Japanese Folklore Creatures That Inspire Our Collection
If you've spent some time exploring our collections, you may have noticed a recurring theme. Many of our garments bear names such as Kappa, Kuchisake, Nekomata, Umibozu, or Mokumoku Ren. These aren't simply creative names—they all come from the fascinating world of Japanese folklore.
At Akai Ito, we're endlessly inspired by the stories, symbolism, and imagination found in Japanese culture. Rather than following fleeting fashion trends, we prefer to create garments that carry meaning and invite curiosity. Japanese folklore gives us an incredible source of inspiration, allowing every piece to tell a story beyond its silhouette.
So, let's introduce you to some of the legendary creatures that have found their way into our collections.
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.