The Meaning of Akai Ito (Red Thread of Fate)
If you know our brand, you already know that Japanese culture plays a huge role in everything we create. From the silhouettes that inspire our garments to the folklore, symbolism, and craftsmanship that shape our collections, Japan has always been at the heart of Akai Ito.
The story behind our kappa bomber jacket
Some garments begin with a sketch. Others begin with a fabric, a feeling, or simply the desire to create something we ourselves would love to wear. Our Kappa Bomber Jacket was one of those pieces.
It all started with the idea of creating a comfortable, oversized garment inspired by streetwear—something practical and easy to wear, but still deeply connected to the world of Akai Ito. As with many of our designs, we knew from the beginning that we wanted the piece to tell a story. The question was simply: which story would it carry?
What Are Yokai? Japanese Folklore in Fashion
If you've spent any time exploring our collections, you've probably noticed a recurring theme: Yokai.
From Kappas and Nekomatas to Mokumoku Ren and Kuchisake-onna, many of our garments are inspired by these mysterious creatures from Japanese folklore. But what exactly are Yokai, and why do they play such an important role in our work?
Today, we thought we'd take you behind the inspiration that shaped our debut collection and share why these fascinating beings continue to captivate us.