![](http://45rglobal.com/cdn/shop/files/article-top-2-1.jpg?v=1716216608)
Denim Journey Journal - Episode 1
Hiroaki Maekawa
Katachi Laboratory Department, Joined in 1998.
Deeply connected to denim factories, with unparalleled love and knowledge for denim within the company.
![](http://45rglobal.com/cdn/shop/files/growthrecord1_1.jpg?v=1716216794)
Denim is something I wash quite often; I dislike it when it turns brown.
For the first three months after purchase, I wear it without washing to develop whiskers, but after that, I wash it after every wear.I choose a sunny day, use the right amount of detergent, wash it alone in the washing machine, and then absolutely hang it out in the sun.
Don't you feel it comes out fresher when dried in the sun?
![](http://45rglobal.com/cdn/shop/files/growthrecord1_10.jpg?v=1716216794)
Once I decide on nurturing a pair of denim, I almost exclusively wear that pair.
I choose tops and shoes to match the denim. While the denim is still fresh, I often pair it with casual items like worn-out sweaters, but as it fades, I balance it out with clean items like leather shoes and shirts.
By the way, I'm currently nurturing a pair of slim Crosby5, so I often pair them with suede desert boots. Don't I look like Steve McQueen?
Denim Tale Continued
![](http://45rglobal.com/cdn/shop/files/apparedistressed_s.jpg?v=1719567007)
Appare Crafted Denim
Appare... A state of being remarkably splendid, impressive. The boldly applied patchwork and brightly
![](http://45rglobal.com/cdn/shop/files/whitedenim_s.jpg?v=1719568681)
White Denim
Just as pristine as a white coat or as transparent as a Khadi blouse, the image of white varies with its shades and intensity. Our White Denim embodies a warm, rustic white that pairs well with both summer and winter outfits, offering versatile off-white hues.
![](http://45rglobal.com/cdn/shop/files/repair_s.jpg?v=1719569961)
Denim Masterful Repairs
Denim that has been worn and loved often develops holes, frayed hems, and worn pockets.
![](http://45rglobal.com/cdn/shop/files/kawaraban_print_s.jpg?v=1718691669)
Kawaraban Print
The launch of the 2024 Denim Second Chapter Collection marks the beginning of a series of in-store events known as Denim Matsuri, aimed at sharing our passion with more customers.
![](http://45rglobal.com/cdn/shop/files/growthrecord2_s_73341a59-3bf1-4462-b8d6-86568df5658a.jpg?v=1718788978)
Denim Journey Journal - Episode 2
The launch of the 2024 Denim Second Chapter Collection marks the beginning of a series of in-store events known as Denim Matsuri, aimed at sharing our passion with more customers.
![](http://45rglobal.com/cdn/shop/files/powerloomselvedge_s.jpg?v=1718699414)
The Power Loom Stamp
The gravity loom is indispensable in the creation of 45R's Japanese artisan denim. With only a few of these antique looms still operational in Japan, they have garnered worldwide attention for their rarity and historical significance.
![](http://45rglobal.com/cdn/shop/files/thumbnail1-1.jpg?v=1716220952)
The Three Treasures of Denim Matsuri
Many of you who have visited our 45R store are likely familiar with "Matsuri." This event, pulsing with energy, involves the entire team coming together as one. It's not just a store event; it's a traditional festivity for us. And the symbols of 45R Denim Matsuri are known as the Three Treasures.
![](http://45rglobal.com/cdn/shop/files/thumbnail1-2.jpg?v=1716220076)
Denim Styles
To mark the beginning of Denim Chapter II, we've assembled five distinctive designs. First, for true denim enthusiasts, we present Sorahikohime. This straight silhouette, built with rugged construction and minimal embellishment, stands as a hallmark of 45R's denim craftsmanship, stitched powerfully with thick cotton thread.
![](http://45rglobal.com/cdn/shop/files/thumbnail1-3.jpg?v=1716219887)
Patch
In the serene stance of prayer or the dignified seiza posture on tatami mats, lies the essence of the leather patch. Crafting a patch that seamlessly blends into the tapestry of Japanese landscapes has been a pivotal challenge we've embraced alongside the inception of our denim's second chapter.
