Having grown exponentially since its inception in the '80s, Kapital has slowly become something of a connoisseur's choice, cultivating a strong presence within the contemporary fashion space. The label's amalgamation of western influences and an experimental, avant-garde approach - inspired by traditional Japanese techniques - has seen it forge a unique personality.

An appreciation for classic Americana forms a key tenet of the brand's identity, with founder Toshikiyo Hirata igniting a passion for American denim while working stateside as a Karate teacher. This would serve as the impetus for his own label, with Hirata soon opening a denim factory in 1984. The following period would see the Kapital brand establish itself, making its home in Japan’s Okayama Prefecture – Kojima, to be precise. This choice would incidentally result in the name choice of Kapital: a subtle nod to the region’s unofficial title of Japan’s denim capital. 

This fusion of ideals has led Kapital clothing to possess a unique mixture of qualities. Recognisable graphic motifs, such as the Kapital Smilie, bandana, and skeleton prints, bring a strong visual identity to the collections, whilst an unmatched sense of quality is instilled through artisanal techniques, such as Sashiko embroidery and Boro patchworking. 

Denim has also remained at the heart of the brand, with Kapital jeans still a core component of its offerings. In tandem with this, more heritage-inspired silhouettes, such as the Ring Coat, serve to acutely embody the brand's ‘Japanese-Americana’ design language, combining vintage American military cues with a classic Japanese feel. The Kapital Kountry sub-label also serves as a platform for more niche and unique pieces, specialising in reconstructed and distressed denim with a '70s-inspired aesthetic.

Comprised of various facets, Kapital’s fifteen domestic Japanese stores provide the most coherent insight into its overarching identity, with each location offering a distinctive customer experience and representing specific elements of the brand's personality. Many of these have become must-see destinations that function equally as both exhibits and retail locations.