The Path that Began in the Fields: Samurai Jeans' Choice for GOTS Certification

At Amerikaji Shop TOP, we've decided to start a column where we delve into the "core" of the brands we carry, interviewing the creators themselves to explore the unique qualities and background of each brand!

For our first installment, we interviewed Mr. Nogami, president of SAMURAI JEANS.

The impetus for this interview was hearing that SAMURAI JEANS had acquired GOTS certification (Global Organic Textile Standard). To be honest, when I first heard "GOTS certification," it didn't really click with me. However, as I listened to the story, I realized that it wasn't just about materials; it was an unexpectedly rigorous certification that questioned the very way a company operates.

The interviewer is our company representative, Hayashi.

That Sensation the Moment You Touch It

Hayashi: At this exhibition, the first chapter of GOTS certification was T-shirts, and when I first touched the fabric, I was surprised. The moment I touched it, I involuntarily exclaimed, "It's so soft and gentle."

President Nogami: Thank you. Of course, the material is important, but the production background is also a crucial part of GOTS certification.

 

GOTS Certification Examines the "Company," Not Just the Fabric

 

Hayashi: To begin with, what exactly does GOTS certification involve in terms of examination?

President Nogami: Well, it's not just the fabric; they examine the company itself. Including our own company. They check if the finances are sound and if salaries are paid appropriately.

They check everything, down to whether it's a black or white company. Every single employee is interviewed, and they even check things like, "Are you working overtime?" and "Are you getting proper days off?"

Hayashi: So they even look at the company's labor management system?

President Nogami: That's right. You can't sell a product as GOTS-certified unless the factory and company involved are GOTS-certified.

From spinning the yarn to weaving and sewing, all companies involved must have GOTS certification. Our company itself has also acquired GOTS certification.

The materials are organic and GOTS-certified. It's something created by entities that both hold the certification.

Hayashi: So, if even one process (factory) doesn't have the certification, it's not valid?

President Nogami: You can't even make it in the first place. GOTS products are also proof that certified companies come together to make something better.

Why Did You Decide to Get GOTS Certification?

 

Hayashi: Given how difficult it is to obtain, why did Samurai Jeans decide to pursue GOTS certification?

President Nogami: It's still about craftsmanship. I thought that only Samurai Jeans could create products in such an environment.

While all Japanese Amerikaji brands are committed to craftsmanship, when I considered what kind of craftsmanship only Samurai Jeans could achieve, it led to this unique Samurai Jeans approach.

Craftsmanship Begins in the Fields

 

Hayashi: Your commitment to materials began with the Samurai cotton fields, didn't it?

President Nogami: We started our craftsmanship 17 to 18 years ago from a small field. We've been growing pesticide-free cotton there, and the field itself is organically certified. How the field is managed is also thoroughly checked during the inspection.

Hayashi: That field has been renovated into the "SASAYAMA COTTON BASE," and my wife and I visited last year. President Nogami gave us a tour, and we got so engrossed in the cotton harvesting experience in the field and the dyeing experience at the BASE – it was more engaging than I imagined!

President Nogami: Mr. Hayashi, you were so scared of the frogs (laughs).

Hayashi: Oh, I'm just terrible with frogs (laughs). But because of that experience, I truly felt how much effort goes into every single T-shirt and pair of jeans.

And So, It Continues

 

Hayashi: I'm really looking forward to the future of SAMURAI JEANS!

President Nogami: SAMURAI JEANS will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2028. We're working on various things for that, some of which I can't reveal yet, so please look forward to those as well.

Hayashi: I'm looking forward to it!

President Nogami: Well, everything I've said so far is a lie, though (laughs).

Hayashi: President Nogami! You're really funny (laughs).

 

President Nogami wrapped up the interview with laughter (^^)

At the exhibition and order events we hold each season, he always enjoys lively conversations with customers, but when it comes to talking about craftsmanship, the passion of Samurai Jeans, which has continued for nearly 30 years, truly comes across to us.

It's been over 20 years since our store started selling Samurai Jeans.

From a small field that started 18 years ago, we've been with them through the years as they grew, and we truly have nothing but respect for their continuous challenging spirit.

From tilling the fields, spinning the yarn, weaving the fabric, to sewing it all together. They went for a certification that wouldn't be valid if even one step was missing, and they did it as a whole company.

Through this conversation, I learned anew about the attitude behind SAMURAI JEANS' craftsmanship.

President Nogami, thank you so much for your cooperation in this interview!

You can view the SAMURAI JEANS products currently in stock here.

You can also see what the cotton base looked like last year in this video: Instagram Reel