Latest news with #BigJohn
8 hours ago
- General
Japanese Jeans Turn Sixty: Visiting Okayama's Denim Capital, Kojima
The first denim jeans made in Japan appeared in April 1965, six decades ago. Today Kojima, Okayama, is a center of the denim culture in Japan. This region continues to attract domestic and international attention as a fashion cultural hub for the rule it continues to play with its technical prowess and innovation in the global jeans market. Cotton at the Industry Core The Kojima region in Kurashiki, in what is now Okayama Prefecture, is no fresh arrival to importance in Japanese history. It gets a mention in Kojiki, the oldest surviving Japanese-language text. While Kojima is now connected to the mainland, it used to be an island, as the –jima in its name suggests. Over time, land reclamation, combined with the accumulation of sand deposited by local rivers, transformed the area into a vast plain. Widespread land reclamation in the Edo period (1603–1868) made the soil of Kojima salty and unsuited for rice production. Farmers therefore cultivated cotton instead, which has better salt tolerance. Cotton produced here was woven into cloth for sails and socks, of which Kojima was the most important production center. From the Edo through the Meiji –periods, sailcloth produced in Kojima was used extensively on the kitamaebune sailing ships that plied the Sea of Japan, connecting Osaka and Hokkaidō. Basically nondyed canvas, sail fabric provided the foundation for Japan's first locally made jeans. History of Kojima and Domestic Denim Production 712 The place name Kojima appears in the Kojiki. Edo Era (1603–1868) Cotton cultivation and sail production takes off. Meiji (1868–1912) Kojima produces canopies and workwear. Early Postwar (1945–60) School uniforms dominate output. 1965 Kojima produces first Japanese-made jeans. 1980– Market becomes more competitive with influx of imported jeans. 1990s– 'Vintage' jeans gain popularity, focusing attention on high end of market. Compiled by the author. In the Meiji era many cotton mills opened around Kojima, producing tents, truck canopies, and workwear. After World War II, cotton school uniforms, of which Kojima was the greatest producer, came to dominate production. Hundreds of years of a thriving cotton industry also made Kojima the repository of significant expertise in sewing. Forced to Change Course However, this cotton powerhouse would soon be flung into crisis. In the latter half of the 1950s, Japanese manufacturers began producing a new fiber called 'Tetoron' (polyester). A revolutionary material claimed to be 'finer than silk and stronger than steel,' Tetoron proved to be a disruptive innovating force in the industry. As Tetoron school uniforms became all the rage, sales of their cotton counterparts plummeted. Major clothing label Maruo Hifuku (now 'Big John') was left with warehouses overflowing with unwanted cotton uniforms. Not knowing what to do, CEO Ozaki Kotarō turned to jeans (often called jīpan in Japanese, a linguistic borrowing from the G in GI, the American military members stationed in the country), which at the time were a major hit in Tokyo's Ameyoko shopping district. An imported American 1960s Union Special sewing machine, capable of sewing rolled seams. (Courtesy Betty Smith Jeans Museum) Ozaki procured a pair of US-made jeans and meticulously examined the fabric and stitching. With its years of sewing experience, Ozaki believed his company had what it took to produce the new garments. However, he had never seen denim before. Maruo Hifuku also lacked the metal rivets used to reinforce jean pockets or metal buttons and zips, not to mention thread suitable for sewing thick cotton fabric, or, for that matter, the right kind of sewing machines. Ultimately, it was only after importing most of these supplies from the United States that Maruo Hifuku was finally able to start making jeans in April 1965. The young women working in this 1970s jeans factory lived in company dormitories. (Courtesy Betty Smith Jeans Museum) Growing the Brand Ozaki was short in stature, even for a Japanese person, and his given name, Kotarō, could be rendered as 'Little John' in English. Feeling that this sounded like a brand for children, Ozaki's product development team eventually settled on 'Big John' instead for their brand name. The first Japanese jeans were manufactured in 1965 under the Big John brand. (Courtesy Betty Smith Jeans Museum) Over time, jeans came to enjoy broad support that transcended class, age, and gender. However, it was actually Ozaki's focus on gender differences that led to the creation of the women's