Denim Tales

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."

The paint is peeling off in places, exposing the raw iron, and you can smell the oil that has soaked into the machine over the years.

Union Special sewing machines are chain-stitch machines designed specifically for hemming, built to mass-produce workwear that was needed in huge quantities during America's golden age.

The denim hems sewn with these machines twist and ripple, creating contrast in the fade known as "puckering".

This rough and charming puckering is proof that the denim was sewn with the same machines used for the vintage denim we all admire.
These rare machines are said to be in limited supply in the country, but we've gathered 14 Union Special machines to provide the final touches before we hand over the denim to you.

Denim Tale Continued

Denim Matsuri

Appare Crafted Denim

Appare... A state of being remarkably splendid, impressive. The boldly applied patchwork and brightly

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Denim Tales

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.

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Denim Tales

Denim Masterful Repairs

Denim that has been worn and loved often develops holes, frayed hems, and worn pockets.

Read More
Denim Matsuri

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.

Read More
Denim Records

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.

Read More
Denim Tales

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.

Read More
Denim Matsuri

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.

Read More
Denim Tales

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.

Read More
Denim Tales

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.

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Denim Tales

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.

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Denim Records

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.

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Denim Tales

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.

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Denim Sceneries

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.

Read More

Denim Tale Continued

Denim Matsuri

Appare Crafted Denim

Appare... A state of being remarkably splendid, impressive. The boldly applied patchwork and brightly

Read More
Denim Tales

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.

Read More
Denim Tales

Denim Masterful Repairs

Denim that has been worn and loved often develops holes, frayed hems, and worn pockets.

Read More
Denim Matsuri

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.

Read More
Denim Records

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.

Read More
Denim Tales

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.

Read More
Denim Matsuri

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.

Read More
Denim Tales

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.

Read More