Discover the 5 Most Iconic Japanese Streetwear Brands

• The Rise of Japanese Streetwear
• #1 A Bathing Ape (BAPE)
• #2 UNDERCOVER
• #3 NEIGHBORHOOD
• #4 AMBUSH
• #5 WTAPS
• Where to Buy Japanese Streetwear Brands
• Wrapping Up the World of Japanese Streetwear
• FAQs about Japanese Streetwear Brands

Japanese streetwear has become really popular around the world. This type of fashion combines traditional Japanese arts with modern styles seen on city streets. It mixes old Japanese artwork like patterns with newer trends in music and movies. Some of the best streetwear brands draw inspiration from this, blending traditional and modern influences. Japanese streetwear also takes inspiration from American hip hop fashion and European skateboard styles.

By blending different cultures, Japanese streetwear has developed a unique look. Clothes have artistic elements from old Japanese art mixed with modern influences. Brands use traditional colors and shapes but make them trendy for young people. This creates clothing that is new and exciting while also connecting to Japanese history and culture.

This article will focus on five top Japanese streetwear brands. These brands have not only shaped fashion in Japan but have also gained global recognition for their unique styles and cultural influences. These companies have shaped fashion in Japan and become famous worldwide. We will learn about how Japanese streetwear started and changed over time. 

The Rise of Japanese Streetwear

Japanese streetwear has its roots in the vibrant youth subcultures that emerged in Tokyo’s Harajuku and Shibuya districts during the 1970s and 1980s. In these areas, young trendsetters blended traditional kimono designs with Western styles like hippie and punk fashion. They mixed colorful patterns with ripped jeans and statement tees. This unique blend set the stage for Japan’s modern streetwear movement. These early experiments laid the foundation for what would become internationally recognized Japanese urban fashion brands.

During the same period, sportswear brands like Onitsuka Tiger (now ASICS) gained popularity among outdoor athletes. Their shoes featured innovative designs that blended performance with fashion. Some youth began wearing these brands just for style, not sports. This showed streetwear was gaining ground as everyday clothing beyond team uniforms.

The Urahara Movement and Pioneering Brands

In the mid-1990s, a neighborhood in central Tokyo called Urahara became the center of Japan’s new street fashion scene. Stores like A Store Robot imported Western apparel from skate, hip hop and punk cultures. This exposed young shoppers to new styles and subcultures. Local designers saw opportunity in combining international designs with Japanese fabrics and techniques.

Brands like UNDERCOVER and NOWHERE emerged from this innovative environment. They brought a rebellious DIY spirit to clothing production. Their avant-garde silhouettes mixed Western rebellion with reverence for Japanese crafts. This “Urahara movement” set the template for modern Japanese streetwear brands. Many of today’s most influential Tokyo streetwear brands can trace their roots back to this innovative period.

Western Influences and Pop Culture Impact

While developing local identity, Japanese streetwear borrowed heavily from American and British youth trends. Urahara boutiques stocked sports labels like Stüssy and surf brands. Hip hop also shaped the look, with oversized silhouettes popularized by artists like Tupac and N.W.A. Anime and manga left an imprint too, inspiring graphics of iconic characters on clothes.

Japanese brands reinterpreted Western styles through local artistry. Designers experimented with drape, print work, and intricate detailing unseen in the West. Bright colors, punk graphics, and rebellious silhouettes entered the mainstream. Street fashion grew into a driver of Japanese pop culture worldwide. This global recognition solidified the reputation of Japanese street fashion brands as trendsetters in the international fashion scene.

Global Impact and Legacy

Trailblazers like Jun Takahashi of UNDERCOVER and Yohji Yamamoto at Y-3 merged sporty construction with avant-garde aesthetics. Their conceptual designs pushed boundaries. Brands like BAPE merged hip hop, sports, and anime inspirations. Neighborhood revived vintage silhouettes in retro graphics. Their unique visions toured global runways and stores.

Today, Japanese streetwear remains deeply influential. Its balance of heritage craft and nonconformist edge continues shaping new designers worldwide. From its grassroots beginnings at Urahara, a uniquely Japanese fashion revolution took hold and impacted clothing cultures globally. In the following, we will introduce 5 best Japanese streetwear brands. 

