Nipoaloha

gendary Yuzen-dye studio Okaju, and the **ARTIST line**, which collaborates with contemporary artists to create unique, limited-edition prints. The brand honors the historical narrative that Japanese immigrants in Hawaii were among the first to create Aloha shirts using kimono fabrics, and today, NIPOALOHA revives this heritage by producing shirts that blend traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern design sensibilities. Each piece is carefully handcrafted by artisans who understand the soul of Japanese textiles, making NIPOALOHA a celebration of cross-cultural exchange and artisanal excellence.

Philosophy

NIPOALOHA’s philosophy centers on cultural exchange, artisanal quality, and the preservation of traditional Japanese textile techniques. The brand believes in honoring the historical roots of the Aloha shirt while innovating through collaborations with contemporary artists and using only the finest Japanese materials. Each shirt is a story—of migration, tradition, and creativity—woven into fabric.

Sustainability

Materials: Uses authentic Japanese kimono fabrics, including vintage and traditional textiles. Production: Handcrafted in Japan by local artisans, emphasizing small-batch and artisanal production. Collaborations: Works with heritage workshops like Okaju, supporting traditional dyeing and textile techniques. Ethics: Focuses on preserving cultural heritage and promoting sustainable, slow fashion practices.

Founders

Ryota Shibuya, Background: Creative director and founder of NIPOALOHA, known for his deep appreciation of Japanese textile traditions and cross-cultural fashion. Shibuya has played a key role in shaping the brand’s philosophy of blending Hawaiian shirt culture with Japanese craftsmanship.

Background

NIPOALOHA was founded in Japan with the mission to celebrate the shared history between Japanese immigrants and the development of the Aloha shirt in Hawaii. The brand draws inspiration from vintage Aloha shirts made from kimono fabrics, which are now prized by collectors. NIPOALOHA collaborates with Kyoto’s Okaju, a Yuzen-dye studio with over 150 years of history, and works with contemporary artists to create limited-edition prints. The brand’s collections are produced in Japan, emphasizing local craftsmanship and the use of traditional materials.

History

The origins of the Aloha shirt are often linked to Japanese immigrants in Hawaii who repurposed kimono fabrics to create the first Hawaiian shirts. NIPOALOHA pays homage to this history by producing shirts using authentic Japanese textiles and collaborating with artists to reinterpret classic patterns. The brand’s KIMONO line features fabrics from Okaju, a Kyoto-based Yuzen-dye studio established in the Edo period, while the ARTIST line features collaborations with tattoo artists and graphic designers. NIPOALOHA’s shirts are handcrafted by artisans who specialize in Japanese textile traditions, ensuring each piece is unique and of the highest quality.