The Charm of Sukajan Jackets, Originating in Yokosuka

Yokosuka, a port town that has long been visited by foreign ships, is a city with an exotic atmosphere. Before the war, it served as a base for the Imperial Japanese Navy, and today it plays a role as a base for the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. Navy in Japan. The pioneering spirit of the Imperial Japanese Navy gave rise to various traditions and cultures in Yokosuka.

Yokosuka Navy Burger, Yokosuka Navy Curry, Yokosuka Cherry Cheesecake...
The world's three greatest memorial battleships: the Mikasa, Sarushima Island, and Uraga Dock...

And of course, there's the Yokosuka jumper, commonly known as the "Sukajan"!

This time, we spoke with Mr. Hitomoto of "MIKASA," a specialty store for sukajan jackets located on Dobuita Street in Yokosuka, which was founded in 1950 and handles Tailor Toyo sukajan jackets, Koshō sukajan jackets, original designs, custom-made sukajan jackets, and sukajan jackets for those celebrating their 60th birthday.

Please tell me about Sukajan jackets.

Ippon-san : Sukajan is short for "Yokosuka Jumper." It's called Sukajan by taking "Suka" from Yokosuka and "Jan" from Jumper.
A sukajan is a jacket made from glossy satin or velvet, which is called "velveteen" in the context of sukajan jackets, and features embroidery of eagles, tigers, dragons, and other similar designs.

Please tell me about the history of Sukajan jackets.

Ippon-san : The history of the Sukajan jacket began after the war as a souvenir for American soldiers. Originally, it was called a "souvenir jacket." It was apparently a very popular item for American soldiers to take back to their home country as a souvenir. The eagle, tiger, and dragon designs were popular because, from an American perspective, they evoked images of the Orient and Asia.

What do you think is the appeal of a sukajan jacket?

Ippon-san : It's a type of fashion that can be worn by people of all genders and ages.

Please tell me about Dobuita Street in Yokosuka, the birthplace of the Sukajan jacket.

Ippon-san : Yes.
Dobuita Street flourished as a shipyard during the Edo period, a former naval town during the Meiji era, and a US Navy town after the war. The name Dobuita Street is said to have originated from the fact that a drainage ditch flowed down the middle of the street, and the town received iron plates from the navy to cover the ditch.

Of all the sukajan jackets you've made so far, are there any designs that have left a lasting impression on you?

Ippon-san : Speaking of custom-made items, many of them are imbued with the feelings and thoughts of the person who ordered them, but recently, I was particularly impressed by a couple who ordered sukajan jackets with embroidery of the design of a vintage sports car they owned.

Sukajan jackets are a fashion item that enjoys enduring popularity not only in Japan but all over the world.

Currently, the Yokosuka Museum of Art is hosting the "15th Anniversary PRIDE OF YOKOSUKA Sukajan Exhibition."
The exhibition features approximately 140 Sukajan jackets from Tailor Toyo's (Toyo Enterprise Co., Ltd.) valuable vintage collection, as well as works by contemporary artists.
The exhibition also features photographs and documents of Dobuita Street after the war, as well as merchandise that was actually sold to American soldiers, offering a glimpse into the "base culture" that flourished around U.S. military bases throughout Japan. Visitors can learn about the charm of Yokosuka through its sukajan jackets and American culture.

15th Anniversary of the Museum's Opening: PRIDE OF YOKOSUKA Sukajan Jacket Exhibition

[Store Information]
MIKASA
[Address] 2-7 Honcho, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture 238-0041
[TEL] 046-823-0312
[Opening Hours] 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
[Nearest Station] 5-minute walk from Keikyu "Shioiri" Station
10-minute walk from Keikyu Yokosuka-Chuo Station
15-minute walk from JR Yokosuka Station
[Homepage] Click here https://sukajyan.com/#about