Crafted in the heart of Okayama, Japan, the ONI Denim 15oz Ishikawadai is a testament to the artistry and tradition of denim craftsmanship. What sets this denim apart is its unique production process, rooted in history and artisanal techniques.
At its core lies the "Ishikawa-dai" Japanese ring-spinning machine, a relic from 1953 and the oldest of its kind still in operation in Japan. This vintage marvel spins yarn at a significantly slower pace, roughly one-third the speed of modern machines. While this might result in lower productivity, it offers a distinct advantage – gentleness on cotton fibers, resulting in a fabric with an authentically hand-spun appearance adorned with subtle variations. This is a hallmark characteristic of the "Ishikawadai."
The denim fabric for this exceptional pair is meticulously crafted using 6-count straight yarn spun on the "Ishikawa-dai" and woven on a 1950s shuttle loom. The result is a fabric that tells a story of craftsmanship, tradition, and attention to detail.
But the uniqueness of the ONI Denim 15oz Ishikawadai doesn't end there. It boasts ONI's signature secret dye, lending the fabric a rich greencast indigo hue. This indigo beauty is accentuated with contrast stitching, adding to its vintage allure. The overall effect is a denim experience that transcends fashion, offering a genuine connection to the heritage of denim production, and a truly unique addition to your wardrobe.
It comes in the 200 Wide Straight cut, with an impressively roomy wide leg and a high rise. In addition, ONI has eliminated the pocket arcs and arranged the Oni brand name tag to match the silhouette design. These aren’t for those who fear a draft around their legs. But if a vintage workwear look, an off-the-beaten-path silhouette, or simply room to move appeals to you, we’d recommend giving these jeans a good look.
These jeans have a standard sizing. We recommend choosing your usual size. However, as always, we recommend checking the size chart first to find your perfect size. It is unsanforized but one washed, so there will be no shrinkage. The waist will experience the typical stretching seen in ONI denim due to the low tension weave, although not as much as the secret denim. Expect approximately 1 inches of stretching.
The legend of ONI is alive to this day. In recent years Oishi-San has devoted himself to experimenting with widely varying grammages, rough textures, different indigo dyeing techniques and novelty cuts while always maintaining a very limited production and wielding his experience in denim which now goes back more than 60 years.