#1 A Bathing Ape (BAPE)

A Bathing Ape, also known as BAPE, is one of the most famous and important Japanese streetwear brands. Founded in 1993 in Tokyo by Nigo, BAPE quickly became popular in the city’s underground fashion world. It soon emerged as one of the most popular luxury streetwear brands, known for its unique designs and cultural impact. It became a symbol of youth culture and urban style.

Nigo had the idea to create a brand that mixed his loves of pop culture and street fashion. The name Bathing Ape comes from the movie Planet of the Apes. Nigo worked as a fashion editor before teaming up with his friend SK8THING to launch BAPE. Their new designs and different way of making clothes grabbed people’s attention right away.

Signature Look

BAPE is known for its signature styles. The most well-known is the brand’s camo pattern, with bright colors in odd shapes. This set it apart from regular camouflage. Another symbol is the ape head logo. You’ll see these prints and logos on hoodies, tees, and accessories. The playful yet bold designs appeal to young fashion fans.

BAPE’s influence goes far beyond Japan. The brand partnered with many other brands and famous musicians to make special collections. Big name artists like The Notorious B.I.G., Pharrell Williams and Kanye West wore BAPE, helping more people discover the brand. These collabs made BAPE even cooler in fashion circles worldwide.

International Growth

As the years passed after starting up, BAPE expanded to other countries. Stores opened in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and London. This let more people across the globe shop for BAPE designs. Even as trends change, BAPE keeps its spot by blending old styles with new collections. Fans everywhere always look forward to the newest BAPE drops.

Today, A Bathing Ape continues being a leader in Japanese streetwear. Its history of innovation and creativity exemplifies what the genre is about. With classic looks and ongoing impact, BAPE remains iconic.

#2 UNDERCOVER

Based in Tokyo but influencing fashion worldwide, UNDERCOVER is one of streetwear’s most pioneering labels. Led by Jun Takahashi since its inception in the early 90s, the brand emerged from Tokyo’s underground subculture scene driven by Jun’s radical vision.

Growing up immersed in the punk rock movement, Jun developed a fascination with rebellion and anti-establishment expression through clothing. This philosophized his approach as a designer, seeking to liberate fashion from predefined norms. He launched UNDERCOVER in Harajuku’s Urahara strip, ground zero for the flourishing Tokyo underground.

Signature Deconstructed Aesthetic

From the beginning, UNDERCOVER stood out for its deconstructed, layered aesthetic. Garments featured exaggerated proportions, unfinished touches, and asymmetric silhouettes challenging what constituted a normally-worn outfit. Distressed materials, clashing fabrics, and absurdist graphics conveyed the brand’s nonconformist spirit. This unconventional style resonated deeply with counterculture youth.

As UNDERCOVER built a cult following throughout the 90s, Jun’s sophisticated, concept-driven visions gained recognition beyond the Tokyo scene. Major ad campaigns and runway shows at prestigious venues like Paris Fashion Week elevated the label’s international prestige. Still, UNDERCOVER maintained underground credibility through provocative slogans and associations with punk, skate and art collectives worldwide.

Collaborations & Growth

Collaborations allowed UNDERCOVER to both innovate and spread its message more widely. Iconic partnerships include Gyakusou with Nike, merging streetwear distortion with athletic innovation. UNDERCOVER also launched a long-running line with Uniqlo, increasing accessibility to the brand’s rebellious designs. Physical stores now span major cities, but UNDERCOVER continues cultivating a sense of exclusive community.

Over 25+ years, Jun Takahashi has become a respected elder of both Japanese fashion and its wider influence globally. While runway collections probe new conceptual boundaries, UNDERCOVER consistently delivers stylish remixes of its signatures. Jun also incubates emerging designers to safeguard the label’s subversive creative spirit.

#3 NEIGHBORHOOD

For over 25 years, NEIGHBORHOOD has been raising the bar for quality, craftsmanship and cultural fusion in the world of streetwear. Consistently ranked among the top Japanese streetwear brands, NEIGHBORHOOD’s influence extends far beyond Japan’s borders. Founded in 1990s Tokyo by visionary designer Shinsuke Takizawa, NEIGHBORHOOD has paved the way for countless brands with its uniquely blended aesthetic.

