The first solar term of the year, Koyuki, occurred on November 22nd.
This is Sakemaru.
Winter is almost here.
It's about time that light snow starts to fall...
Surprisingly it's still warm.
The "Sukajan Exhibition" being held at the Yokosuka Museum of Art,
I went to see it. 
As the name suggests, the origin of the word "Sukajan" comes from "Suka" in Yokosuka.
Specifically, it refers to the Dobuita Street shopping district in Yokosuka. 
It's been a while since I walked down Dobuita Street.
I remembered a lot of things and got sentimental.
(I posted the details on my Instagram).
Well, this time…
Not a Sukajan,
I'd like to introduce you to the Viet-Jean, which became popular after that.
If Sukajan is an abbreviation for "Yokosuka jumper",
Vietjan is an abbreviation for "Vietnam jumper."
Yes, it was made as a souvenir for American soldiers during the Vietnam War.
Let me introduce you to this jacket with a strange fate.
First up is the Vietnam jacket, made by Dry Bones . 
The defining feature of the VietJean is its "bad but beautiful embroidery"!
First, the tiger on his chest. 
And on the other chest is "Fukurokuju". 
This is an idea unique to the Chinese region.
As expected, there is a cute but amateurish dragon on the sleeve. 
Back view. 
And a close-up of the back embroidery. 
Along with maps, dates and place names of Vietnam,
It expresses the helpless feelings I had at that time.
WHEN I DIE I'LL GO TO HEAVEN BECAUSE 1'VE SERVED MY TIME IN HELL
To put it simply...
"When I die, I'm going to heaven because I served my sentence in hell"
Something like that.
How hellish was the war in Vietnam for American soldiers?
Try watching the movie for that.
"Apocalypse Now" and "The Deer Hunter"
I think it will be a learning experience.
How harsh and brutal was it?
Those of us who have never experienced war can hardly imagine it.
I will try to analyze it through the vintage in my own way.
Sukajan were produced and sold in Japan after World War II.
The period of production and sales was under American rule, that is, after the war.
In contrast, the Viet Jans
It was produced and sold in the midst of the Vietnam War.
In other words, it is not governed.
Of course, in a place where a certain degree of safety is ensured,
It would have been production and sales.
However, the material is leftover parachute fabric,
Considering that the embroidery is done by hand, not by machine,
It must have been a business conducted during an unstable war situation.
Compared to the "kind of luxury" of the Sukajan,
The "inferiority of Vietjean as clothing"
It feels as though the atmosphere of the actual scene is woven into the film...
So, while still retaining the fun, handmade feel of the Viet-Jean embroidery...
As for Dry Bones, they have slightly improved the functionality of the clothing. 
The outer fabric is rayon twill and the lining is cupra.
The material chosen is similar to that of 1950s Sukajan jackets.
And on the inside…
I added inner pockets on both sides.
The outer pocket is shallow, so it's difficult to put things in it.
I actually find this kind of subtle anti-war sentiment very important.
Now, let me tell you a little about my vintage.
First up is a half-length Viet jacket. 
Moreover, the material is the aforementioned camouflage fabric for parachutes. 
The complaints and the map from earlier,
All are expressed with chain embroidery.
Quite rare.
And one more thing.
A single layer cotton parka. 
On his chest he wears the American and South Vietnamese flags. 
Embroidered on the back is a Hetauma map, and on both sleeves are Hetauma dragons.
Vietjean also has depth as a vintage item, but...
I think the one that has a more tragic feel than the Sukajan is,
It was the first war that the US military lost.
And this year,
We are proposing new works using only these Hetauma embroidered animals.
Tada! 
"Tiger & Dragon" CPO jacket made of wool melton material.
There is no embroidery on the back, so it doesn't look sad at all. 
Cute Hetauma Tiger & Dragon,
An easy-to-wear single-layer outerwear.
Even though it's snowing lightly, it's still warm in Japan.
If you travel by car, train or bus,
It depends on the choice of innerwear.
You might be able to get through the whole winter with this outerwear.
Vietjean and CPO jackets,
It's working quite well.
Be sure to get one before sizes start running low.
And it's also a hidden highlight of Yokosuka tourism.
As usual, I visit shrines and temples.
Actually, I got into the secret society culture after
I unexpectedly began to believe in the power of God.
When I was touring shrines and temples,
There is clearly a place where you can feel spiritual energy.
This time I found it in Yokosuka.
This is Awaguchi Shrine. 
The name "Awa" refers to the southernmost region of Chiba Prefecture where I currently live.
There has likely been interaction between the tip of the Miura Peninsula and the tip of the Boso Peninsula since ancient times. 
The approach to the shrine is a gentle slope, and the vegetation is mostly virgin forest.
There are only broad-leaved trees.
The bottom is covered with acorns.
I think it has probably been a place of prayer since the Jomon period. 
The sacred object is a rock.
The rock is said to have flown from Susaki Shrine in my hometown.
Apparently.
At Susaki Shrine, there is also a huge rock beyond the torii gate.
Visiting shrines and temples is mysterious and fun.
I feel like I'm getting some kind of power.
see you.
