Blackmeans is an English transliteration of burakumin, a term from Japan’s feudal era used during the Edo period to denote marginalized communities outside the caste system. Jobs such as leatherworking and tanning are stigmatized for their association with death and deemed religiously impure. An irony that mirrors how countercultures have long turned rejection into identity.
By adopting this name, founders Yujiro Komatsu, Masatomo Ariga, and Takatomo Ariga embrace an outsider identity rooted in punk influences while honoring Japan’s leathercraft heritage. Though best known for its punk-infused leather jackets, Blackmeans has evolved into a full-fledged lifestyle label, spanning denim, graphic apparel, accessories, footwear, and cultural collaborations. All driven by craftsmanship, rebellion, and respect for tradition and subculture.
That subcultural spirit comes from Japan’s underground punk scene, where DIY ethics, radical self-expression, and anti-establishment defiance thrive. In the 1980s, bands like The Stalin and G.I.S.M. redefined punk style. Ripped garments, heavy leather, and aggressive silhouettes became symbols of nonconformity. Blackmeans carries that same energy, transforming leather into a medium of rebellion.
The Spring/Summer 2017 collection, City Savanna, featured ethnically charged garments alongside the brand’s finest leather goods. The pieces embraced a utilitarian design language with patchwork, buckles, camo, and sashiko. While staying true to the brand’s raw, untamed spirit. This shirt exemplifies that ethos with its deep indigo patina, lace-up front closure, and wine-red asymmetrical sleeve.
Tagged Size 3
Measurements:
Length: 75cm
Shoulder: 45cm
Sleeve: 51cm
PTP: 50cm
Hem: 47cm
