EP219: Kamakura Classic - The Jazz of Japanese Style ft. Kousuke Suda

For my very first podcast episode recorded in Japan I’m honoured to be joined by Kousuke Suda, one of the co-founders of the iconic menswear brand Kamakura Shirts, also known as Kamakura Classic. From their roots in Kamakura to a global reputation for craftsmanship, the brand has become a symbol of timeless Japanese style, blending precision tailoring with deep influences from Jazz culture and Ivy League fashion.

We explore how Kamakura Shirts captures the spirit of 1960s Americana while staying grounded in Japanese tradition and how music, culture, and classic menswear come together in every detail of their design. Kousuke shares the story behind the brand, what Ivy Style means in a modern context, and why Jazz continues to inspire their aesthetic. As I start this episode journey from Japan, it’s the perfect conversation to set the tone personal, stylish, and rooted in culture. If you’re into Japanese menswear, heritage brands, Jazz-inspired style, or just curious about the intersection of tradition and modernity, this episode is for you.