Souvenir jackets are relatively new in the world of fashion, especially copmared with other trends which can be traced back centuries. Their origins come from the WWII occupation of Japan by American forces.
Although formed from tumultuous beginnings, this souvenir jacket represents the sort of cultural link-up which executes so well. The cotton velveteen gives the jacket a fine lustre which has to be seen to fully appreciate. The shoulders sport quilted patches in smooth satin twill with sukajan (スカジャン) embroidery reminiscent of the imagery young G.I. soldiers would put on jackets as souvenirs of their tour.
A keen eye might notice the zippers along the edge of the shoulder panels. These hint at the secret function of this jacket which sees it fold into itself and zip-up into a pillow.