Japanese people are very good at promoting their culture.

On October 29, 2025, Defense Minister Shinko Koizumi and U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hexeth wore matching "Sukajan" and shared a photo with the U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hexeth, who visited the U.S. naval base in Yokosuka and attended the U.S.-Japan defense ministers' meeting, which received positive reviews. How do sellers view this diplomatic spectacle?

Sukajan originated in Yokosuka: "I have supported you for a long time"

On X, two defense ministers wearing "Sukajan (Yokosuka sweater)" were reported to have originated from Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Koizumi's hometown. The front of the jackets had embroidered eagles and roses. Mr. Koizumi's jacket had a blue background with the name "Shinjiro" on it, while Mr. Hexeth's jacket had a red background with the name "Pete" on it.

According to reports, Mr. Koizumi gave Sukajan, on X, "It's cool, giving Sukajan is an idea only he can have, and it's something only he can do," "This is a symbol of 'Yokosuka' and 'Japan-U.S. exchange'," "Very fashionable," etc. Foreign users also praised the design.

Sukajan is made in Japan. On October 30, the owner of the Sukajan specialty store "MIKASA" (Dobuitadori, Yokosuka City), which was established in 1950 and sold one of the Sukajans, gave an interview to J-CAST News. According to the shop, they had received an inquiry from the Ministry of Defense in advance and sold the blue Sukajan. The reaction after wearing it was, "It's yesterday's news, so sales will not be affected at this time."

About Mr. Koizumi, he recalled, "We have been supporting Sukajan by spreading Yokosuka culture for a long time, and we have provided many clothes for Mr. Shinjiro. This time, it was selected as a gift."

"I am happy that Sukajan, as a symbol of Yokosuka culture, has reappeared in this way."

Sukajan (Yokosuka Jacket) is an embroidered jacket that originated in post-war Japan, characterized by the fusion of Eastern traditional embroidery techniques and Western flight jacket styles, and has now become a fashion item in the global fashion industry.

Origin and history of Sukajan

Post-WWII U.S. military heritage: After 1945, U.S. soldiers stationed in Japan commissioned local craftsmen in the Yokosuka base to embroider personal military experiences such as dragons, phoenixes, eagles, and tigers on flight jackets as souvenirs.

Name origin: "Suka" comes from Yokosuka, and "jan" originates from the Japanese pronunciation of "jumper" (ジャンパー).

Original article: www.toutiao.com/article/1847403557755920/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author himself.