Reversible Koi & Camellia Sukajan with Teal Goldfish-and-Sakura Reverse, Midnight Navy Satin, Heisei, Size L

Three red, white and black koi swim through long silver currents beneath red-and-white camellias on a midnight-navy face. Reversed, deep teal satin becomes a quiet pond of kingyo under a flowering sakura branch: two aquatic worlds, one graphic and architectural, the other tranquil and painterly, in a tagged size L sukajan.

The Piece

The navy face carries the bolder composition. Three large koi move diagonally across the back through elongated silver-white water lines, embroidered in coral red, white and black with carefully repeated scales, fins and facial details, their arrangement forming a circular rhythm of continuous movement. Large red-and-white camellias anchor the upper and lower corners, with blue-green foliage, reddish buds and dark branches as a softer botanical counterpoint. The front continues with long water currents crossing the body and asymmetrically placed camellias and foliage, so the design moves even when the jacket is worn open; ivory sleeves are framed by navy shoulder panels, fine red piping follows the raglan seams, and the ribbing is striped black and ivory.

The reverse is a fully realized second jacket rather than a lining, with its own collar, pockets, palette and narrative. Deep peacock-teal satin with champagne-ivory sleeves holds a flowering sakura branch across the upper back, dense with lavender blossoms, green leaves and drifting petals. Below, several ornamental goldfish, smaller and more delicate than the koi, move through embroidered ripples and clusters of stylized aquatic plants, their rounded bodies and flowing fins worked in bronze, cream, amber and muted rose. This quieter, almost moonlit side is an elegant alternative to the energetic navy composition.

Koi stand for perseverance, ambition and the strength to move against adversity, and their association with transformation suits a garment with two identities. Kingyo bring prosperity, beauty and refined summer imagery; the camellia, or tsubaki, is admired for its elegant form, glossy leaves and vivid seasonal color; and the lavender sakura petals evoke renewal, fleeting beauty and the passage of the seasons. Each face works at a different scale, large koi and broad currents on one side, small goldfish and delicate pond vegetation on the other, and the pairing of koi with kingyo is a rare alternative to conventional tiger and dragon sukajan.

The navy face suits dark denim, black trousers, boots or retro sneakers, Japanese streetwear, tattoo-inspired styling and vintage Americana; the teal face complements cream trousers, washed denim, neutral knitwear, minimal Japanese styling, botanical wardrobes and evening layering. When not worn, either embroidered back can be displayed as textile art in a dressing room, studio or Japanese-inspired interior.

Details

• Era: Consistent with late twentieth to early twenty-first century production, likely the Heisei-era revival of elaborate souvenir-jacket fashion
• Origin: Japan
• Material: Smooth satin-finish fabric (material notes indicate rayon and polyester blends); extensive multicolored machine embroidery; rib-knit collar, cuffs and waistband; metal zipper
• Color: Midnight navy, ivory, coral red, white, teal, lavender, green and gold
• Size: L (manufacturer's tag); vintage Japanese L may fit closer than a contemporary Western L, so compare with a similar bomber and allow room for movement and layering; unisex
• Construction: Fully reversible; contrasting satin raglan sleeves; decorative shoulder piping; functional pockets on both faces; central reversible zipper; lightweight bomber with a compact, slightly rounded silhouette
• Motifs: Koi carp, kingyo goldfish, camellia (tsubaki), sakura, water currents and aquatic plants
• Type: Sukajan (Yokosuka jumper), reversible embroidered souvenir bomber; unisex

Condition

• Vintage pre-owned condition with visible age-related wear; the embroidered imagery remains strong and detailed.
• The ivory sleeves on the navy face show noticeable discoloration, brownish marks and uneven tonal patina, particularly around the forearms and lower sleeves.
• Further signs of use may include surface creasing and wrinkling, minor marks and faint spotting, light wear on the rib-knit trims, natural rippling around dense embroidery, minor thread irregularities, general softening of the satin finish, and age-related variation in color and sheen.
• The deep teal face presents beautifully and naturally disguises much of the jacket's age patina.
• The photographs form an essential part of the condition record; additional images of the embroidery, zipper, cuffs, pockets, ribbing or patina are available on request.

Authenticity & Care

The manufacturer's tag reads size L; the Heisei-era dating is an assessment from the materials, embroidery style and reversible construction. 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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