Black velvet in place of satin gives this JATOKE souvenir bomber an unusually dark, luxurious depth. A dragon coils and an eagle rises in metallic and red thread, while Japan and Yokosuka lettering names the naval town where the sukajan was born.
The Piece
The deep black velvet body carries a dramatic program of embroidery: symmetrical eagle heads on the chest in classic sukajan presentation, elaborate dragons running vertically along both sleeves with a strong tattoo-inspired effect, and a large back composition in which an eagle and a dragon intertwine within traditional Japanese flowing forms. "Japan" script and "Yokosuka" lettering, embroidered in capitals, refer to the birthplace of the sukajan tradition. The contrast of black velvet with gold, silver, white and red embroidery recalls the classic military souvenir jackets exchanged around Yokosuka after the war.
The construction is pure bomber: a striped rib-knit collar, rib-knit cuffs and waistband, a full front zipper and raglan sleeves. The jacket blends warrior symbolism with a dark luxury streetwear aesthetic and carries the spirit of Japanese street fashion: bold symbolism, handcrafted embroidery and a rebellious yet elegant silhouette.
The sukajan originated around Yokosuka after the Second World War, when American servicemen stationed in Japan commissioned embroidered jackets as souvenirs, fusing American military fashion, Japanese embroidery traditions, ukiyo-e inspired artwork, tattoo aesthetics and street culture. Over the decades it evolved into an internationally recognized symbol of Japanese fashion identity. This piece embraces that heritage through velvet construction and embroidered mythology: part military souvenir, part tattoo canvas, part Japanese street legend.
Details
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Maker: JATOKE
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Material: Velvet; polyester; embroidery; rib knit; metal zipper
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Color: Black velvet with gold, silver, white and red embroidery
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Size: Free size (tagged); approximately Japanese M-L
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Construction: Raglan bomber; full front zipper; striped rib-knit collar; rib-knit cuffs and waistband
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Style: Japanese streetwear, Yokosuka jacket, Americana-inspired; Japanese souvenir-jacket tradition
Condition
- Pre-owned, in good wearable condition with normal signs of previous use.
- The photographs form part of the description and should be examined carefully.
Eagle and Dragon
The dragon (龍, ryū) is one of Japan's most powerful traditional motifs, symbolizing wisdom, strength, protection, fortune and transformation, and has long appeared in tattoo art, samurai imagery and textile design. The eagle (鷲, washi) stands for freedom, vision, power, courage and victory. Together, two legendary creatures meet in a balance between sky and earth.
Fit Guidance
Japanese sizing can differ from Western sizing; comparing measurements with a preferred jacket is recommended.
Authenticity & Care
Presented under the JATOKE label. 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.
Yokosuka Archive
A particular size, motif or decade in mind? Postwar souvenir jackets and heritage amekaji surface in Japan one at a time. Name the maker, the embroidery and the chest measurement, and the Hunting Salon™ watches for it on your behalf. Request a jacket search →
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