Comme ca Ism in Japan is like the GAP in America – they offer affordable, yet stylish clothing, in stores that have become ubiquitous throughout the land. Serving the entire family, with men’s, women’s and children’s wear, they have garnered a large following due to their sensible, if not rather conservative, choice of styles and colors. Comme ca Ism also provides a full selection of accessories, like briefcases and wallets.

I once arrived at Kansai airport after an 11 hour flight and had to immediately attend a gathering at a famous Osakan nightclub. With nothing more than a day bag and the sweaty clothes on my back, I had less than an hour to look for something to wear! Comme ca Ism basically saved my ass (and on a budget); I walked out with an outfit (minus the shoes) for about $200.

I still wear a few pieces of that Comme ca outfit today. Their preference for black and white styling and mostly subdued color schemes makes their stuff a bit more timeless than that of other cheaper brands. Although they’re not exactly my number one place to shop, I still occasionally walk through their store in downtown Osaka and always smile when I hear loud Beatles music playing (they only play Beatles music!).

So if you’re ever visiting Japan, and you begin to feel a little under dressed, as many visitors probably do, try to find your way to a Comme ca Ism. Their stores are a lot more open and less intimidating than the innumerable boutiques you’ll inevitably stumble across, and their staff are quite friendly and helpful.

But after you get over that hurdle, it’s time to break out the plastic and go shopping for raw selvedge!

Most people have heard of the geisha, the nightshift women who entertain Japan’s wealthy and elite. Their classy behavior and dedication to the arts have gained them respect and reverence throughout Japan’s storied history. And also helped inspire one of the most terrible forms of Hollywood Orientalism ever. Just try sitting through five minutes of Memoirs of a Geisha — it’s like holding your pee while taking a crap.

Lesser known are the tayuu, or oiran courtesans. These entertainers are like the Rolls Royce of playmates, putting the average geisha on par with a pre-owned Le Baron (where were these car analogies when I needed them in college?!).

Cropped Heads is what clothing brand Organ is appropriately calling this long sleeve shirt. The woman on the back, as you might of guessed, is one of those pricey tayuu court ladies. But it looks like her date with OJ didn’t end so well, because I’m pretty sure that’s her severed head on the front of the shirt! Actually, the woman is from a famous Japanese ghost story. Think Pretty Woman meets Dawn of the Dead.

I love the negative color scheme used for the shirt. It really punches out the colors and lines. When I first looked at the design, it kind of reminded me of some Yak-style tattoos. I’ve always found it funny how lots of ultra-macho Yakuza feel totally comfortable with inking chics and flowers all over their body. You’d think there’d be a strict adherence to dragons and swords. I guess that’s Japanese culture for you.

Most wifebeaters come in the plain variety, but not this specimen from Vanquish. With pleasant, thick stripes and a large ‘VA’ logo, you’ll impress the crowds as you mow the front law, careful not to get any grass stains on your fashionable undershirt.

And if some neighbor comes over and asks why you’d spend over $50 dollars on a wifebeater, turn the tables and quiz him about his erectile dysfunction. After possibly the most awkward five minutes of your life, your dad will think twice about ever criticizing your wardrobe again!

Night club fashion designer Varentine (that’s not a typo), has produced this interesting long sleeved shirt. Designed for a slim build, the shirt’s cut follows the elegant contours of a champaign binging, cigarette eating, spiritually famished Osaka male host. If you think that description is in anyway exaggerated, watch The Great Happiness Space: Tale of an Osaka Love Thief. It’s practically my bible. 

An innovative ‘D ring’ lies halfway up the arm and serves to anchor the cuff. Incase you want to show off your bulging biceps as you do arm curls with the karaoke mic.