KOJIMA GENES
HOOK Co., Ltd. · Japan
KOJIMA GENES is a Japanese jeans brand from Kojima in Kurashiki, Okayama, the home of the Japanese denim industry. Launched in 2009 by HOOK Co., Ltd., it makes jeans, apparel and small goods made in Japan.
| Launched | 2009 |
|---|---|
| Operating company | HOOK Co., Ltd. (est. 1996) |
| Headquarters | Kojima, Kurashiki, Okayama |
| Stockists | About 60 specialty stores |
| Website | global.kojima-genes.com |
What is KOJIMA GENES?
KOJIMA GENES is a denim brand operated by HOOK Co., Ltd., based in Kojima, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture. Kojima is widely regarded as the birthplace of domestic Japanese jeans, and the brand builds its identity on that heritage and on Japanese craftsmanship.
History
HOOK Co., Ltd. was established in 1996. In 2009 it launched the KOJIMA GENES jeans brand and opened its own store in Kojima. Since then the company has taken part in events such as the Inazuma rock festival, the Hot Rod Custom Show and motorcycle shows in Nagoya and Tokyo, and in 2018 began using crowdfunding for product launches. In 2019 it introduced a further line, LELAX.
Products and positioning
- Jeans, including selvedge denim
- Casual apparel
- Small leather and miscellaneous goods
Distribution
The brand is wholesaled to around 60 specialty stores in Japan and abroad, sells through its flagship Kojima Store and an online shop, and runs pop up sales at events across Japan. The company also has an office in Osaka.
Why it matters
KOJIMA GENES represents the cluster of small Okayama denim makers that have turned Japanese jeans manufacturing into an internationally recognised niche.
Frequently asked questions
Where is KOJIMA GENES from?
KOJIMA GENES is from Kojima in Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture, Japan's traditional jeans making centre.
Who makes KOJIMA GENES?
The brand is run by HOOK Co., Ltd., a company founded in 1996 that launched KOJIMA GENES in 2009.