The hanten is a traditional short winter coat first worn by commoners during the Edo Period (1603-1868). These jackets are usually padded with a thick layer of cotton, giving them a distinct boxy shape, and are worn at home or outdoors for warmth during the cold winter months.

The traditional hanten coat has now been given an overhaul by Japanese company Mocolle.

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Mocolle have been producing hybrid outfits like kimono roomwear and ninja swimwear, so they know what they’re doing when it comes to creating modern garments with a nod to traditional style. Like many of their creative releases, the Hanten Parka was developed from an illustration on Twitter that went viral online, and people asked for it to be made in real-life.

The new parka replicates the most popular illustrated design, which keeps the hanten’s traditional kimono-style sleeves while adding a hoodie for a unique twist.

It also does away with the fastener that’s commonly used on traditional hanten, replacing it with an open-front style that makes it easy to wear.

According to Mocolle, the Hanten Parka can be worn by both men and women, and while it’s perfect for keeping warm indoors, the hoodie style makes it easy to wear outside as well.

The garment is soon to be put into mass production, thanks to a hugely successful crowdfunding campaign, which has already smashed its ¥1 million (US$9,047) target goal by raising a whopping ¥2.62 million (US$23,800), with 33 days left in the project.

Given the huge demand for the new design, we can expect to see the Hanten Parka released commercially at Village Vanguard stores in the near future.

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