This work from the 1950s shows a crimson tiger in a combination of light tonal colors of champagne gold and off-white. While using red-colored threads as the base color, the craftsmanship shines through in the way the number of colors is kept to a minimum and the tiger’s striped pattern is expressed with the three-dimensional feel of the embroidery, making full use of needlework. The reversible side features a dragon embroidered so large that it covers the entire back. The reversible side features a large embroidered dragon design that covers the entire back, with a gold dragon on the back and a white dragon on the chest, as well as the JAPAN notation in block letters. [英訳]
筆者の体形は、身長171cm、体重73kg。全体的に肉付きが良く、スポーツ経験を問われることが多い。 筆者が購入したのはXLサイズ。 The author’s build is 171 cm tall and weighs 73 kg; he is generally well-fleshed and his sports experience is often questioned. The author purchased the XL size.
When I was a child, I had the image that a Sukajan was a Yankee, and a Yankee was a Sukajan, and although I thought it was cool, I tried to stay away from people wearing them. By the time I grew up, there were no more Yankees, and Sukajan became accepted as casual clothing.
I have a prejudice that Sukajans are supposed to be worn loose, so I bought an XL size. Although the sleeve length is generous, I do not have the impression that the body length is too big, and I can wear it quite comfortably.
The season to wear it is spring and fall. It is just right to wear it with a sweater or a parka underneath.
The fabric is similar to silk and has a wonderful feel to the skin. I looked around many stores in Yokosuka, but once you touch it, you won’t want to buy anything from other brands.
The design is not too precise, which is also good, and the coquettish or “kabuchaiku” or unique moderate feeling is irresistible.
By the way, all of Toyo Tailor’s Sukajans are reversible, and I did not buy a red tiger and a black dragon, but a red tiger on the front and a black dragon on the back. Most other brands have embroidery on only one side. Toyo Tailor’s Sukajan is more expensive than other brands, but it is not twice as expensive as other brands, so it is a good deal considering the fact that it is reversible.
The acetate creates a wonderfully luxurious feel and is excellent as outerwear for spring and fall. The fabric is clean, so it has a thin Yankee feel, and can be worn casually, so I use it quite a bit. The fact that it is reversible with different colors is also GOOD. I would like you to parade along Dobuita-dori street in Yokosuka and try on every single one of them. Toyo Tailor’s ska-janes come in quite a few designs, but the production volume of each is overwhelmingly small, so if you find one you like, you must buy it on the spot or it will soon be sold out. Incidentally, the author’s model is already sold out.
The brand was established in Tokyo in 1965. Seeing American soldiers buying traditional Japanese goods at the stalls that lined the streets of Ginza soon after the war, the company developed a jumper called the Sukajan, which is made of acetate fabric similar to silk and embroidered with embroidery. His aim was right on target, and the product quickly gained popularity after sales, spreading to bases throughout Japan and even being delivered to U.S. military bases overseas. In addition to ska-jumpers, the company also offers SUGAR CANE (workwear), SUN SURF (aloha shirts), and BUZZ RICKSON’S (military).
