【Okayama】A panda born from denim.

The "Good JAPAN Innovation" project brings together exceptional Japanese craftsmanship and Dentsu Inc. art directors under the theme "Traditional Crafts × Design" to create collaborative works and share new value globally. The sixth installment focuses on traditional crafts from Okayama: "Denim." With the cooperation of Japan Blue Inc., a denim panda born from fabric has been created.

Okayama is famous for the Momotaro legend. What if Momotaro, who defeated the demons, had lived until modern times? What if Momotaro somehow transformed into a panda and wore jeans...?

I, Nakamura, came up with this idea and decided to consult Satoshi Teshirogi at Dentsu West Japan Inc. Okayama branch. Mr. Teshirogi said, "There's a brand called Momotaro Jeans in Kojima, so why don't we go together?" And so, off we went to Kojima, the birthplace of domestic jeans.

Kojima's Denim Culture

Long ago, Kojima in Kurashiki City developed its textile industry rooted in cotton cultivation. This area was once a major production hub for school uniforms. With abundant materials and high technical expertise, production shifted to jeans in the 1970s.

Although it suffered a major blow from the rise of fast fashion, it has recovered thanks to unique processing techniques and the uncompromising craftsmanship of its artisans. Today, it receives numerous offers from famous international brands.

Japan Blue, who we asked to collaborate this time, is a central player in Kojima denim. They expand globally with denim that obsessively focuses on dyeing and weaving, starting with their own brand, "Momotaro Jeans."

 

　
I wanted to create a panda that pursued realism

My first thought was that I absolutely didn't want it to be a cute mascot character. I envisioned creating a panda out of denim – one that was huge, eccentric, and would burn itself into your memory the moment you saw it. The motif, inspired by Okayama, is Momotaro.

From here, days of trial and error followed as we figured out how to bring it to life. First, based on my rough sketches, we held repeated meetings centered around Japan Blue's Kensaku Nagata to discuss the construction method.

After discussion, we decided to create the parts as separate "face," "upper body," and "lower body" sections. For the face, we bought a bear stuffed animal, took it apart for reference, and created a pattern. Inside the denim, we stuffed it with Zimbabwe cotton, known for its flexibility and durability. The feel through the denim is just like human skin. But this adds significant weight.

To make it stand on its own, we bought a frame from a home improvement store, embedded it inside the denim, and then added cotton for body filler. Finally, we put gloves on its hands and shoes on its feet to complete it. As an aside, the sight of a man transporting a panda in his car on the morning commute from home to Okayama was undoubtedly police-reporting level.

Zimbabwe cotton boasts fewer fiber joints for strength, plus excellent sheen and softness.

Mr. Nagata of Japan Blue creating the hand section

Cover the frame with cotton to make it stand on its own. Since it's a panda, the belly area is white.

Everyone checks the overall look

Denim processing artisan Mr. Nishiyama

Pursuing realism by applying processing to even the finest details

Demon's blood splatter applied with aluminum paste

 

Making-of Movie