These denim cargo pants would look fit on street wandering hobos — although definitely not the Japanese variety — as those guys tend to dress (and live) better than most middle aged bachelors back home.

The distressed, paint splotched fabric, exaggerated pockets and frilly details aptly serve Japan’s current fascination for the hobo chic look. While the rest of the world debate the possible origins of this garment (a Kobe based micro-niche fashion boutique, or the dumpster behind the Salvation Army?) most Japanese would immediately recognize it as wearable art for their epicurean way of life.

The Japanese seem to love distressed and tattered clothing, and I think it’s because it is the exact opposite of what their strict and ancient culture would have them wear.

I’ve spent the occasional night at hobo camps in various Japanese cities, usually as a result of missing the last train home, and I can tell you, many of the homeless are finely groomed and decently dressed. They even have such amenities as electricity and satellite TV. So with this in mind, to think that a regular Hitoshi — not even a street camping bum — would purposely dress like a post-apocalyptic unemployed handyman is sort of tantamount to riding a Suzuki Skywave amidst a pack of Hell’s Angels. It’s this rebellious attitude that continues to be a driving force behind much of Japan’s youth and street fashion.

Visvim is one of those Japanese fashion labels you hear about from time to time, usually in the context of superior handmade footwear and omfg $380 sneakers?!

The label was started by Hiroki Nakamura as a response to mass produced footwear from the likes of Adidas and Nike. It’s not that Nakamura doesn’t respect the accomplishments of these giants — because he does — it’s that he recognizes the demand for products that offer the exact opposite of what these global shoemakers provide.

In many ways, Hiroki Nakamura takes a surprisingly non-commercial approach to business, such as his unhurried and meticulous production methods, his refusal to design for any particular consumer group, and his ambivalence towards the industry norm of stitching logos onto every possible surface. In the age of massification, cost-cutting and unbridled branding, Visvim sticks out as awkwardly as it’s pronounced (seriously, is it just me or is there one too many v’s here?).

Like treasured artwork hanging in a gallery, Visvim shoes are made in their founder’s vision with a take it or leave it attitude. The stance has worked wonders for the brand as its core clientele, which is growing but still small in numbers, is hooked on a unique product with few alternatives in the marketplace.

It is said that Visvim is solely driven by Hiroki Nakamura’s quest for the ultimate in style, quality and comfort. And apparently, if that goal entails the centaur inspired mating of a running shoe with a moccasin, and charging north of $300 for the aberration, Visvim is up for the challenge!