jeans brand 'Betty Smith.' This was followed by the 'Bobson' line, which was established in 1969 as the little brother of the Big John brand. This positioning-based brand strategy, unusual in Japan at the time, proved highly successful. Betty Smith, Japan's first women's jeans brand, was launched in 1970. (Courtesy Betty Smith Jeans Museum) An advertisement for Betty Smith jeans from the 1970s. (Courtesy Betty Smith Jeans Museum) Interestingly, Big John advertised and marketed these brands as if they were from California. Beginning in the 1970s, Japan's textile industry became less competitive due to US-Japan trade friction, the increasingly strong yen, and the industrialization of developing nations, causing the Japanese market to be flooded with jeans imported from the United States and other markets. Now that they had been introduced to the real McCoy, Japanese consumers also became choosier. Kojima's jean manufacturers were forced to differentiate themselves from their competitors. Building on the Region's Original Strengths While Japanese clothing manufacturers initially sourced their raw materials from the United States, Kojima's makers began to explore ways to bring their production focus to a more local level, from materials to crafting methods, early on. As discussed above, the changing business environment also encouraged Kojima jeans manufacturers to innovate. What was traditionally called the Sanbi region (comprising the old domains of Bizen, Bitchū, and Bingo that span today's Okayama and Hiroshima prefectures), has for hundreds of years had a large indigo dyeing industry, and it was this experience that enabled a smooth transition to modern-day indigo dyeing. Hiroshima-based textile manufacturer Kaihara, one of the first to make indigo-dyed denim, is now an internationally renowned company with an over 50% share of the domestic market. According to the Japan Cotton and Staple Fiber Weavers' Association, which represents the cotton textiles industry, a total of 23.9 million square meters of denim were manufactured in the Sanbi region in 2023, representing almost 100% of Japanese made denim. Renowned jeans manufacturers from around the world love the product for its quality and uniqueness. Kuroki is a denim manufacturer based in Ihara, to the west of Kurashiki, that has partnerships with the world's largest luxury brand, LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, and has received praise for its incorporation of traditional Japanese weaving techniques. Denim manufactured in the Sanbi region travels to Kojima to be made into high-quality jeans. This is because, as noted above, the region is home to a large workforce of skilled textile workers, as well as to the craftmanship and attention to detail that have been passed down from generation to generation. At the heart of Kojima-made jeans are pattern-cutting technologies that make jeans better fitting, and over 200 years of technological innovation in stitching thick cotton. Denim garments shrink slightly over time, a property that Kojima's jean manufacturers have successfully transformed into a comfortable fit through the application of expertise in patterns and stitching. Stitching techniques passed down through generations are the secret of Kojima-made jeans' comfortable fit. (Courtesy Betty Smith Jeans Museum) Kojima manufacturers have also continually tried to avoid falling into the trap of mimicking established overseas brands like Levi's, time and time again creating new value. Their washing techniques are a prime example. Wash processing makes jeans softer and more comfortable to wear. To date, textile manufacturers have developed a variety of wash processes, including stone washing, in which denim garments are put in a washing machine with pumice and abrasives; chemical washing, in which garments are treated with bleach and other additives; and bleaching, in which oxidants and reductants are added to fade the fabric. Another manufacturing technique that enables makers to add value is 'distressing,' in which fabric is sandblasted or otherwise intentionally damaged. As well as enabling Kojima-based manufacturers to differentiate themselves from overseas brands, these techniques have also led to the creation of new trends in jeans fashion. The world-leading refinement of these techniques is the reason that many overseas brands of jeans are produced in Kojima. A World Denim Leader Let us consider what needs to be done to enable the continued development of the Kojima jeans industry. It is possible to identify five main areas where work is needed. The merging of traditional craftsmanship with