Why Japanese Denim Is So Expensive | So Expensive

A pair of typical blue jeans might not cost you much, but it could set you back a few hundred dollars if it's the renowned Japanese selvage variety. Japanese denim from a brand like Momotaro in Kojima, Japan, can cost over $2,000. Today, Japanese denim is often regarded as one of the finest types of denim in the industry. So what's so special about Japanese denim? And why is it so expensive?

Editor’s Note: In this video, the translation at 10:40 is incorrect. The year should be 1965, not 1964. The correct translation of Manabe’s quote is “It was during this time that jeans production began in Kojima, in 1965.” Insider regrets the error.

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Why Japanese Denim Is So Expensive | So Expensive

[jemi]

While my brother was teaching abroad in Korea, he bought a pair of Japanese Jeans during vacation. He brought them home and still wearing them 13 years later. High quality materials and technique last a long time.

[TheLegoblockstudios]

Anything made in japan: it takes 15 years of training and takes 6 months to produce one thing

[danielernst]

I can't even begin to think what kind of grip strength Manatabe has from wringing clothes all day long.

[crp]

The Japanese never do ANYTHING half-assed! Any time I see a video about something made in Japan, I know it will have an insane attention to detail, craftsmanship, and honor to tradition. Truly remarkable! Heck, just to make sushi rice, you have to apprentice for 350 years just to learn how to properly wash the rice!!!

[ArkayeCh]

We need more things like this. Long-lived, quality items made from self-finished materials with natural ingredients and manpower. Feels way more sustainable than fast fashion which chew through fabric, chemicals and sweatshops. Then again, not everyone has 300ish$ to spare.

[jekku]

I just love how the Japanese take such pride in the craftsmanship of everything they do. They don't shortcut, they don't scrimp, they don't cut corners. Such a wonderful aesthetic!

[travel.with.frances]

It always seems to go like this
"Why Japanese [insert object] is so expensive"

Their level of craft and attention to detail is top class! This is also why I love to buy Japanese appliances.

[shukkahh]

Literally anything crafted in Japan is made to perfection and with the utmost reverence towards the process, I absolutely admire this about the Japanese culture.

[SauravKumar-celq]

I love how it is well priced for the labour and hard work is devoted to it, not like the other jeans which are rather "ripped off" and sold overly priced in name of style

[haydechman]

I think the mentioned $2000 price point can be a little misleading. The vast majority of Momotaros jeans sold come in at around $300 with many other companies selling at the same or cheaper price points. It really depends what details you are looking for. You can certainly get a fantastic pair of new Japanese denim jeans in the $200-$300

[sophiaisabelle]

When I heard Japanese denim right from the get-go, Daniel Caesar immediately comes to mind. I was just humming along to the lyrics of his song a moment ago. I admire the intricate mastery of crafting Japanese denim. It’s a very long yet drawn-out process, and by no means that it is a simple job for a simple person.

[betamax]

The Japanese dedication to artistry and craftsmanship is amazing. And they do this for so many products and industries. What a fascinating culture.

[ccengineer]

I know these will last 10x longer, and is 3x the quality...but $1000 is a lot for a peasant like me.

[kmoov]

Bought a pair of Japanese selvage denim by Evisu 14 years ago and they really do feel different than any other jeans I've worn. I still have them today and it's still in pretty good shape as well. Most jeans I've owned were thrown out within 4-5 years.

[rebecca_stone]

Did anyone else notice the fabric of the jacket the man is wearing who's dyeing the thread? It's the most extraordinary chunky weave denim I've ever seen. You can almost see how incredibly soft and tough it is. Stunning stuff if you're a textiles nerd. :) I'd like to buy him some rubber gloves tho...

[Jams.]

There was a time when Seven Jeans cost $300 or more for no reason other than being labeled Seven. At least there’s a reason why these cost so much. The amount of skill, effort, energy and time it takes to make something of such high quality makes it worth the money. You’re buying the quality, not just the name.

[FinanceMind]

While this practice certainly isn't the most efficient or effective way to produce denim, it is so cool to still see such bespoke and particular manufacturing methods. I love Japan and how much pride and care people take for so many things!

[alexvansteinburgh]

Watching Katsu hand-dye the thread in genuine indigo is an honor and a pleasure. So few things these days are ad genuine as his work.

[sophroniel]

I have natural indigo dyed jeans from my mother and they're right, it is an unmistakable, but unreplicatable colour. It doesn't fade really, but the colours get brighter, but in a very smooth, artistic way. I highly recommend this sort of dye and it makes fabric even feel different, not softer but more pliable kinda.

[alejandrodejan]

So aside from making cars that barely break down, Toyota was a maker of weaving machines back in the 1920’s and some of them are still working to this day.

Now that’s real commitment to quality.