Born in Shibuya

Takizawa launched NEIGHBORHOOD in the energized Shibuya district, a hotbed for youth culture. As a graphic designer deeply inspired by American countermovements, he was obsessed with vintage motorcycle and workwear styles. Takizawa aimed to fuse these rugged influences with premium materials using time-honored Japanese techniques.

Leather jackets are a signatures—expertly cut, adorned with rivets, pockets and distressed details. Denim is another specialty, crafted from milled Japanese fabrics into durable jeans and jackets. Graphic tees round out looks with bold prints. Across pieces, Takizawa’s obsession with quality is evident in meticulous stitches, reinforced seams and hardware built to withstand lifetimes of wear.

As popularity spread in the 2000s, NEIGHBORHOOD opened stores worldwide from Tokyo to New York. But Takizawa maintained the grassroots spirit, collaborating only with brands as devoted to craft as iconic names like Porter, Visvim and Medicom Toy. Limited-run projects with industry leaders like Adidas brought new fans to the NEIGHBORHOOD ethos.

Continued Innovation Through Tradition

Now in its third decade, NEIGHBORHOOD stays ahead of fashion trends by preserving cultural heritage. Designs masterfully modernize retro silhouettes while celebrating traditional Japanese artisanship. With stores from Harajuku to Paris, NEIGHBORHOOD has firmly cemented its place as the global standard for authentic, meticulously-made garments infused with rebellious soul.

Takizawa’s revolutionary vision of fusing countercultures with respect for craft lives on through a fervently loyal fanbase. As the first brand to blend rugged Americana with refined Japanese sensibilities, NEIGHBORHOOD’s influence on global streetwear is undeniable. Now an institution, Takizawa maintains NEIGHBORHOOD as an artistic haven for misfits simply in love with outstanding items built to last lifetimes. The house of NEIGHBORHOOD stands as a true legacy in fashion.

#4 AMBUSH

Over the past decade, AMBUSH has exploded onto the global fashion scene by fearlessly blending the lines between streetwear and high fashion. Founded in 2008 by Korean designer Yoon Ahn and her rapper husband Verbal, the Tokyo-based brand has experienced exponential growth through innovative designs and cultural influence.

AMBUSH began humbly as an accessories brand called Antonio Murphy & Astro, with Yoon crafting unique jewelry for Verbal and his musician friends. Word quickly spread about Yoon’s one-of-a-kind pieces, paving the way for the official launch of AMBUSH in 2008. The brand initially focused on continuing Yoon’s head-turning jewelry creations before expanding into full apparel lines.

Distinctive Design DNA

Yoon’s signature AMBUSH aesthetic is defined by bold colors, playful contrasts of textures, exaggerated silhouettes, and provocative graphics. High-end materials are juxtaposed with casual fabrics in surprising yet cohesive ensembles. This mix of luxe and street constantly pushes norms and keeps audiences fascinated by Yoon’s boundary-pushing vision.

Major collaborations with iconic brands like BAPE, Reebok and Uniqlo have amplified AMBUSH’s credibility amongst diverse tribes globally.Celebrity fans like Kanye West, A$AP Rocky and Rihanna showcase pieces, growing the fanbase exponentially. Yoon’s Tokyo flagship and globally-touring runways attract both industry elites and downtown youth subcultures with her futuristic creations.

Expanding Influence

Now stocked worldwide and referenced by all major magazines, AMBUSH has proven its staying power. But Yoon refuses stagnation, constantly subverting norms through experimentation. Her determination shatters preconceived limits around identity, materials and gender presentation. AMBUSH sparks global cultural conversations that shape the next generation of inclusivity.

What started as a passion project for creativity and community has evolved into a borderless brand encompassing all peoples. Through inspired artistry and lived experiences, AMBUSH leaves an indelible mark on global streetwear. Yoon’s fearless vision seals the label as a trailblazing force for the next era of self-empowered style.

#5 WTAPS

For over 25 years, WTAPS has firmly cemented itself as not just a brand, but a movement – redefining the landscape of streetwear with an unparalleled level of authenticity, craftsmanship and hype. Founded in 1990s Tokyo by punk rock visionary Tetsu Nishiyama, known as Tet to fans worldwide, WTAPS changed the game from the start through Tet’s raw originality and continues evolving culture at the highest level.

