10 Japanese Brands You Need to Know
Katrina Vinluan
From clothes to smudge-proof cosmetics, and accessories to high-quality supplements, Japan offers them in abundance. While there are pricier brands that definitely deserve attention like Yohji Yamamoto or Tsumori Chisato, you can definitely enjoy shopping without maxing out your credit card. Discover our top 10 Japanese goods with universal appeal!
10. Snag a New Handy Bag from Anello
These pretty carry-all bags are available as totes and backpacks, and have been making the rounds on Instagram. Some designs are sleek and minimalist, while some others boast bold splashes of color. From teens to young professionals, this is the must-have bag in Japan right now. Whatever your style or personality, there's definitely a stylish bag waiting for you in an Anello shop.
9. Stand Out with Onitsuka Kicks
If there's one shoe brand that represents Japan, we think it is Onitsuka. The makers behind these iconic shoes, Asics Corporation, know everything there is to know about foot anatomy and the value of comfort, while still keeping their shoes on trend with Japanese fashion. If you decide to get a pair of these sleek sneakers, you will see that you don't need to sacrifice comfort to be fashionable and quickly see why this brand has gained fans and fame.
8. Have a Heart for Comme des Garcons
Walking around the streets of Tokyo, you are sure to see shirts, bags, and sneakers featuring cute red hearts, the iconic mark of Japanese fashion label Comme des Garcons. Their street wear line "Play" is very popular, even outshining the fashion-forward designs featured in their Tokyo and Paris shops. French-sounding name and Japanese quality—a sure bet for a fashion must-have, right?
7. Get Your Hands on Every Asian's Favorite Beauty Tools
Japanese people take fashion and beauty very seriously. So, if you are looking for top-quality cosmetics to hoard for yourself or bring home for your friends and family, K-Pallette is a Japanese cosmetics brand that needs to be on your list. The company first took the local makeup world by storm with its long-lasting eyeliners. The news quickly spread, and now across Asia makeup fans of all ages rave about K-Pallette's concealer, smudge-proof cheek tint and 24-hour brow pencils.
6. Invest in Health and Beauty with Meiji
https://www.meiji.co.jp/health/amicolla/
Meiji chocolate is a household name across Japan. Interestingly, the same manufacturer behind the beloved chocolates also happens to produce the newest cult product you need to have if you care about health and beauty, Meiji Amino Collagen Powder.
This amino collagen powder is coveted by discerning shoppers looking to improve their apperance. The collagen promises to help with cell renewal and prevent signs of aging, as well as promoting healthy hair, nails, and skin. As if that were not enough, the magic drink is said to improve liver and kidney function too. Fans swear the powder gives them glowing, fresher-looking skin. Besides the beautifying effects of collagen, the hyaluronic acid content is said to improve skin's moisture retention.
Just make sure to mix the powder into soups or drinks, as on its own it is definitely not tasty!
5. Shiseido Must Haves for Your Beauty Stash
While Japan abounds in cosmetic products that have gained fans worldwide, there are specific Shiseido products that you should not miss when visiting. Shiseido's Ibuki skincare line and make-up have a glowing reputation among beauty enthusiasts, but if there is one affordable Shiseido product you ought to bring home, it has to be the best-selling Shiseido's curlash. Proven to be long-lasting, it is so popular that most Japanese drugstores carry this beauty kit staple.
4. Cool Style with Bathing Ape
If you are looking for truly cool street wear, such as sneakers, sweaters, shirts, or shades, Bathing Ape (also known as Bape) is the one-stop shop for trendy and hip Japanese brand items. A favorite of world-renowned Steve Aoki , this brand's street fashion is provocative without being crass. Although a youngster in the fashion world, founded in 1993, Bape has grabbed the attention of fashionistas in Hong Kong, New York, Los Angeles, Taipei, Paris, Bangkok, and Singapore. If you want to get your hands on pieces only available in Japan, head to Bapexclusive in Tokyo's trendy Aoyama district or Kawaramachi in Kyoto.
3. Man Up with Takeo Kikuchi
Dapper gentlemen know that the number one style rule when wearing suits is to make sure that the cut is perfect. A suit may have a 1000 dollar price tag, but if the cut is wrong it will look cheap. While tailoring is always an option, there's something special about the off-the-rack items of Takeo Kikuchi , as every item seems to have a flattering cut.
A staple among Japanese professionals, if you're looking for suits, pullovers, jackets, and most anything sleek and stylish, Takeo Kikuchi should be a stop during your shopping adventures. Get Savile Row style with Japanese quality and creativity.
2. Go for the Classic Kitamura
Some fashion brands have become classics thanks to their versatile designs. If you want a unique alternative to the now ubiquitous Longchamp tote bags, you need to have a Kitamura in your closet.
Kitamura has been one of Japan's premiere leather goods brands since 1882. They are known for their bags, shoes, and accessories for men and women. In typical Japanese style, Kitamura designs are not flamboyant and over-the-top, so they are good for collectors who like elegant simplicity. Younger fashionistas are sure to be charmed by their cute dog-themed collection.
But the best thing about Kitamura is that they can do color customization, and even offer maintenance with a lifetime warranty. Talk about true Japanese quality!
1. Hunt for a Pair of Harutas
This brand first gained popularity as the standard shoe worn by every Japanese high schooler. Haruta's reputation for creating hard-wearing and timeless footwear is well-earned, as their shoes stand up to daily wear and tear from students across Japan. Moving beyond the schoolhouse and into the world of fashion, the company has added more designs to its roster, still promising the same quality leather and classic design. If you dig loafers, slip-ons and dressy shoes, make sure to hunt for a pair of Haruta kicks when in Japan.
