...running brands, that is. As great as they are, I don't mean Asics, Mizuno and Goldwin, but rather more niche brands making running attire.
Ordering from small Japanese brands can be a bit of a hassle for those of us in other parts of the world, with proxies, shipping, duties and indecipherable sizes. I'm just starting to dip my toes here, but there's so much cool stuff around I'd like to dive deeper. Curious to hear which non-mainstream Japanese running brands you are excited about, and why.
I'll start off with a quartet of brands that have caught my eye:
GSYB >> Short for Godspeed You Blast, in the whimsical version of English we've come to expect from CMF, which is GSYB's more well-known, gorpy sister brand. Focus on ultralight items like ponchos and bags, they also make running vests, shorts, most things a runner needs apart from shoes. I picked up the quick dry tee. And yes, it was because their logo is cool.
Tannuki Running >> Strong focus on made-in-jp and the local running community. There's a humble, peaceful vibe to their comfy cuts and their serene autumnal color palette. Have not tried, but Tannuki speaks to me in that same comforting tone as Hasami porcelain.
Tabisuke Tabizo >> More technical stuff, including a pair of tights so compressive they are only sold in the physical store, to make sure they fit the right way. Like Yamatomichi (below) this brand has its home in Kamakura, where you can try those tights on in person.
Yamatomichi >> Top shelf technical materials like merino, Pertex Shield Air, Polartec Alpha Direct and many more. Yamatomichi makes gear for the trails, primarily for hardcore hikers but with plenty of stuff suitable for running in cooler temps and challenging conditions. Every piece they make comes with a little essay on the how and why of it, that's well worth perusing even if you're not actively shopping. Much of their stuff sells out on release, so if you see some upcoming drop you like, set a reminder.