Number (N)INE x Jojo’s Bizzare Adventure : Western Influence on Japanese Culture

JUMP’S ‘Jojo’s Bizzare Adventure’ is getting another exciting fashion collaboration this year after the Vans partnership, this time with ex Japanese designer turned-sub-label: NUMBER (N)INE. Chock full of references from the show and a shared history of its collaboration, this collection is not for the average consumer.

When currently reporting about the once critically acclaimed Japanese brand NUMBER (N)INE, it is a shell of its former self. The Takahiro Miyashita led brand released nearly 20 collections spanning 1996-2009 and was known for the high-quality materials and techniques combined with wild aesthetics and styles inspired by Western Americana culture. Takahiro Miyashita left the brand due to personal reasons and the spark for unique style and avant-garde design was gone. A sublabel / diffusion brand now run by KOOKS distribution, (n) by Number (N)ine is now graphic heavy and remains western inspired brand, living on the legacy set in stone by Miyashita taking his western ‘rock band punk’ inspiration to another level. With repurposed vintage band tees and collaborations with The Rolling Stones themselves (n) remains locked in the Rock and Americana aesthetic. This western inspiration is exactly why this collaboration with Jojo’s Bizzare Adventure is perfect and not for your average shopper.

At a glance this collaboration may lazy to those uneducated on the foundations and themes of both Jojo’s Bizzare’s Adventure and Number (N)ine themselves. Jojo’s anime is crammed with countless references to western influence with entire characters named after Rock bands and musicians alike. Combined with Number (N)ine’s classic Fender logo rip, these two are a match made in heaven. The principal of designs and influence are so heavily intertwined I am really surprised and disappointed that they didn’t utilize it further.

The selection of Jojo characters and designed include graphic t shirts for Dio, Guido Mista, and of course Bruno Bucciarati, a mobster with an ability of placing zippers where he pleases, which is referenced in the custom hoodie with removable zipper sleeves. Embroidered front pocket tees or sweaters and huge graphics with more phrases referenced in anime are the staple pieces in this collection. The standout pieces are of Bruno as shown on the zipper hoodie and (n)ine Fender classic spell out tee. Full of Part 4 references of different stands, protagonists and classic moments, this collaboration is perfect for any fans of Jojo’s Bizzare Adventure.

You can pre order and purchase this collection now at: ZOZOTOWN . I had a few issues with international shipping on the site and wasn’t able to figure it out, but if you have a Japanese shipping proxy like WhiteRabbitExpress, it should be no problem to purchase! Orders are set to release and ship Mid July.