Articles
Unraveling the History of HOUSTON, the First Brand in Japan to Pioneer Military Wear, Spanning Over Half a Century
Items like "MA-1" and "M-65 JACKET" continue to be influential across all kinds of modern fashion genres as essential military wear. After World War II, surplus U.S. military wear began circulating in Japan, and eventually, Japanese-made flight jackets emerged as fashion pieces.
The brand that made this happen is "HOUSTON," which we’re featuring this time. We spoke with Yu Sasaki and Kasumi Kimura from the PR team at Union Trading Co., Ltd. about the story behind the brand’s beginnings and its latest releases.
Launching with Surplus U.S. Military Gear & Imported Vintage Jeans
Let’s start by exploring how the HOUSTON brand came to be. Yu Sasaki shared this story dating back to 1947."Our company was founded in Omiya Ward, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture. Back then, there were several U.S. military bases in Saitama, and the founder—being a fashion enthusiast—started by sourcing surplus U.S. military wear, imported vintage jeans, flannel shirts, and more, opening the shop under the name 'Makino Shokai.' That was the start of it all."
Japan’s First Domestically Made Military Wear: The "Aviation Jumper"
Makino Shokai, the predecessor to HOUSTON, is said to have created the very first military wear in Japan. The keyword here is the "Aviation Jumper." Let’s continue with the story."In the late 1950s, we upgraded our sewing facilities and began producing winter workwear. We created items like the 'Castro Coat,' which was basically the origin of today’s insulated workwear. By the 1960s, we introduced an item called the 'Aviation Jumper,' modeled after the MA-1, which became recognized as Japan’s first domestically produced military wear."
The HOUSTON Brand Launches—Staying True to MADE IN JAPAN
The rise of domestically produced military wear began with the Aviation Jumper. The HOUSTON name was officially adopted in 1972, marking the brand’s official start. Over time, as the brand’s scale grew and production bases expanded, there are still products they have kept making from the start."When we first began producing military wear in-house, we made items such as the 'DECK JACKET,' 'M-65 JACKET,' 'BDU JACKET,' and 'HBT SHIRTS.' These iconic pieces are still regularly released to this day.
"Among them, the DECK JACKET has been continuously produced in our own Japanese factories since those early days, and within the HOUSTON community, this made-in-Japan DECK JACKET is especially valued."
M-65 JACKET with LINER, 27,280 yen (tax included)
Photo center:
RIPSTOP BDU JACKET, 7,590 yen (tax included)
Photo right:
The "FRENCH ARMY M-47 JACKET," made of the same fabric as the HBT SHIRTS, which is now a staple item.
FRENCH ARMY M-47 JACKET, 9,790 yen (tax included)
2 Pillars Define HOUSTON: Military Wear & Americana
Since its Makino Shokai days, HOUSTON has built its brand along two main lines: military wear and Americana-inspired items like jeans and flannel shirts. Next, Kimura introduces some top spring and summer picks that truly capture HOUSTON’s vibe."When people hear 'military,' they usually picture fall and winter styles, but for spring and summer, we recommend something a little different. The so-called 'Sukajan' or 'Souvenir Jacket' motif, especially the popular 'ALASKA' graphic, has been reimagined for our 'SOUVENIR SHIRT.' It’s a particular recommendation."
"Among our Americana pieces, the 'BOWLING SHIRT' is a crowd favorite. Its design features embroidery with the name of San Gabriel, a city in California, and uses bowling pin-shaped buttons for vintage authenticity."
One of the Finest Masterpieces of Japanese Patterns: "ALOHA SHIRT" (One Hundred Tigers)
Let's take a look at another American casual summer item that has become a hot topic. HOUSTON has recreated and released one of the most famous patterns among vintage aloha shirts."Known as one of the greatest masterpieces of Japanese patterns, the so-called 'Hyakutora'—One Hundred Tigers. This 'ALOHA SHIRT' features the striking design of tigers across the entire shirt. Like the DECK JACKET we just discussed, this item is also produced domestically."
We were introduced to HOUSTON's history and their recommended items for this summer. Originally, they started by selling surplus U.S. military items famous for their durability as fashion pieces, and now, the HOUSTON brand has been carried on for three generations.
While maintaining their renowned quality, they update aspects like silhouette, materials, and features to fit contemporary trends. As the first brand in Japan to produce military wear, HOUSTON continues to build on its legacy while staying true to its roots in both military and American casual fashion. Without a doubt, their story will keep evolving.
PROFILE
Yu Sasaki
UNION TRADING Co., Ltd. PR Representative
Handles PR for the military and American casual brand HOUSTON and manages their online store as well.
PROFILE
Kasumi Kimura
UNION TRADING Co., Ltd. PR Representative
In addition to corporate public relations, she is in charge of PR for products and the brand. In recent years, she has been actively promoting the brand’s women’s line, "HOUSTON woman," to expand its recognition.
How was the article?
Share
Related Articles
