character of an ink drawing translated into embroidery.

The black side uses dense multicolor machine embroidery, combining long directional stitches, compact fill stitching and contrasting outlines that follow the radial movement of each explosion. The reverse keeps to a deliberately limited palette, layering silver-gray thread against muted satin for depth without bright color. Both sides are fully developed outer surfaces rather than one serving as a lining, and the raglan sleeves let the compositions flow across the shoulders while striped rib-knit trim gives the classic mid-century athletic profile.

Hanabi, literally fire flowers, gather communities along rivers, harbors and temple grounds in yukata, with fans and food stalls beneath bursts of color. Their beauty is immediate and fleeting, close to mono no aware, the appreciation of beauty heightened by its passing. Fireworks jackets are considerably less common than dragon, tiger or eagle designs, particularly when the composition extends beyond a single burst into a full summer-night narrative.

Details

• Era: Late 20th to early 21st century revival (assessed)
• Origin: Japan
• Material: Satin-finish textile; dense multicolor machine embroidery
• Color: Side A: black with multicolor embroidery and red piping · Side B: smoky gray-brown body, cream sleeves, silver monochrome embroidery
• Size: Estimated Japanese M-L (approximately contemporary unisex M-L); no tag size stated
• Motifs: Hanabi fireworks, kimono-clad women, festival lantern, flowing river or stream motif
• Construction: Reversible raglan-sleeve bomber; full front zipper; angled front pockets
• Trim: Striped rib-knit collar, cuffs and waistband; narrow piping on the raglan seams
• Style: Yokosuka jumper; embroidered souvenir bomber

Condition

• Pre-owned vintage condition with age-appropriate signs of handling and storage.
• Natural wrinkles to the satin surfaces, light tonal variation and minor signs of wear consistent with a previously owned embroidered jacket.
• No major structural damage is apparent in the photographs; as with all vintage clothing, small marks, loose threads, surface wear or minor imperfections may be present.
• The rib-knit trim, zipper, seams and embroidery are recorded in the photographs, which form part of this condition report.

Fit Guidance

Estimated fit is Japanese M-L. Japanese sukajan often run shorter and more fitted than contemporary Western outerwear, and with raglan construction chest width, back length and sleeve length from the collar are more useful than a shoulder measurement; comparing against a jacket that already fits well is the surest guide. The relaxed bomber silhouette suits several body types depending on the preferred fit.

Authenticity & Care

Offered as a Japanese revival-era sukajan of the late 20th to early 21st century, not as an original postwar occupation-period souvenir jacket; no maker is identified. Every piece is examined and documented in Japan before dispatch and is offered with the Japonista authenticity guarantee.

Delivery from Japan

Packed by hand in Japan and shipped insured and tracked by EMS or an equivalent express service. Import duties and taxes, where applicable, are payable on arrival. Returns follow our published policy.

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