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Vintage Japanese Japan Rising Koi Carp Fish Dragon Nihonga Tattoo Art Design Embroidered Yokosuka Jumper Bomber Sukajan Souvenir Jacket (Free ( M-L)
Vintage Japanese Japan Rising Koi Carp Fish Dragon Nihonga Tattoo Art Design Embroidered Yokosuka Jumper Bomber Sukajan Souvenir Jacket (Free ( M-L)
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Rising Koi, Celestial Dragon, Full Moon and Mount Fuji Embroidery
A richly embroidered reversible Japanese sukajan pairing two of Japan’s most enduring symbols: the ascending koi and the celestial dragon.
One side presents an immense silver-blue koi rising through stylized water against a deep black satin ground. Reverse the jacket to reveal a smoky mauve composition featuring a dramatic dragon beneath a glowing full moon, drifting clouds and Mount Fuji. Two complete artworks inhabit a single garment, each with its own atmosphere and mythology.
The black side feels powerful and graphic. The mauve side is quieter, dreamlike and almost nocturnal. Together, they create a jacket that moves between streetwear, folklore and wearable textile art.
The Rising Koi
The koi dominates the black face of the jacket, embroidered in layered ivory, silver, pale blue and charcoal thread. Its body curves upward across the back as surrounding water lines emphasize motion, struggle and ascent.
In Japanese visual culture, koi are closely associated with:
- Perseverance through adversity
- Strength against difficult currents
- Ambition and personal transformation
- Success earned through endurance
- Courage and disciplined purpose
The design recalls the legend of a koi climbing the Dragon Gate and transforming into a dragon, making the reverse-side imagery especially meaningful. The two faces are not separate decorations. They form a continuous visual story: the fish that rises becomes the dragon that commands the sky.
Dragon, Moon and Mount Fuji Reverse
The smoky mauve side features a traditional dragon rendered in subdued ivory, gray and brown embroidery. Its long whiskers and expressive face emerge beneath a large moon surrounded by stylized clouds.
Mount Fuji appears below, grounding the celestial composition in one of Japan’s most recognizable landscapes.
The dragon traditionally represents power, protection, authority and command over water and weather. Unlike the fire-breathing dragons of much Western imagery, Japanese dragons are often associated with rain, rivers, oceans and spiritual guardianship.
The full moon contributes a meditative stillness, while Mount Fuji symbolizes endurance, sacred beauty and permanence. Together, these elements create a composition that feels less aggressive than ceremonial, almost like a scene drawn from an old painted screen or illustrated legend.
Reversible Construction and Color Architecture
Koi Side
- Black satin body
- Champagne-ivory sleeves
- Oversized rising koi embroidery
- Stylized water and wave lines
- Pale blue, silver, ivory and charcoal threadwork
- Black and ivory striped ribbing
Dragon Side
- Dusty mauve satin body
- Champagne-ivory sleeves
- Dragon head and flowing whiskers
- Large circular moon
- Embroidered clouds
- Mount Fuji landscape
- Purple and mauve striped ribbing
The restrained palette gives the jacket a sophisticated presence. Instead of relying on bright primary colors, the embroidery uses smoky neutrals, faded purple, silver-blue and antique ivory. The result is dramatic without becoming visually chaotic.
Style and Construction
This jacket follows the classic Yokosuka souvenir-jacket silhouette with raglan sleeves, rib-knit finishing, a full front zipper and reversible construction.
The satin has a fluid, light-reflective surface that changes character under different lighting. The dense embroidery adds texture and structure, particularly across the koi body, dragon face and landscape elements.
The overall form is relaxed and unisex, suitable for styling over a T-shirt, knitwear or a lightweight hoodie.
Period Assessment
The construction, color treatment and embroidery style appear consistent with later vintage Japanese sukajan production, likely dating from the late 20th to early 21st century.
It draws heavily from classic postwar souvenir-jacket design while incorporating a more expansive, tattoo-inspired composition typical of later Japanese fashion interpretations.
Condition
Vintage pre-owned condition with visible signs of age and previous wear.
Natural satin creasing, tonal variation, minor thread wear and age-related surface character are present. Some areas around the seams and embroidery show the softened appearance expected from a garment that has been worn and stored over time.
The embroidered imagery remains visually strong and highly expressive. Please review all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.
Vintage garments are sold with their existing character and history rather than as factory-new clothing.
Size and Measurements
Marked Size: Free Size
Estimated Modern Fit: Approximately men’s M to slim L, depending on body shape and preferred layering
Approximate Measurements in Centimeters
A: 65 cm
B: 50 cm
C: 78 cm
D: 50 cm
E: 46 cm
Please compare these measurements with a similar jacket that fits comfortably. Vintage Japanese sizing and proportions may differ from contemporary Western garments.
Materials
The jacket appears to be constructed from rayon or rayon-blend satin with embroidered threadwork, rib-knit trim and a metal zipper.
Origin: Japan
Garment Type: Reversible sukajan / Yokosuka souvenir jacket
Primary Motifs: Rising koi, dragon, moon, clouds and Mount Fuji
Color Palette: Black, ivory, mauve, purple, silver-blue, gray and muted brown
Why Collect This Jacket
This piece stands apart because its two sides are conceptually connected.
The koi represents the struggle upward. The dragon represents transformation after the climb. The moon and Mount Fuji complete the journey with imagery of spiritual height, permanence and power.
It offers:
- Two fully developed embroidered compositions
- A rare narrative relationship between both sides
- Large-scale back artwork
- Strong traditional Japanese symbolism
- A sophisticated muted color palette
- Reversible styling versatility
- Excellent appeal for sukajan, tattoo-art and Japanese streetwear collectors
It can be worn as statement outerwear, used in fashion photography or displayed as textile art. Either side can anchor an entire outfit without requiring additional ornament.
Styling Suggestions
Pair the black koi side with washed denim, black trousers, leather footwear or monochrome layers for a bold graphic look.
The mauve dragon side works beautifully with cream, charcoal, faded brown, burgundy or muted purple garments. Its softer palette makes it especially effective with vintage knitwear and wide-leg trousers.
Offers, Condition Policy and Shipping
Reasonable offers are welcome and will be considered thoughtfully.
Additional photographs may be available upon request. Please ask any questions before purchasing so that condition, fit and expectations can be clarified in advance.
All vintage and pre-owned items are sold as is and as photographed. Natural signs of age, storage and previous wear are part of the garment’s character. All sales are final, with no returns, exchanges or post-purchase condition claims.
Worldwide shipping is available through Japan Post EMS wherever service is offered. Shipping charges are calculated according to destination. Tracking information is generally provided approximately three to five business days after shipment.
By completing the purchase, the buyer acknowledges the photographed condition, vintage nature, measurements and store policies.
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Material Tags
rayon satin, rayon blend, embroidery thread, rib knit, metal zipper, satin lining
