Kapital, the brainchild of father-son duo Toshikiyo and Kazuhiro Hirata, is a longstanding Japanese brand deeply rooted in denim and traditional craftsmanship. Founded in the early 1980s in Kojima, Okayama—the denim capital of Japan—the brand has developed a unique identity shaped by Western cultural influences and heritage design.
At the heart of Kapital’s philosophy is indigo dye, which holds a special place in Japanese culture. Kapital employs aizome, a traditional indigo-dyeing technique involving the fermentation of indigo leaves, resulting in rich, layered shades of blue. This labor-intensive process creates textiles with vibrant hues, distinct textures, and unique fading patterns.
Beyond indigo and denim, Kapital embraces Americana and vintage motifs, a passion Toshikiyo discovered on a trip to the West that sparked his love for vintage hunting. Growing up in a fashion-forward household, Kazuhiro caught the same vintage bug and, in 2002, joined his father, bringing his own creative voice to the brand.
This vest encapsulates Kapital’s aesthetic, blending a timeless, traditional silhouette with artisanal techniques. From the rich indigo dye to the intricate jacquard trims, this piece showcases everything that defines Kapital.