technological innovation The enhancement of branding Tie-ups between industry and tourism Environmental measures Reuse and recycling With regard to technological innovation, the distressing process is now being performed by lasers, as the merger of this new technology with traditional technologies opens up new markets. When it comes to boosting the 'made in Kojima' brand, we can learn a lot from the Swiss watch industry, which pulled off a successful revival in the 1980s through clever marketing. Harnessing tourist attractions like 'Jeans Street,' which is filled with jeans proprietors, and the Jeans Museum, which showcases the history of Kojima's jeans in a way that shares the appeal of the local jeans culture with a large audience, will win new fans. This unique sign greets visitors to Kojima Jeans Street. (Courtesy Kojima Chamber of Commerce and Industry) This manhole on Kojima Jeans Street features a characteristic logo and orange stitching. (Courtesy Kojima Chamber of Commerce and Industry) It goes without saying that ongoing efforts to manage the large quantities of water and chemicals consumed in the manufacturing process are essential, in addition to other environmental commitments. As textile waste increasingly becomes an issue internationally, initiatives for the reuse of unwanted jeans will become even more important. According to Ōshima Yasuhiro, former chair of the Kojima Chamber of Commerce and president of Betty Smith, 'In addition to being the home of Japanese-produced jeans, Kojima needs to retain its leading position as a manufacturer of the world's most global uniform.' In order to resolve these issues and make Ōshima's aspirations a reality, the fostering of workers who will carry on the craft, as well as engineers who will bring about future innovation, is a matter of urgency. The industry also needs a new entrepreneurial figure to carry on Ozaki Kotarō's legacy of plotting and executing a path for the future. The street remains a popular destination for visitors. (Courtesy Kojima Chamber of Commerce and Industry) References The author referred to the following works in preparing this article. Christensen, Clayton M., The Innovator's Dilemma: When New Technologies Cause Great Firms to Fail, Harvard Business School Press (1997). David, Paul A., 'Clio and the Economics of QWERTY,' in American Economic Review, Vol. 75 No. 2 (1985). Heldt, Gustav (trans.), The Kojiki: An Account of Ancient Matters, Columbia University Press (2014). Porter, Michael E., Competitive Strategy: Techniques for Analyzing Industries and Competitors, Free Press (1980). Porter, Michael E., The Competitive Advantage of Nations, Free Press (1990). Schumpeter, Joseph A., The Theory of Economic Development: An Inquiry into Profits, Capital, Credit, Interest, and the Business Cycle, Harvard University Press (1934). Sugiyama Shinsaku, Nihon jīnzu monogatari (The Story of Japanese Jeans), Kibito Publishing (2009). (Originally published in Japanese. Banner photo: A display of jeans welcomes visitors at the entrance to the Kojima Jeans Street. © Kojima Chamber of Commerce and Industry.)
Belfast Telegraph
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Belfast Telegraph
TikTok star and Chinese food lover ‘Big John Bosh' touches down in Belfast
Known for his catchphrase 'Bosh', Big John has amassed nearly a quarter of a million followers on the video app TikTok, where he mostly posts reviews of Chinese food and restaurants. Describing himself as 'Big John the Chinese food lover', he is also the father of heavyweight boxer Johnny Fisher, who is nicknamed 'The Romford Bull', and has almost 300,000 TikTok followers himself. Big John has also gained a large following on YouTube, where he shares content related to his large appetite and lifestyle. He is further known for leading the "Romford Bull Army" and his "Bosh Army" of fans. Posting on Wednesday to his social media channels, Big John shared that he was enjoying a packet of Glens Of Antrim crisps and a pint of Murphy's stout in the Duke Of York bar at the Cathedral Quarter. 'Whenever I'm in Ireland, whether it be Belfast, Dublin, Galway, my go-to is the Murphy's,' he explained. 'I know everyone has a Guinness and I do like a Guinness, but I think Murphy's is a touch better.' He also described his salt and vinegar flavoured Glens Of Antrim crisps as 'unbelievable; dangerous; near perfection'. Big John and his son are often also seen collaborating with the Northern Irish based prize competition platform, That Prize Guy. According to his online channels, Big John will be staying in Belfast until Friday, and then heading on to Dublin for a night.
