Ishmael
Practically Family
- Messages
- 546
- Location
- Tokyo, Japan
Call me Ishmael.
My first post. But I’ve been lurking for a while, and would like to thank all you knowledgeable gents for the treasure trove of info you’ve built here.
Looking for the white whale, er, I mean my first leather jacket. The curveball is that I’m in Japan. Hoping 1) you all can point me in the right direction and 2) I can provide the forum with a little bit of info on some of the Japanese makers.
Let me begin with the path I’ve followed thus far, just so you can get an idea where I'm coming from.
I’ve been thinking for quite a while of going for an Aero 1930s Half Belt. Love the look of Aero’s FQHH and the styling of the slimmer 30’s Half Belt. All of the wonderful pics on here have only made this jacket more desirous for me.
However, after visiting a couple of shops and trying a number of Aeros on, I’m not sure that the FQHH is for me. It’s really a bit heavier and bulkier than I’m ready to go at the present time (perhaps because I’m new to leather jackets?).
I then came across Jansolo and a few other member’s goatskin Aeros, and felt that the goatskin might be a better option for me (more pliable and wearable, at least at first). I’m still very much considering this option, and actually sent a mail off to Amanda over the weekend about a custom goatskin half belt. But, to be honest, I’m a little hesitant to go custom on my first. Not sure I have the knowledge necessary to get it right.
Also, I would prefer to sink as little money into customs, shipping etc, and thus began considering something locally made. As you all are well aware, there are a number of wonderful makers in Japan. I hoped to begin to explore this scene.
Although I came across a lot of great jackets, nearly all were military reproductions such as the A-2. It was quite difficult to find anything similar to a civilian Half Belt. Recently, however, I came across a wonderful 1930s “single rider’s jacket” by Rainbow Country, and also learned that these are made just a few miles up the road from me here in the suburbs of eastern Tokyo (far NW of Chiba prefecture). Don’t know much about Rainbow Country, but apparently the company is run by Miyoshi-san, a former employee (owner?) at Real McCoys. They do mostly repro military jackets, but also some really stunning western style leather / down vests! The factory is located in Noda City, Chiba Prefecture. They employ about 20 older women (“grannies” in Japanese) in the jacket making section of the company. They have no website or marketing. Their nom de plume is “California Manufacturing Company”.
But, without further ado, here are some pics of the “single rider’s jacket” scoured from across the web (many more can be found by searching “rainbow country”, for example on Rakuten).
Single Rider's Jacket-Black
Buffalo in red
"California Brown"
From what I’ve gathered:
--It’s a remake of a Sears Roebuck “Hercules” branded jacket from the 1930s. (there is a picture of the jacket in Rin Tanaka’s “Motorcycle Jackets: Ultimate Bikers' Fashions”)
--It’s 1.4mm thick vegetable tanned horsehide that is aniline finished.
--The lining is 100% melton wool.
Here is a pic of me in a size 40 black.
And here are some better shots of me in a “red brown” size 40.
What do you think?
I think it fits like a glove. Definitely trim with no excess material. Not able to try on a 42 since it is custom order only. I’m about 6’1”, 185 pounds with a 38 inch chest.
The leather is substantial, attractive and much more pliable than the Aero FQHH. They have done this jacket in a number of leathers. I’m also waiting for the arrival of a seal brown version which is supposed to be in shop by the end of the month. The very helpful owner at "Mushmans" (a wonderful shop by the way!) suggested that the red brown works well for both me and my shoe/boot lineup. I tend to agree. But I definitely want to check out the seal brown as well. There is also a buffalo leather in the red color above available in my size. Thoughts on buffalo? Thoughts on the best color for me (yes, I realize this is a personal thing).
One thing that is holding me back is price. The jacket retails for 140,000 yen or about $1700 US. I have the money to purchase, but I’m trying to determine whether this is a reasonable price relative to other options. I realize that, in the end, this is always a bit subjective. But, as a newcomer, I would be happy to hear any advice you can give that would help me situate this jacket within the world of options out there.
I’m still learning, so if I’ve left anything out, or if you have any questions about the jacket, please let me know.
