THE FLAT HEAD
THE FLAT HEAD is a Japanese denim and casualwear brand from Nagano Prefecture, established in 1996 by Masayoshi Kobayashi. It is known for raw selvedge jeans and loop-wheeled cotton jersey in the American casual style.
| Established | 1996 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Masayoshi Kobayashi |
| Origin | Nagano Prefecture, Japan |
| Core products | Selvedge denim, loop-wheeled jersey |
| Website | flathead.co.jp |
What is The Flat Head?
THE FLAT HEAD is a Japanese menswear brand rooted in Amekaji, the Japanese interpretation of American casual clothing. It is closely associated with raw, unwashed selvedge denim and heavy loop-wheeled cotton jersey, and it has long had a following among denim enthusiasts in Japan, Asia, Europe and the United States.
History
Founder Masayoshi Kobayashi opened a small shop in Nagano Prefecture in 1993 selling used and imported clothing, and established the THE FLAT HEAD name in 1996. The company later went through bankruptcy proceedings, after which the apparel business was taken over by the venture fund Sirius Ventures and Kobayashi stepped down as director. The brand has since returned with a more focused range, keeping its core denim and jersey fabrics unchanged.
Products and positioning
- Raw starched selvedge jeans, including its 3005 denim
- Loop-wheeled cotton T-shirts and sweatshirts
- Workwear and Americana inspired casualwear
Distribution
The brand has relied on specialist retail partners in Japan, Asia, Europe and the United States, with Thailand historically a strong market.
Why it matters
THE FLAT HEAD is one of the labels that built the international reputation of Japanese heritage denim, and its revival under new ownership illustrates how established craft brands are being restructured rather than lost.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded The Flat Head?
The Flat Head was founded by Masayoshi Kobayashi, who established the brand name in 1996 in Nagano Prefecture.
Where is The Flat Head from?
The Flat Head is a Japanese brand based in Nagano Prefecture.