Japan Blue Jeans

Born from the same mill as Momotaro, Japan Blue Jeans makes Kojima Japanese selvedge denim accessible. Collect Mills has been weaving fabric on vintage shuttle looms since 1992, Japan Blue is the gateway to that world.

In 1992, Collect Mills opened in Kojima, Okayama Prefecture. Kojima is the cradle of Japanese denim. That's where it all began in the 60s when the Japanese decided to make jeans as well as the Americans, then better. Collect Mills weaves selvedge on vintage shuttle looms, those slow and noisy machines that produce fabric with character. For years, the mill silently supplied the world's biggest brands. No one knew its name.

In 2006, Collect Mills launched Momotaro Jeans, their high-end brand. Exceptional denim at exceptional prices. Then in 2010, a second brand was born: Japan Blue Jeans. The idea was simple and clever: the same mill, the same shuttle looms, the same Kojima expertise, but at a more democratic price. Japan Blue is the everyday Momotaro.

The name comes from indigo, the "Japan Blue," this natural dye that defined Japanese textile craftsmanship for centuries. The denim is woven on-site, dyed on-site, cut and sewn on-site. Everything remains in Kojima.

Among enthusiasts, Japan Blue is the number one recommendation for those who want to get into Japanese denim without breaking the bank. "I love the colour, especially in the sun, they're beautiful." "The crotch has held up better than any of my other jeans." The 14.8oz models are supple from day one, unlike Iron Heart's 21oz monsters.

In January 2022, the Japan Blue Group was acquired by Karita & Company, a Japanese private equity fund. The community was concerned. Two years later, no documented decline in quality. Momotaro even improved certain aspects (the famous "Momotaro 2.0"). Manufacturing remains in Kojima. The shuttle looms are still running.

In 2026, three new collections: Selvedge (traditional), ReDESIGN (modern reinterpretation), Standard (basics). The tagline has changed: "Innovating the denim experience." Five boutiques in Japan: Kojima, four in Tokyo and Kyoto. The best value for money in Japanese selvedge denim.