Kapital is a Japanese fashion brand founded in 1984 by Toshikiyo Hirata in Kojima, Okayama — a region renowned as the denim capital of Japan. Originally established as a small workshop producing high-quality denim using traditional techniques, Kapital gradually evolved into a cult fashion label blending Americana, Japanese craftsmanship, and avant-garde design. In the 2000s, Toshikiyo’s son, Kiro Hirata, joined the brand as a designer and brought a more experimental and artistic edge to its collections. Under Kiro’s creative direction, Kapital became known for its eclectic and often whimsical aesthetic, incorporating patchwork, boro-inspired textiles, and global folk influences. The brand’s name pays homage to Kojima’s status as the “capital” of denim, and it continues to be celebrated for its unique fusion of heritage and innovation.
