Onomichi Denim Project
Unique denim project where workers wear jeans for a year, creating authentic "used" denim with real stories.


Onomichi Denim Project started as a creative way to celebrate local craftsmanship.
The idea was simple but powerful: let workers wear jeans for a year as they go about their daily lives.
The result? Truly authentic used denim, each pair with its own story.
This project captures the essence of Onomichi's hardworking spirit and love for quality.
Is it worth visiting?
You'll see denim like never before, with each pair telling a real worker's story.
For denim enthusiasts and those who appreciate genuine craftsmanship, the Onomichi Denim Project provides a compelling destination.
FAQ
- What is the ONOMICHI DENIM SHOP?The ONOMICHI DENIM SHOP is a specialty boutique in Onomichi, Hiroshima, Japan, dedicated to unique denim products born from the Onomichi Denim Project. The shop showcases jeans worn and personalized by local workers, providing one-of-a-kind items that reflect real personal stories.
- Where is the ONOMICHI DENIM SHOP located?You can find the shop at 1-2-23 Kubo, Onomichi, Hiroshima 722-0045, Japan, situated at the eastern end of Onomichi’s Hondori Shopping Arcade. This location is central for visitors wanting to experience authentic Japanese denim culture.
- What are the opening hours of the ONOMICHI DENIM SHOP?The shop welcomes customers from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Please note that it is closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and during New Year’s holidays.
- How can I contact ONOMICHI DENIM SHOP?For inquiries, call +81 848-37-0398 during shop hours or visit their official website at onomichidenim.com. Staff are knowledgeable and eager to assist with all denim-related questions.
- Is the ONOMICHI DENIM SHOP open on weekends?Yes, the shop is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Weekends tend to be busier, so visiting on weekdays is recommended for a peaceful shopping experience.
- What is the origin of the Onomichi Denim Project?The Onomichi Denim Project was established in 2013 to promote Hiroshima’s renowned denim industry and share the authentic stories of Onomichi’s residents, blending local craftsmanship with community narratives.
- How does the Onomichi Denim Project create unique jeans?Local workers wear two pairs of high-quality jeans throughout their daily routines for an entire year. Each week, the jeans are collected, carefully washed, and returned, preserving natural wear patterns—each pair tells its owner's real-life story.
- Who are the people involved in making these jeans?Denim is worn by Onomichi locals from various professions, including fishermen, chefs, and shopkeepers. Their work imprints distinctive fades and marks, making every pair represent both high-quality Japanese denim and personal history.
- What is the purpose behind this project?The project's mission is to highlight local craftsmanship, promote the legacy of Hiroshima denim, and deepen connections between customers and the town’s community through storytelling and authentic, sustainable fashion.
- What types of jeans are sold at ONOMICHI DENIM SHOP?The shop offers used denim jeans, each one a unique, pre-worn piece with a personal history, and new denim jeans in various styles, allowing customers to start their own denim journey from scratch.
- How much do the denim jeans cost?Used denim jeans are priced between ¥20,000 and ¥40,000, reflecting their individuality and backstory. New jeans are available for ¥23,760 or ¥27,000, depending on style.
- What other products can I find at the shop?Alongside jeans, you'll discover denim-related socks, T-shirts, and plush toys, all crafted with the high-quality standards and attention to detail that define Onomichi's craftsmanship.
- Are there any customization or repair services available?Yes, ONOMICHI DENIM SHOP provides jeans repairs, professional cleaning, and hemming to extend the life and uniqueness of your denim items, reinforcing a commitment to slow fashion.
- Can I purchase items online or only in-store?While the flagship shopping experience is in-store, customers can browse and learn more at onomichidenim.com. Availability of online purchasing for certain items is subject to change, so check the website for updates.
- What makes shopping at ONOMICHI DENIM SHOP unique?Each pair of jeans is displayed with a tag detailing its previous owner’s profession and story, letting visitors connect with real Onomichi people. The minimalist interior spotlights each piece’s individuality and it's more than just shopping, it’s storytelling.
- Are staff available to explain the stories behind the denim?Yes, knowledgeable staff provide detailed stories about the artisans and the denim-making process, enriching your experience and helping you choose a pair that resonates personally.
- When is the best time to visit ONOMICHI DENIM SHOP?For a quieter, more immersive shopping experience, visit on weekdays. Weekends often attract more tourists, so weekdays allow for leisurely browsing and deeper conversations with staff.
- Is the shop accessible for international visitors?Yes, the ONOMICHI DENIM SHOP is welcoming to international tourists. Many resources, including staff assistance and the online site, help non-Japanese speakers navigate the unique shopping experience.
- What payment methods are accepted at the ONOMICHI DENIM SHOP?Customers can pay by cash and major credit cards. Check with staff for the latest updates on accepted electronic payment systems.
- Is the shop easy to find?ONOMICHI DENIM SHOP is located in the well-known Hondori Shopping Arcade, making it straightforward to locate for both locals and tourists exploring Onomichi.
- Can the shop hem jeans to fit?Yes, in addition to repairs and cleaning, the shop offers professional hemming services to ensure your jeans fit perfectly.
- Is the shop wheelchair-accessible?The minimalist design and ground-level location make ONOMICHI DENIM SHOP accessible to wheelchair users, ensuring a welcoming environment for all denim fans.
- Do prices include tax?Prices displayed at ONOMICHI DENIM SHOP typically include Japanese consumption tax, but double-check with staff to confirm details during your visit.
- What makes ONOMICHI DENIM SHOP’s used jeans special?Each used pair comes with an authentic story, lived-in textures, and fades crafted by real local workers. The shop documents each garment’s journey, making every purchase a unique memento from Onomichi.
- Does the denim reflect different professions?Absolutely, jeans are worn by locals from diverse professions. Each pair is labeled accordingly, letting you own jeans with distinctive wear from jobs like fishing, cooking, or carpentry.
- How does ONOMICHI DENIM SHOP contribute to sustainable fashion?The project upholds sustainability by valuing long-lasting craftsmanship, repairing and maintaining jeans, and encouraging thoughtful consumerism through their focus on story-driven fashion.
- Can visitors learn about Onomichi’s denim heritage at the shop?Yes, the shop doubles as a cultural showcase, providing insight into Onomichi’s history, the regional denim industry, and the people behind Japan’s global reputation for quality jeans.
- Are ONOMICHI DENIM SHOP products collectible?Due to their limited supply, traceable backstories, and unmatched individuality, ONOMICHI DENIM SHOP’s jeans and accessories are increasingly seen as collectible pieces for enthusiasts of Japanese denim.