“Sukajan”: Yokosuka and the Roots of Japan’s Dazzling Bomber Jackets

Commemorative plaques identify Dobuita Street as the birthplace of sukajan. Since 2018, local retailers have joined in promoting the area’s connection to the celebrated jackets.

With a US naval base nearby, many shops and restaurants along Dobuita Street display signs in English.

Dobuita Street in the early postwar years. (Courtesy the Yokosuka City Chūō Library)

Mikasa has been selling sukajan for over 70 years.

Hitomoto Kazuyoshi, left, and Yokochi Hiromichi. The pair have teamed up on a number of projects, including helping produce officially sanctioned sukajan for Tokyo 2020.

Vintage sukajan and jackets designed by Hitomoto and Yokochi on display at Dobuita Street Station adjacent to Mikasa.

Vintage sukajan with order-made designs.

An embroidered dragon on the pocket of a vintage sukajan.

The standard type of sukajan today are glossy items similar in style to American baseball jackets.

Dobuita Street in the 1970s. The American feel of shops appealed to Japanese youth of the day. (Courtesy the Yokosuka City Chūō Library)

Embroidered pouches have proven to be popular souvenirs at Mikasa.

NFT sukajan bring together virtual and real worlds.