■A Special Aloha Shirt Featuring a Masterpiece of Japanese Art
SUN SURF × Japanese Design | Katsushika Hokusai “Dance”
・A recreation of a famous painting representing Japanese art history as an aloha shirt
・An auspicious design inspired by the Seven Gods of Good Fortune
・Dynamic depictions of figures and intricate patterns
・Collector’s edition that includes a special tag and case
National Treasure of Japan” is a series by SUN SURF, a long-established aloha shirt brand, that focuses on Edo-period artists and recreates the works of these masters on the canvas of the aloha shirt.
This piece is inspired by the kyoka woodblock print *Odori Gyoretsu-zu* (*Dance Procession*), a collaborative work between Katsushika Hokusai and the group of kyoka poets known as the “Asakusa Side,” led by the late Edo-period kyoka poet Asakusa An Ichindo.
Unlike commercially available ukiyo-e, “suri-mono” were woodblock prints specially commissioned for distribution and exchange among circles of haikai and kyoka poets.
Because they circulated only among a limited circle of people, they were highly rare and prized as luxurious works of art.
■About the Brand | SUN SURF
SUN SURF is a brand that analyzes its vast collection of vintage aloha shirts and pours a deep commitment to craftsmanship and production processes into every single piece.
SUN SURF’s aloha shirts are renowned as masterpieces that have garnered popularity among a wide range of people—from American casual fashion enthusiasts to aloha shirt collectors—because they faithfully recreate the charm of vintage aloha shirts in every detail, from the designs to the fabrics and stitching.
The painting’s appeal lies in its dynamic composition, which makes full use of the tall, vertical format known as “hashira-e-ban” to depict people enjoying a Bon dance in overlapping layers.
This distinctive composition is skillfully incorporated using the classic striped pattern found on aloha shirts.
The seven men and women are believed to represent the Seven Gods of Good Fortune, making this a highly auspicious design that embodies the images of Daikokuten, Ebisu, Fukurokuju, Bishamonten, Hotei, Benzaiten, and Kichijoten.
Another highlight is the meticulous detail with which each figure is depicted—from their expressions and gestures to their costumes and patterns—all rendered with remarkable vitality.
■ Special Features Unique to Collector's Items
The back of the neck features a name tag exclusive to this series.
It also comes with a special case, making it a truly special piece worthy of a collector's item.
■ Textures That Enhance the Work’s Charm
The fabric is Rayon Fujiett, which combines the suppleness reminiscent of Fuji silk with the soft drape characteristic of rayon.
Its slightly worn appearance, with a hint of fuzz, further enhances the atmosphere of this work, which draws inspiration from Japanese art.
■ Reproduces the Details of a Vintage Aloha Shirt
The neckline features the classic open collar design typical of aloha shirts.
By fastening the top button through the loop beneath the collar, you can enjoy different styling options.
The buttons are made from bamboo.
They complement this piece—which features Japanese art as its theme—perfectly, further enhancing the design’s appeal.
Additionally, the left chest pocket features a luxurious design with the pattern precisely matched to the body of the garment. This construction requires advanced sewing techniques and a significant amount of fabric, reflecting the meticulous attention to detail that is unique to SUN SURF.
The shoulders are not constructed with a yoke that combines different fabrics; instead, the back panel is made from a single piece of fabric.
This ensures there are no breaks in the pattern, resulting in a seamless finish that makes the most of the unique composition characteristic of the vertical pillar-style print.
Additionally, a smooth, gliding fabric is applied to the underside of the shoulders to reduce friction when worn.
Careful consideration has been given to ensuring a comfortable fit.
Made in Japan
100% Rayon
Size Chart(cm)
Size/Back Length/Chest/Shoulder/Sleeve
M(38)/67/54/47/22.5
L(40)/70/57/50/23.5
XL(42)/72/60/54/24.5