And, lastly, thanks so much for all the help you've given thus far, and any more you can offer!
My first post. But I’ve been lurking for a while, and would like to thank all you knowledgeable gents for the treasure trove of info you’ve built here.
Looking for the white whale, er, I mean my first leather jacket. The curveball is that I’m in Japan. Hoping 1) you all can point me in the right direction and 2) I can provide the forum with a little bit of info on some of the Japanese makers.
Let me begin with the path I’ve followed thus far, just so you can get an idea where I'm coming from.
I’ve been thinking for quite a while of going for an Aero 1930s Half Belt. Love the look of Aero’s FQHH and the styling of the slimmer 30’s Half Belt. All of the wonderful pics on here have only made this jacket more desirous for me.
However, after visiting a couple of shops and trying a number of Aeros on, I’m not sure that the FQHH is for me. It’s really a bit heavier and bulkier than I’m ready to go at the present time (perhaps because I’m new to leather jackets?).
I then came across Jansolo and a few other member’s goatskin Aeros, and felt that the goatskin might be a better option for me (more pliable and wearable, at least at first). I’m still very much considering this option, and actually sent a mail off to Amanda over the weekend about a custom goatskin half belt. But, to be honest, I’m a little hesitant to go custom on my first. Not sure I have the knowledge necessary to get it right.
Also, I would prefer to sink as little money into customs, shipping etc, and thus began considering something locally made. As you all are well aware, there are a number of wonderful makers in Japan. I hoped to begin to explore this scene.
Although I came across a lot of great jackets, nearly all were military reproductions such as the A-2. It was quite difficult to find anything similar to a civilian Half Belt. Recently, however, I came across a wonderful 1930s “single rider’s jacket” by Rainbow Country, and also learned that these are made just a few miles up the road from me here in the suburbs of eastern Tokyo (far NW of Chiba prefecture). Don’t know much about Rainbow Country, but apparently the company is run by Miyoshi-san, a former employee (owner?) at Real McCoys. They do mostly repro military jackets, but also some really stunning western style leather / down vests! The factory is located in Noda City, Chiba Prefecture. They employ about 20 older women (“grannies” in Japanese) in the jacket making section of the company. They have no website or marketing. Their nom de plume is “California Manufacturing Company”.
But, without further ado, here are some pics of the “single rider’s jacket” scoured from across the web (many more can be found by searching “rainbow country”, for example on Rakuten).
Single Rider's Jacket-Black
Buffalo in red
"California Brown"
From what I’ve gathered:
--It’s a remake of a Sears Roebuck “Hercules” branded jacket from the 1930s. (there is a picture of the jacket in Rin Tanaka’s “Motorcycle Jackets: Ultimate Bikers' Fashions”)
--It’s 1.4mm thick vegetable tanned horsehide that is aniline finished.
--The lining is 100% melton wool.
Here is a pic of me in a size 40 black.
And here are some better shots of me in a “red brown” size 40.
What do you think?
I think it fits like a glove. Definitely trim with no excess material. Not able to try on a 42 since it is custom order only. I’m about 6’1”, 185 pounds with a 38 inch chest.
The leather is substantial, attractive and much more pliable than the Aero FQHH. They have done this jacket in a number of leathers. I’m also waiting for the arrival of a seal brown version which is supposed to be in shop by the end of the month. The very helpful owner at "Mushmans" (a wonderful shop by the way!) suggested that the red brown works well for both me and my shoe/boot lineup. I tend to agree. But I definitely want to check out the seal brown as well. There is also a buffalo leather in the red color above available in my size. Thoughts on buffalo? Thoughts on the best color for me (yes, I realize this is a personal thing).
One thing that is holding me back is price. The jacket retails for 140,000 yen or about $1700 US. I have the money to purchase, but I’m trying to determine whether this is a reasonable price relative to other options. I realize that, in the end, this is always a bit subjective. But, as a newcomer, I would be happy to hear any advice you can give that would help me situate this jacket within the world of options out there.
I’m still learning, so if I’ve left anything out, or if you have any questions about the jacket, please let me know.
And, lastly, thanks so much for all the help you've given thus far, and any more you can offer!
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