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.