A reversible sukajan that holds two Japans in one garment. The purple face is ruled by a white tiger with dragons along the sleeves, in the bold idiom of tattoo art and Yokosuka jackets; turned inside out, emerald green satin opens onto maiko, geisha, temples and the refined atmosphere of old Kyoto.
The Piece
One side has a deep purple satin body with a dramatic embroidered white tiger (shirotora, 白虎) as its centerpiece and dragon motifs flowing along the sleeves, in the classic sukajan silhouette with strong tattoo-inspired impact. In Japanese and East Asian symbolism the tiger represents courage, strength, protection, warrior spirit and overcoming adversity, and it has long been a favorite of Japanese tattoo culture and sukajan design; Japanese dragons stand for wisdom, protection, power and a connection with nature and water, and the pairing of tiger and dragon is one of the most iconic combinations in Japanese decorative art.
Turned inside out, the atmosphere changes completely. The emerald green satin reverse is embroidered with elegant maiko and geisha figures, Japanese landmarks, temples and architecture, flowers and seasonal decorative elements, evoking old Japan, Kyoto streets and seasonal festivals. The figures speak of traditional arts, elegance and beauty, Kyoto's cultural heritage, and music, dance and craftsmanship, the romantic visual language of kimono, lantern-lit streets and temples. This side feels closer to traditional Japanese textile art, a wearable travel memory in deliberate contrast to the tiger.
Japanese souvenir jackets have always told stories through embroidery: a dragon may represent power and a tiger courage, but a maiko or geisha scene introduces refinement, artistry and nostalgia. Many sukajan keep to aggressive motifs such as dragons, tigers and eagles, so a piece that adds refined cultural scenes stands apart. The jacket appears consistent with a modern Japanese sukajan revival piece, inspired by the souvenir jackets popularized around Yokosuka and later embraced by Japanese street fashion, combining traditional embroidery themes with contemporary reversible construction.
Details
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Era: Modern sukajan revival
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Material: Satin-style fabric with embroidered artwork; rib knit; zipper
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Color: Purple satin / emerald green satin
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Size: M (manufacturer's size); approximately a modern unisex M to slim L
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Measurements: Length 65 cm · Chest width 52 cm · Sleeve length 82 cm · Shoulder width 55 cm · Sleeve width 47 cm (approximate)
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Construction: Reversible zip-up bomber
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Fit reference: Shown on a model 5'2" tall
Condition
- Good pre-owned condition with normal signs of use consistent with a collectible satin jacket; the embroidery remains the main visual feature and presents beautifully.
- Minor wrinkles or storage creasing common to satin, small signs of previous wear and natural character from age and handling.
- The jacket has been used for fashion shoots and editorials and is slightly used for that reason; there may be some minor dirt or stains from its use as a model garment in various pictorials.
Authenticity & Care
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 →
Collectors also search: reversible tiger sukajan · white tiger souvenir jacket · maiko geisha sukajan · purple sukajan jacket · green satin geisha jacket · sukajan size m
