2025.07.23WED
SaveHistory
NEW New content added
Members-only content has been added!
Register as a member for exclusive articles and events.
2025.06.11
PHILOSOPHY

Praised by Vintage Enthusiasts Worldwide! What Makes the Craftsmanship at "Blue Champion" So Renowned for Unending Restoration Orders?

#BlueChampion
#Niigata
#Denim Repair
#Vintage Denim
#Artisan
#Sewing Machine
#Thread
#Denim
#Restoration
Copied to Clipboard
*The text-to-speech feature is generated by AI,
so there may be errors in the reading.
The more important something is, the more it needs daily care.
Among the specialists who "bring items back to life" with their craftsmanship, "Blue Champion"—a denim repair shop based in Niigata City—captivates fans from all over.
Receiving restoration requests from both Japan and abroad, this rare specialty denim repair shop is fueling a quiet craze among vintage denim connoisseurs. Their delicate stitching and hardly noticeable repairs are said to be so immaculate that it’s impossible to tell where the mending began—truly a work of art. Among many remarkable feats, the restoration of torn-apart denim excavated from coal mines is a show-stopper, leaving observers breathless.
This time, we had the chance to speak with Kanae Kato, the artisan behind Blue Champion’s celebrated skills, about the roots and philosophy of her repair work.
PROFILE
Kanae Kato
Kanae Kato

Born in 1986, Konan Ward, Niigata City

After working in a popular vintage clothing shop, handling sales and repair, she became manager when a dedicated repair shop opened. In 2024, she went independent to found "Blue Champion."

Kato’s Repair Journey Began with Hemming at a Vintage Shop

Kato of Blue Champion started her career nearly 20 years ago at a vintage shop, beginning as a store staff member. Her journey into repairs began when she was entrusted with hemming customers' pants.
Share Article
Copied to Clipboard
CONCEPT VIDEO
"fashion tech news" Unveils New Logo & Concept Video
PICKUP CONTENTS
Artisan
Delivering content that shares the value of Japanese crafts, linking past to future.
TOP ARTICLES
What Era Does the Clothing in "The Apothecary Diaries" Represent? Exploring the Unseen World of Hanfu
1

What Era Does the Clothing in "The Apothecary Diaries" Represent? Exploring the Unseen World of Hanfu

CULTURE
Approaching the Greatness of Japan's Advanced Technology-Packed "MOON-TECH®"!
2

Approaching the Greatness of Japan's Advanced Technology-Packed "MOON-TECH®"!

RESEARCH
Dissecting UNIQLO's "HeatTech"! What's the Difference Between Extra Warm, Ultra Warm, & Cashmere Blend Extra Warm?
3

Dissecting UNIQLO's "HeatTech"! What's the Difference Between Extra Warm, Ultra Warm, & Cashmere Blend Extra Warm?

RESEARCH
A Parasol that Lifts Your Spirits Just by Holding It: The 100% UV Blocking Umbrella from "Ashiya Rose Blanc" that Doesn't Compromise on Functionality or Aesthetics
4

A Parasol that Lifts Your Spirits Just by Holding It: The 100% UV Blocking Umbrella from "Ashiya Rose Blanc" that Doesn't Compromise on Functionality or Aesthetics

RESEARCH
Introducing the Sunburn Prevention Face Mask "YAKeNU" Recommended by Minami Tanaka & Rino Sashihara
5

Introducing the Sunburn Prevention Face Mask "YAKeNU" Recommended by Minami Tanaka & Rino Sashihara

RESEARCH

RELATED ARTICLES

Tuna Fishing "Fishing Lines" Turned into Sunglasses: The Startup "amu" from Kesennuma Takes On Gear Upcycling

Tuna Fishing "Fishing Lines" Turned into Sunglasses: The Startup "amu" from Kesennuma Takes On Gear Upcycling

PHILOSOPHY
Social Contribution for a "Sustainable" Society Starting from Ethnic Patterned Bags: What Is the African Dream Sought by "CLOUDY"?

Social Contribution for a "Sustainable" Society Starting from Ethnic Patterned Bags: What Is the African Dream Sought by "CLOUDY"?

PHILOSOPHY
[Not Yet Available in Japan] Resisting Mass Production with Timeless Fingertip Art: Handmade Jewelry from South Africa’s "Ida Elsje"

[Not Yet Available in Japan] Resisting Mass Production with Timeless Fingertip Art: Handmade Jewelry from South Africa’s "Ida Elsje"

PHILOSOPHY
[Not Yet Available in Japan] Even at 400,000 Yen, Bags Are Selling Out – The Challenge of Esha Soni, a Distinctive Bag Brand Born in New York

[Not Yet Available in Japan] Even at 400,000 Yen, Bags Are Selling Out – The Challenge of Esha Soni, a Distinctive Bag Brand Born in New York

PHILOSOPHY
Fish Scales Transformed into Jewelry? One-of-a-Kind Accessories Made from Sustainable Materials

Fish Scales Transformed into Jewelry? One-of-a-Kind Accessories Made from Sustainable Materials

PHILOSOPHY
"Do You Really Need a Night Bra?" – R&D at Wacoal & How to Choose the Right Bra for You

"Do You Really Need a Night Bra?" – R&D at Wacoal & How to Choose the Right Bra for You

PHILOSOPHY
CONCEPT VIDEO
"fashion tech news" Unveils New Logo & Concept Video
PICKUP CONTENTS
Artisan
Delivering content that shares the value of Japanese crafts, linking past to future.

CATEGORIES
BUSINESSRESEARCHPHILOSOPHYCULTUREBEAUTYINFO
SPECIAL CONTENT
FEATURESSERIESPROJECTSEVENTSARTISANABOUT US
Follow Us
©️ZOZO NEXT, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
fashion tech news is a registered trademark of ZOZO, Inc.
CATEGORIES
businessBUSINESSresearchRESEARCHphilosophyPHILOSOPHYcultureCULTUREbeautyBEAUTYinfoINFO
SPECIAL CONTENT
featuresFEATURESseriesSERIESprojectsPROJECTSeventsEVENTSPraised by Vintage Enthusiasts Worldwide! What Makes the Craftsmanship at "Blue Champion" So Renowned for Unending Restoration Orders?ARTISANAbout usABOUT US
Follow Us
CONTACT
If you have any questions or enquiries, please enter your details in the form below.
Enquiry item必須

This website uses cookies to enhance user experience and to analyze performance and traffic.
For further information please read our Cookie Policy.