Growing up obsessed with punk scenes and angry youth subcultures, Tet launched WTAPS with a mission to fuse military heritage with raw street sensibilities. Channeling anarchistic D.I.Y. ethics, early collections blended authentic fabrics with rebellious soul, garnering a cult following in Tokyo alleys. WTAPS kicked open doors for the global rise of utilitarian fashion.

Iconic Creations Excellence

From pioneering cargo pants crafted to perfection down to the finest details, to legendary M-65 jackets marrying function and finesse, WTAPS established the pinnacle of quality. Every release continues pushing boundaries through relentless experimentation while honoring durability. Graphics evolve constantly to spark thought, solidifying WTAPS’ status as leaders in progressive style.

WTAPS’ ultra-limited drops and stringent quality control spawn a frenzy like no other. Fans line up overnight just for a chance at grails, cultivating a community whose passion is unmatched. This addictive exclusivity inspires fervent collecting, cementing WTAPS pieces as true works of functional art.

Massive Collaborations

From icons like Vans to luxury houses Dior, WTAPS x partnerships shatter expectations at every turn. These projects let different worlds collide for one-of-one creations, exposing Tet’s relentless boundary pushing to new frontiers. Every collaboration raises the bar for innovative design forevermore.

After revolutionizing global taste through a foundation in military aesthetics and underground authenticity, WTAPS’ next chapter sees no limits. New concepts like WTAPS TV launch the brand into uncharted territories, cementing Tet as a pioneer forever changing the game. WTAPS is cemented in fashion history as leaders marching to the beat of their own drum..

Where to Buy Japanese Streetwear Brands

Accessing dope Japanese brands globally has seriously never been easier these days. Online spots and physical shops make it easy to rep top labels from anywhere. For those wondering where to buy Japanese streetwear brands online, several trusted platforms offer a wide selection.

Online Hot Spots

Websites like SSENSE, Farfetch and Yokai are legit one-stop destinations for hype brands. SSENSE stays dropping Ambush exclusives before anywhere else. Farfetch often stocks limited collabs on the low too.

Yokai strictly holds it down for Japanese labels, so you know you’re straight with them. These sites put top designers in your hands without leaving your crib – it’s sweet.

Marketplaces Expand Options

Second-hand markets Grailed and Depop add to the selection too. Dedicated closets on those apps might be unloading rare vintage grails from legendary brands at fair prices.

It’s always good to check a seller’s ratings too before pulling the trigger, just to make sure you’re getting legit products shipped smooth.

Tips for Shopping Abroad

Peep retailers’ size charts carefully – Japanese sizing varies slightly from other places. Also scope shipping costs – some charge ridiculous fees to send overseas.

Plus keep an eye out for potential customs and import taxes at your country’s border too. Extra charges can hit unexpectedly at customs and mess up your budget if you’re not ready.

Budget Labels to Try

For those seeking affordable Japanese streetwear brands, WEGO, Graniph and CIAOPANIC TYPY hold it down with quality essentials at more accessible prices. WEGO consistently drops dope basics for low prices.

Graniph focuses on collabs and tees without breaking the bank. Both allow you to rep sick Japanese aesthetics without dropping mad stacks.

Wrapping Up the World of Japanese Streetwear

This article looked at some of the most iconic Japanese streetwear brands. These brands are often considered among the best Japanese streetwear brands due to their influence and innovative designs. We explored how these companies blended traditional Japanese styles with modern street culture.

BAPE, UNDERCOVER, NEIGHBORHOOD, AMBUSH and WTAPS all started in Tokyo neighborhoods like Harajuku and Shibuya. Each brand developed a unique identity. BAPE is known for playful camo prints. UNDERCOVER mixes fashion and art. NEIGHBORHOOD focuses on quality basics. AMBUSH combines high fashion with downtown vibes. And WTAPS perfects military-inspired looks

These brands took off internationally through collaborations and celebrity fans. Their designs caught on worldwide because of the strong craftsmanship and creative flair. Fans love following the constant new ideas each label puts out.

Following these iconic brands is a great way to stay current on fashion trends too. You’ll see how major labels continue blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with fresh new trends. 

FAQs about Japanese Streetwear Brands

With Japanese streetwear’s rising popularity globally, people often have questions about top brands, where to shop, and how to incorporate the looks into their personal style. This FAQ section aims to provide clear, straightforward answers to some frequently asked questions about Japanese streetwear brands.