EVISU Yamane Silk Reversible Sukajan, Kyoto Tiger Embroidery, Gold Body with Green Sleeves, Size 40

Silk, rather than the rayon or acetate of nearly every souvenir jacket, gives this reversible EVISU sukajan its rare luster and drape. An open-jawed tiger under Kyoto and Yamane lettering, the second word honoring the founder, ties the piece to the founding spirit of the Osaka house.

The Piece

This EVISU sukajan stands at the intersection of Japanese denim heritage and classic souvenir-jacket iconography. Founded by Hidehiko Yamane in Osaka in the early 1990s, during the Japanese vintage denim revival when artisans recreated historic American workwear on traditional shuttle looms, EVISU became one of the most influential Japanese heritage brands; while globally known for selvedge denim, it periodically produced sukajan reflecting the mid-century souvenir-jacket tradition, and expanded into streetwear, embroidered jackets and heritage Americana reinterpretations.

What sets this piece apart is its silk outer shell. Most sukajan use rayon, acetate or polyester satin, rayon traditionally for its satin sheen; silk gives a similar shine with greater prestige, along with a luxurious drape, superior softness, natural-fiber durability and richer depth under light. Silk sukajan are extremely uncommon and usually appear only in premium fashion interpretations, placing this jacket in a luxury category.

The central motif is a roaring, open-jawed tiger head embroidered beneath the words Kyoto and Yamane, the first placing the design in Japan's cultural capital, the second referencing the founder. Tigers are among the most recognizable sukajan symbols, standing for courage, protection, martial power and dominance over evil spirits, and the open-jaw treatment conveys the motion and aggression of vintage souvenir jackets made for American servicemen in postwar Japan. Side A presents a gold body with green raglan sleeves; side B is a neutral satin reverse.

Souvenir jackets originated around the Yokosuka naval base after World War II, when American servicemen commissioned embroidered jackets with Japanese imagery (dragons, tigers, eagles, Mount Fuji, geisha, maps of Japan) as keepsakes. They later became an independent fashion category embraced by Japanese subcultures from rockabilly communities to motorcycle gangs. EVISU's reputation, the silk construction, the Kyoto tiger and the reversible design together set this jacket apart from mass-market examples and give it a following among Japanese denim enthusiasts, luxury streetwear collectors and sukajan collectors alike.

Details

• Maker: EVISU
• Line / Series: Yamane / EVISU heritage line
• Origin: Japanese design
• Material: Silk outer shell; side B satin reverse
• Color: Side A: gold body, green raglan sleeves. Side B: neutral
• Size: 40 (tag); Japanese L equivalent
• Measurements: Chest width 55 cm · Length 60 cm · Sleeve length (raglan) 82.5 cm
• Construction: Reversible; raglan sleeves
• Motifs: Roaring tiger head; Kyoto and Yamane lettering; traditional souvenir-jacket embroidery

Condition

Japonista grade B · Good, with visible wear consistent with use; fully functional.

• Grade B (used): light stains and minor wear.
• The embroidery appears intact.

Authenticity & Care

EVISU sukajan with Yamane branding embroidered beneath the Kyoto lettering; EVISU production of this kind was typically in Japan or a high-grade Asian workshop, depending on the era. 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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