wjk
wjk is a Japanese fashion brand founded by former select shop buyer Jun Hashimoto. It makes men's and women's apparel and accessories, with a strong focus on jackets and outerwear.
| Founder | Jun Hashimoto |
|---|---|
| Country | Japan |
| Luxury line | AKM (from 2006) |
| Focus | Menswear and outerwear |
| Website | wjk.jp |
What is wjk?
wjk is a Japanese apparel brand founded by Jun Hashimoto, a former select shop buyer who worked in Italy with designer Maurizio Altieri of C DIEM before returning to Japan. The brand's three letters have no special meaning; the founders chose favourite letters so that customers would judge the clothes themselves rather than form an image from the name.
History
By 2006 wjk was established enough to launch a luxury line, AKM, which debuted for Spring/Summer 2006. AKM is designed by Tomohiro Ozawa, one of wjk's founding members, and later developed into a brand in its own right.
Products and positioning
wjk describes its approach as realist: clothes are meant to be seen and felt before any preconception takes hold. The range is centred on menswear and also covers women's and some children's items, including:
- Jackets, riders, blousons, denim jackets and MA-1 style outerwear
- Shirts, T-shirts, knitwear and hoodies
- Denim, chinos, cargo trousers and slacks
- Caps, beanies and neck warmers
Distribution
The brand is sold through Japanese select shops and online, including a dedicated shop on ZOZOTOWN.
Why it matters
wjk is an example of a buyer-founded Japanese label that grew into a platform for further brands, with AKM showing how a domestic menswear company can extend into the luxury tier.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded wjk?
wjk was founded by Jun Hashimoto, a former select shop buyer who had worked in Italy with C DIEM designer Maurizio Altieri.
What does wjk stand for?
The name has no special meaning; the founders chose three favourite letters so the clothes would speak for themselves.