![](http://45rglobal.com/cdn/shop/files/thumbnail1-4.jpg?v=1716217859)
Embroidery Thread
"I love ‘R’ embroidery. "These precious words were given to us by a customer. R embroidery is the emblem of 45R. We call this R embroidery "Sleeping R. " With its relaxed, horizontal form, it embodies richness and freedom.
![](http://45rglobal.com/cdn/shop/files/thumbnail2-2.jpg?v=1716214113)
The Five Shades of Indigo and Finishes
There's a phrase that says, "Sumi ni Gosai Ari," referring to the five shades of sumi ink. In the art of ink wash painting, shades of ink are used to represent different hues, ranging from the deep color of calligraphy ink to the lightest shades that look almost like water.
![](http://45rglobal.com/cdn/shop/files/thumbnail2-3.jpg?v=1716211870)
Union Special
The sound of a sewing machine, "Whirr-whirr, whirr-whirr" echoes from the back of the shop. In 45R's store, denim hems are altered with an old sewing machine painted with "Union Special."
![](http://45rglobal.com/cdn/shop/files/thumbnail2-4.jpg?v=1716201913)
A Passion for Denim: The Story of One Notebook
Whenever a new denim release comes out, it is a must-buy for him. With a collection of over 70 pairs, Mr. Kenta Goto, also known as the original Denim Master at 45R, is a remarkable denim aficionado within our company. We had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Goto from the Appare division.
Denim Tale Continued
![](http://45rglobal.com/cdn/shop/files/apparedistressed_s.jpg?v=1719567007)
Appare Crafted Denim
Appare... A state of being remarkably splendid, impressive. The boldly applied patchwork and brightly
![](http://45rglobal.com/cdn/shop/files/whitedenim_s.jpg?v=1719568681)
White Denim
Just as pristine as a white coat or as transparent as a Khadi blouse, the image of white varies with its shades and intensity. Our White Denim embodies a warm, rustic white that pairs well with both summer and winter outfits, offering versatile off-white hues.
![](http://45rglobal.com/cdn/shop/files/repair_s.jpg?v=1719569961)
Denim Masterful Repairs
Denim that has been worn and loved often develops holes, frayed hems, and worn pockets.
![](http://45rglobal.com/cdn/shop/files/kawaraban_print_s.jpg?v=1718691669)
Kawaraban Print
The launch of the 2024 Denim Second Chapter Collection marks the beginning of a series of in-store events known as Denim Matsuri, aimed at sharing our passion with more customers.
![](http://45rglobal.com/cdn/shop/files/growthrecord2_s_73341a59-3bf1-4462-b8d6-86568df5658a.jpg?v=1718788978)
Denim Journey Journal - Episode 2
The launch of the 2024 Denim Second Chapter Collection marks the beginning of a series of in-store events known as Denim Matsuri, aimed at sharing our passion with more customers.
![](http://45rglobal.com/cdn/shop/files/powerloomselvedge_s.jpg?v=1718699414)
The Power Loom Stamp
The gravity loom is indispensable in the creation of 45R's Japanese artisan denim. With only a few of these antique looms still operational in Japan, they have garnered worldwide attention for their rarity and historical significance.
![](http://45rglobal.com/cdn/shop/files/thumbnail1-1.jpg?v=1716220952)
The Three Treasures of Denim Matsuri
Many of you who have visited our 45R store are likely familiar with "Matsuri." This event, pulsing with energy, involves the entire team coming together as one. It's not just a store event; it's a traditional festivity for us. And the symbols of 45R Denim Matsuri are known as the Three Treasures.
![](http://45rglobal.com/cdn/shop/files/thumbnail1-2.jpg?v=1716220076)
Denim Styles
To mark the beginning of Denim Chapter II, we've assembled five distinctive designs. First, for true denim enthusiasts, we present Sorahikohime. This straight silhouette, built with rugged construction and minimal embellishment, stands as a hallmark of 45R's denim craftsmanship, stitched powerfully with thick cotton thread.