I don’t know whether to be jumping for joy or recoiling in dismay at Tanuki’s ‘Sazanami’ Corduroy jacket. On the one hand, it’s unbearably beautiful. On the other hand, I simply can’t justify copping another jacket. Alas, desperate times call for desperate measures. Break the glass. Emergency funds are required for this one. Red alert.
Let’s start with the name, Sazanami (漣). Sazanami roughly translates to “small waves” or “ripples”, which, if you ask me, is an apt name for a corduroy jacket. It might also ring a bell if you’re a Naruto fan, or perhaps if you’re a Japanese trainspotter, given it’s also the name for a limited train service in Japan. Thank you, Google.
The jacket is based on a corduroy fabric that was popular in Japan in the ‘90s. In fact, the jacket in its entirety is based on an archival piece found in the depths of Tanuki’s very own museum of artifactual heritage pieces. However, rather than just reproducing the jacket as close as it could to the original, in true Tanuki style, the brand decided to experiment a little bit. Tanuki’s Sazanami jackets come in three colorways: green, navy, and red. Each one has been dyed with a unique botanical dye to produce a vibrant, yet sturdy and robust fabric. The green one has been pigment-dyed with bayberry, just in case you fancied wearing a piece of nature. The navy has been pigment-dyed with natural indigo, creating a rich, full-bodied midnight blue. Yes, I talk about dyes like some people talk about fine wines. Lastly, the red has been pigment-dyed in a rusty, mud brown, perfect for the upcoming summer/fall season.
All the gorp-heads will be pleased to know that the jacket has been fully lined with a made-in-Japan Ventile fabric, making it both windproof and water resistant. Just in case you were wondering about the practicality of a corduroy jacket. It also comes with mil-spec Urea buttons and custom made mil-spec ribs.
The jacket is in a bomber style. It has dropped shoulders and a slightly boxy cut. In terms of other details, it features dropped shoulders, a shawl collar, a zipper inner pocket, and handwarmer pockets.
Available in very limited quantities for $356 at Redcast Heritage.
