We had the content translated, and this is what they had to say:

We recently attended a publication event for vintage denim in Pasadena, Los Angeles to investigate and research denim trends and fashionable people in the vintage industry.

“Rising Sun & Co.” is a denim brand and shop that exhibits a truly cool vintage vibe. The shop is located in Old Pasadena, north of Los Angeles City. The streets of Old Pasadena are different than other parts of Los Angeles because the old buildings are still standing which were first built during the early settling of Los Angeles so that Old Pasadena seems like it is lost in time. We first encountered and became enamored with Rising Sun & Co. at “Inspiration”, a significant vintage event in Santa Monica. Mike Hodis, the owner of Rising Sun & Co. is well-versed in vintage collecting and styles, so he invited his friend, the author of a new vintage denim book, to hold a publication event for his new book at Rising Sun’s shop in Old Pasadena. Many people from the vintage industry were present at the event, but we were surprised to find there were more people wearing new denim than vintage denim. Standout styles at the event were the people dressed like workers in 30’s. Suspenders were an accessory worn by many at the event confirming the comeback of their popularity. Rising Sun & Co. has manufactured and released new denim styles that are modeled after 40’s or older styles, and have made an impact on many in the vintage industry because of these attractive designs. Rising Sun & Co. currently use Cone denim from the USA for their line. Future production plans include the release of a new denim line using denim from Okayama, Japan. Denim made in Okayama is highly regarded by the attendees of this publication event.

Rising Sun appears like a vintage shop. The sign in the window matches the atmosphere of the shop. Incidentally, parking in the front is for “Hot Rods Only.” There were a number of hot rods on the day of the event.

Click to view a larger version of each photo

These are some pictures from the trip and the Kuroki mill:

Suspension bridge from Okayama to Shikoku island

Shuttle looms at work

Selvedge yarn dyed chino twill

Mike with an operator

Rising Sun is featured in the June 2010 issue of Japanese men’s magazine SENSE. There is much love for our duck canvas fabrication, which Mike loves to work with.

We have been featured in the Japanese magazine Safari. Check it out. Big thanks to all of the Rising Sun supporters in the land of the rising sun (don’t forget we already covered how our name came to be on our blog here).

The details-focused Blacksmith jean took up the lion’s share of our time. Working with antique sewing machines require care, finesse, and lots of patience. The results make the extra energy we spend very much worthwhile.

The Worker jean continues to be a big hit. Here we have the patches drying after the Made in USA shield stamp was applied.

2nd is published by the same folks who do Lightning magazine.

Mike Hodis walking around Tokyo

We raided Mike’s iPhone and found some more pictures from his trip to Tokyo. Japan offers some great meals it seems and the company he kept this time must have nourished his hunger for deep conversations about denim. Among the people he met with are Nobu of Hollywood Ranch Market and Atsu of Stevenson Overall Co.

With Nobu and Atsu, Food and Drinks

Seafood Delicacies

With Atsu in United Arrows showing off a pair of Rising Sun Yukon jeans

The last Rising Sun Ranch Hand jacket at United Arrows

Mike Hodis with Rising Sun Yukon jeans in Hollywood Ranch Market

Hollywood Ranch Market in Tokyo