In 2004 Yoshiyuki launched his company inspired to break down the borders of traditionalism and modern-day fashion to create unique clothing designs inspired by distinctive Japanese culture rethought for the current age.

Yoshiyuki's meticulously crafted men's clothing embraces elements of what we consider classic Japanese clothing aesthetics. He takes kimono silhouettes, hakama, hanten, gi for budo (Japanese martial arts), zori sandals, jikatabi, and repurposes them in a way that can be embraced by a global audience.

Yoshiyuki's mission is to express the robustness and visual appeal of old-world Japan in modern-day scenes. Take, for example, his love for the Sanada himo, or Sanada braid, a woven piece of fabric created by the feudal Sanada family, which he incorporated into his iconic Pirate Pants.

Over the years, his efforts have seen his name reach international admirers, with his work stocked in upscale L.A. and London boutiques.

"Through my clothing label, I want to showcase Sanada himo as the practical, premium, priceless Japanese material it is," he says. "Rediscovering the beauty of the Sanada himo, I don't feel a sense of sentimentality.

I simply want to utilize this brilliant material born from Japanese ingenuity and sensitivity that transcends the times and trends for everyday fashion, thus also paying homage to its heritage." Over the years, his efforts have seen his name reach international admirers, with his work stocked in upscale L.A. and London boutiques.

Almost as much a historian as much as a designer, it's clear that Yoshiyuki's perspective on the world of Tokyo fashion is much more than what we see in the street styles of Harajuku or the upmarket boutiques of Ginza. Although they are both unique elements of Japan's fashion culture, Yoshiyuki's tireless work boasts a legacy and authenticity they could only hope to replicate.

Revitalizing Japanese culture, while looking good at the same time, that's the Yoshiyuki Ogata style.

Yoshiyuki Ogata bio
Yoshiyuki Ogata is a Tokyo-based designer who specializes in crafting well-made contemporary men's clothing that embraces elements of traditional Japanese clothing.

Yoshiyuki founded his apparel brand "Gishi (Yoshiyuki)" in 2004, as a way to break down the cultural barrier that exists between the past and contemporary-day in everyday fashion. His pieces embrace long-held high standards of design and functionality that you see in Japanese clothing aesthetics and in items like the kimono, hakama, hanten, and Japanese martial arts wear.

Driven by a hunger for innovation and a passion for craftsmanship, Yoshiyuki's unrestrained imagination and time transcending design ideologies position him as a man that will continue to keep Japan's legacy alive while propelling the future of design.