If you want to buy or commission a sukajan in the place most closely associated with its postwar history, start on Dobuita Street in Yokosuka. This guide introduces four shops: Prince Shokai, First Shokai, MIKASA and Dobuita Koba Studio.
They are not ranked. Each offers a different way into the culture: a historic made-to-order shop, full custom work from a customer’s own artwork, ready-made and original jackets alongside custom orders, or a contemporary embroidery studio.
Opening hours, order availability, prices and lead times can change. Confirm directly with the shop before making a special trip. An open shop may not always be accepting every type of custom order.
Why order a sukajan in Yokosuka?
Sukajan developed from the postwar souvenir trade serving American servicemen in Japan. Around Dobuita Street, customers could add names, units, place names and Japanese motifs to clothing as a record of a posting or journey.
Ordering here is therefore more than buying a jacket with “Yokosuka” on the back. It continues the original idea of turning a personal memory into an embroidered souvenir. For the history and meaning of the name, read What Is a Sukajan?
Quick guide: which shop may suit you?
| Shop | Best starting point | How to approach |
|---|---|---|
| Prince Shokai | A historic Dobuita custom shop and established in-house designs | Visit in person and confirm whether orders are currently accepted |
| First Shokai | A one-off design based on your own drawing or photograph | Call before visiting; bring clear visual references |
| MIKASA | Ready-made jackets, original lines and custom-order options in one place | Visit the shop or start from the official website |
| Dobuita Koba Studio | Contemporary one-off embroidery and direct contact with a working studio | Advance contact or reservation is recommended |
Prince Shokai: a historic custom shop
Prince Shokai was founded in 1947 and belongs to Dobuita Street’s early postwar commercial history. Its jackets are associated with established shop designs, hand-worked embroidery and details such as YOKOSUKA lettering and, on many examples, a By prince co signature.
Custom orders have traditionally been discussed in person. Current prices, lead times and whether new work is being accepted should be confirmed directly. Read the full Prince Shokai guide.
First Shokai: custom work from your own artwork
First Shokai is known for discussing designs brought in by customers. A drawing, photograph, pet, original character or traditional tiger and dragon motif can become the starting point for a jacket.
The shop does not publish a current universal price list or lead-time chart. Call before visiting and confirm order availability, price, payment, completion time and collection or shipping arrangements at the time of the order. Read the full First Shokai guide.
MIKASA: ready-made, original and custom options
MIKASA combines several routes into sukajan: current Tailor Toyo and other ready-made jackets, its own Mikasa Kinsei line, gift-oriented products and both pattern-based and full custom orders.
It is a practical first stop if you want to try on finished jackets before deciding whether to commission one. Stock and order conditions change, so check the official site if you have a specific model in mind. Read the full MIKASA guide.
Dobuita Koba Studio: a working embroidery studio
Dobuita Koba Studio is both a workshop and a gallery. Daisuke Yamagami produces one-off embroidered jackets while also taking part in exhibitions, workshops, local projects and training for a new generation of embroiderers.
Custom work is generally discussed in advance, and remote communication may be possible depending on the project. Confirm current prices, scheduling and visiting arrangements through the official channels. Read the full Dobuita Koba Studio guide.
Getting to Dobuita Street
- Keikyu Shioiri Station: approximately 3–5 minutes on foot to the western side of the street.
- Keikyu Yokosuka-Chuo Station: approximately 7–10 minutes on foot.
- JR Yokosuka Station: approximately 15 minutes on foot.
The four shops are in or around Honcho and can be visited on the same walk. See the Dobuita Street official directory and open each shop in Google Maps before travelling.
Useful questions when ordering
| English | Japanese |
|---|---|
| Are you accepting custom orders now? | 今、オーダーを受け付けていますか？ |
| What is the current estimated lead time? | 現在の納期はどのくらいですか？ |
| Can you use this drawing or photograph? | この絵・写真を使えますか？ |
| Could you write down the price and completion date? | 価格と完成予定日を書いてもらえますか？ |