We are proud to introduce the Redcast Heritage x Samurai “Yamamomo-Dyed” Slim Straight Jeans. Built on Samurai’s iconic 21oz Cho-Kiwami selvedge denim and overdyed using a centuries-old Japanese dyeing tradition, this collaboration revives a craft that disappeared more than 200 years ago. Only 200 individually numbered pairs exist, making this one of the most exclusive and meaningful projects we have ever brought to life.

The Story Behind This Collaboration

This collaboration between Redcast Heritage and Samurai Jeans was born from a fascination with the Yamamomo tree, also known as Japanese Bayberry. During a trip to Japan we discovered its unique fruit, with its bumpy ruby-like surface, juicy flesh, and single large seed. We also learned about its long-forgotten role in Japanese dyeing traditions. In fact, the bark of the Yamamomo was once prized for its ability to produce rich brown hues and was used extensively in textile dyeing during the Edo period (1603–1867). The practice disappeared more than 200 years ago, and today only a handful of workshops in Japan still know how to work with it.

In May 2023, we sat down with Hiro and Nogami-san of Samurai in Osaka to explore the possibility of reviving this ancient dyeing method. Two and a half years later, after countless trials with different fabrics, dye combinations, and mordants, we are proud to present the result: the Redcast Heritage x Samurai “Yamamomo-Dyed” Jeans. Limited to just 200 numbered pairs, each one represents not only the expertise of Samurai, but also our vision of blending history, craftsmanship, and storytelling into something truly special.

The Fabric

At the core of this project is Samurai’s legendary 21oz Cho-Kiwami selvedge denim, woven from a blend of U.S. and Australian cotton. Heavy yet surprisingly wearable, this fabric is a benchmark of Samurai’s uncompromising approach to denim.

The overdye process is what makes this collaboration unique. We worked with dyeing artisans in Japan to revive the Yamamomo dyeing technique, combining fermented Yamamomo bark extract with an iron mordant. The iron mordant enhances fixation while deepening the color into an extraordinary brownish-indigo tone with subtle reddish-purple undertones. The warp retains a complex indigo base enriched by these shades, while the weft is transformed into a warm earthy brown unlike anything we had ever seen before in denim.

Due to the nature of the Yamamomo overdye, slight variations in color may occur and the finish will never be completely uniform. This is not a defect but rather an essential part of the dye’s character and charm. With wear and fading, the tone will gradually even out, creating a look that is truly individual to each pair. These variations ensure that no two pairs are exactly alike, enhancing their uniqueness and character.

Every element of the jeans has been touched by the overdye. The orange and yellow cotton stitching has darkened into a vintage tone, and the red pocket bags have shifted into a muted reddish-brown patina. The overdye was repeated several times—dyeing, washing, and drying—until the perfect balance of depth and texture was achieved.

The Details

Every detail of this collaboration is intentional, drawing inspiration from the Yamamomo fruit itself. The jeans feature Samurai’s iconic Sakura buttons, with the second button hand-painted dark red to symbolize the rich color of the ripe fruit. The pocket bags, transformed by the overdye into a vintage reddish-brown, serve as another subtle homage.

We designed a special waistband label with Yamamomo artwork to mark this collaboration, while the cowhide leather patch depicts a Samurai forging a sword on our Redcast anvil, symbolizing the meeting of two cultures and crafts. Samurai’s signature hidden arcs on the back pockets reveal themselves gradually with wear, while the jin rivets echo the dark, oxidized look of the iron mordant used in the dye. The silver lamé selvedge ID, one of Samurai’s most iconic trademarks, gains even more character through the overdye process.

The patch is made from 0.5 mm vegetable-tanned cowhide leather. Beyond the quality of the leather itself, there are two special aspects that make this patch unique.

First, we stitched the patch on after the wash treatment. This is a common practice in all our collaborations, although it does add complications and extra cost since all garments must return to the sewing workshop after washing. The result, however, is much cleaner: the patch neither shrinks nor wrinkles, and the beauty of the leather and the definition of the design lines are fully preserved.

Second, each patch has been individually numbered from 001 to 200, marking every jean in this limited edition of 200 pieces.

Finally, as a special gift, every pair includes a coin pouch, overdyed in the same process and featuring the collaboration label—an exclusive accessory that completes this project.

The Fit and Sizing Notes

The jeans are cut in Samurai’s most iconic silhouette: the 710 Slim Straight. With a medium rise and a clean, slim straight leg, it offers a modern look while remaining faithful to Samurai’s rugged roots.

Like many Samurai models, these jeans run small, so we recommend going up one or two sizes. The denim is unsanforized, but thanks to the intensive overdyeing and wash processes, all shrinkage has already been eliminated. However, since every body is different, we also strongly recommend checking the size chart to ensure the perfect fit.

Visit our LOOKBOOK and discover a great selection of heritage street-style outfits

• 21oz unsanforized pure indigo rope dyed Japanese selvedge "Cho-Kiwami" Yamamomo. The jeans have been overydyed and washed several times, so no further shrinkage is expected.
• Overdyed with Yamamomo bark dye + iron mordant
• 100% cotton (US and Australian)
• Slim straight
• Iron‑made silver-covered Sakura button with the second button hand-painted red
• Red pocket bags turned vintage reddish-brown by overdye
• Heavy-duty bar tacks
• Warp: indigo with brownish-red undertones / Weft: warm earthy brown
• Custom copper rivets
• Hidden rivet pockets
• Fifth coin pocket selvedge detail
• Custom cow leather patch
• Original "SAMURAI" rayon tag
• Orange/yellow cotton stitching darkened by dyeing
• Samurai hidden arcs (revealed gradually with fading)
• Jin rivets with oxidized finish
• 0.5 mm vegetable-tanned cowhide patch, sewn after wash for crisp detail
• Special Yamamomo waistband label
• 100% Cotton construction
• Made in Japan
• Includes overdyed coin pouch with collaboration label

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If for some reason you are not happy with your purchase you can return it to us within 14 days for a size exchange or refund.

For more info please visit our returns & exchange page.

Please note that items in the SALE category are considered FINAL SALE, with no returns or exchanges accepted.