Condé Nast Traveler
10-06-2025
- Condé Nast Traveler
The Best Children's Museums in the US, From San Francisco to St. Louis
While there are several children's museums that have climbing gyms, tot-scaled supermarkets, and STEAM-inspired tinkering labs, what makes an institution really stand out from the pack is its creative play spaces. At the Children's Museum of Eau Claire in Wisconsin, for example, kids scramble up the tongue and slide out the bum of a digestive track-themed indoor playground. Then there are the record-breaking exhibits like the world's largest Triceratops fossil skeleton, a.k.a. Big John, which is on display at the Glazer Children's Museum in Tampa, Florida. As for the places that dedicate space to deep dives on unique and important subjects, the Bronzeville Children's Museum in Chicago is the first and only African-American children's museum in the country. (And it goes all in on Black inventors.) What follows are eight of the country's best children's museums—dynamic, sensory-rich spaces that engage and entertain as much as they educate. The Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix houses 7,500 instruments from more than 200 countries and territories in its collection. Musical Instrument Museum The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Indiana It doesn't get any bigger than this—literally. Opened in 1925, the Children's Museum of Indianapolis may not be the oldest in the country (that distinction belongs to the Brooklyn Children's Museum, founded in 1899), but it is the world's largest. We're talking five floors of interactive exhibits, 7.5 acres of outdoor sports experiences (including a simulated Indy 500 race course using bicycles in place of cars), a replica International Space Station, an antique carousel, the largest water clock in North America, a 43-foot-tall Chihuly glass sculpture, a kid-friendly food court, and more to see and do than any family could reasonably pack into a day. This powerhouse is next level in every arena: Like many kids' museums, for instance, it has a special zone dedicated to dinosaurs. But this one features a real T. rex skeleton, interactive dig sites, and an open lab where kids can meet working paleontologists and ask them questions about the fossils they are preserving. Other exhibits touch upon youth activism, locomotives, and ancient mysteries of Egypt and China. The Children's Museum of Indianapolis was the launch pad for Disney Jr.'s first-ever Mickey Mouse Clubhouse exhibit but also lands cool exhibitions for tweens and older—like the new 'Afrofuturism in Costume Design' show surveying the work of Academy Award-winning designer Ruth E. Carter (Black Panther, Malcolm X). There's even a 110-foot Ferris wheel parked outside, brought in to celebrate the museum's 100th anniversary. It'll remain on site through November 2, 2025. Where to stay for families in Indianapolis:
The Independent
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Who are the ‘Bosh Soldiers' of the ‘Romford Bull Army' led by Big John, the viral supporters of Johnny Fisher?
