This limited-edition release is part of our Made in Japan series, where we take the most traditional techniques, use the best materials we can get our hands on, and build everything with old-school construction. The MIJ15 is a 15oz selvedge denim, and the yarns are dyed using two ancient natural dyes—indigo and kakishibu.

The warp is dyed in Tokushima, on Shikoku Island, using a process that’s been around for hundreds of years. It’s such an important part of Japanese culture that it’s officially recognized as an Intangible Cultural Treasure. The yarns are bundled into hanks, dipped into natural indigo dye vats that are literally buried in the ground, then pulled out and oxidized in the open air. But because the yarn is bundled, some parts are exposed more than others. So what you get is uneven oxidation across the yarn—some parts darker, some lighter—and that creates a really rich, varied range of indigo shades across the fabric. This only happens with natural dye, and only when it’s done by hand. The weft is dyed with kakishibu, which is made from fermented persimmon. This dye’s been used in Japan for over a thousand years, and it gives the yarn a kind of burnt orange or brown tone that comes through the surface of the denim. The mix of that color underneath the indigo, plus the texture from the slubby yarns, gives this fabric so much dimension. It almost looks like it’s glowing in certain lighting.

The patch is real Shell Cordovan—dense horsehide that ages beautifully. And all the MIJ details are here: 100% iron buttons, copper rivets, raised belt loops, hidden back pocket rivets, selvedge fly, and the peekaboo selvedge on the coin pocket.

The Weird Guy is a regular tapered fit; medium rise, standard thigh and slight taper from the knee to hem.

• 15oz Japanese Selvedge Denim
• 100% Cotton
• Button Fly
• Rinse-washed, Tempi-treated
• Made in Japan
• SKU: 101133903