Johnny Fisher, 13-0 (11), returns to action this evening, facing fellow British heavyweight Dave Allen, 23-7-2 (18), in a rematch that is headlining a night of boxing at the Copper Box Arena. An unbeaten prospect with hopes of becoming a household name for his boxing skills, Fisher is better known for his relation to viral internet sensation, Big John. Big John will be in attendance, leading the Bosh soldiers of the Romford Bull Army. Confused by those terms? Let us explain. Who is Big John? Boxers often have their family in their corner, sometimes literally, and Fisher is no different. Formerly a boxer himself, albeit at an amateur level, John Fisher has travelled to the USA and Saudi Arabia in support of his son. Arguably more well-known than his son, Big John has carved out a niche on social media as an internet sensation. Across various accounts on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, Big John has amassed over a million followers Big John has created a following based on his large appetite and trademark saying of 'bosh', leading to his fans being referred to as the 'Bosh Army'. A connoisseur of Chinese takeaways, Big John and Fisher have been spotted sharing some chicken balls to celebrate a win for the Romford Bull in the past. Big John picked up 'bosh' from his friend and fellow Romford personality Tom Skinner. His son has also utilised the term, referring to tonight's venue as the Copper 'Bosh' Arena. Who are the Romford Bull Army? Whilst Big John has his own Bosh Army, his son's supporters are named the 'Romford Bull Army'. There is overlap between the two, with members of the Romford Bull Army labelled 'Bosh Soldiers' by Big John, who has stylised himself as the group's leader. Fisher's supporters named themselves after their favourite fighter's nickname, a term given to the Essex-born heavyweight when he was sparring in Las Vegas. American trainers were impressed with his style, stating that he fought like a bull. Raised in Romford, Fisher added his hometown to the descriptor to create his new moniker. Partly thanks to their viral leader, Big John, the Romford Bull Army have a healthy presence on social media, with 15,000 followers on Instagram. Other famous members include Ethan Payne, a YouTuber better known as Behzinga, who is part of the Sidemen, a group of YouTubers with 22m followers. On their Instagram account, the Romford Bull Army shows plenty of support for their man, selling merchandise and organising watch parties for Fisher's fights. The Romford Bull Army travel well, having supported Fisher out in Las Vegas and Riyadh, but they will not have far to travel to east London this evening. Fisher's supporters were in full voice during Friday's press conference, indicating that he will have quite a few fans in attendance when he faces Dave Allen.
The Independent
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Who is Johnny Fisher? Fight record, stats, next bout, and more
Johnny Fisher returns to the ring this weekend when he faces Dave Allen for a second time, but who is the man they call the 'Romford Bull'? The unbeaten heavyweight garnered notoriety at the end of 2024 for his controversial victory over Allen – and his internet sensation father 'Big John'. But 26-year-old Fisher is a fighter first-and-foremost, a heavyweight with big ambitions on the world stage. Who is Johnny Fisher? Born and raised in Romford, Essex, Fisher was a keen sportsman as he grew up. Not only did he start boxing in his early teens, but his physique and strength translated well to rugby. Fisher briefly drifted away from the sweet science, but returned to boxing whilst studying history at Exeter University. Whilst at uni, he sparred with Joe Joyce, partly reigniting his love for the sport. He turned professional in 2021, securing a first-round stoppage against Matt Gordon at Wembley Arena. Fisher currently trains under the watchful eye of Mark Tibbs at the Origin Gym in Essex. What is Johnny Fisher's record? Fisher remains unbeaten since starting his professional career in 2021, with 13 wins from 13 bouts. Impressively, Fisher has won 11 of those fights by way of knockout, including a run of seven straight stoppages until his split decision win over Dave Allen last time out. After his debut in February 2021, Fisher racked up experience. He fought a further three times in 2021, before settling into a rhythm of three fights a year in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Aside from his victory against Allen, Fisher had respectable wins over Dmytro Bezus and Alen Babic, who had respectively records of 10-1 and 12-1 at the time. Fisher's bout with Bezus was staged in Las Vegas, with the 'Romford Bull' fighting on the undercard of Conor Benn's victory against Peter Dobson alongside stablemates George Liddard and Jimmy Sains. When is Johnny Fisher's next fight? Johnny Fisher returns to action this weekend, when he headlines a card at the Copperbox Arena, London, live on DAZN. He faces fellow Brit Dave Allen in a rematch, following Fisher's somewhat controversial victory against the Yorkshireman in Saudi Arabia last year. Knocked down by Allen, Fisher did well to recover, but many fans felt that the Romford Bull was beaten by his opponent. The card takes place on Saturday, May 17, with the main event ringwalks set for approximately 10pm.
