Vintage YOUNG SHOJI BENCH WARMER \"ZUNOW CYCLES\" Japanese Lettermans Jacket Sz L For Sale

This is a rare, vintage 1980s–early 1990s Japanese varsity jacket (commonly called a Sutajan or stadium jacket in Japan) custom-produced for Zunow Cycles by Young Shoji Co., Ltd. under their Bench Warmer brand label.

• Master Framebuilder: Founded in Osaka, Japan in 1965 by master craftsman Takeru Kageyama, Zunow (derived from Zunō, the Japanese word for \"genius\") was one of Japan\'s most revered custom bicycle framebuilders.

• The Spade Motif: The back of the jacket features \"ZUNOW\" in yellow chenille with a red border, where the letter \"O\" incorporates Zunow\'s signature spade symbol. This spade motif was famous among cycling purists, as Kageyama integrated it into Zunow’s custom investment-cast lug sets, bottom brackets, and frame bridges.

• The Hummingbird Patch: The circular chest patch features a stylized flying hummingbird above the text \"THE EXCLUSIVE RACING CYCLE ZUNOW\". The hummingbird was Zunow\'s official emblem, symbolizing speed, lightness, and precision engineering.

• Manufacturer: Young Shoji Co., Ltd. (ヤング商事株式会社) is an established Japanese sports apparel company based in Japan.

• Bench Warmer Label: Bench Warmer was a popular athletic and streetwear brand in Japan during the 1980s and 1990s. The inner tag reads:

  \"WE LOVE BASKETBALL AND PRESENT SOME BASKETBALL GOODS. WE HOPE BASKETBALL BECOMES MORE POPULAR SPORTS. NEW PRODUCTION OF BASKETBALL BY YOUNG SHOJI CO., LTD. MADE IN JAPAN\"

• Significance: During Japan’s vintage \"Ametora\" (American Traditional) outerwear boom, companies like Young Shoji manufactured high-end custom team and promotional jackets (Sutajan) for local sports clubs, custom workshops, and specialty brands.

• Body & Sleeves: Heavyweight navy blue wool Melton body paired with off-white/pale sage green genuine leather sleeves.

• Lining: Soft, synthetic sherpa/fleece lining designed for warmth during cold weather or team bench resting.

• Trim: Ribbed knit collar, cuffs, and hem dyed in a tri-color pattern of crimson red, gold, and off-white/cream.

• Hardware: White heavy-duty snap fasteners down the front placket.

• Graphics:

  • Chest: Multi-color woven patch with Zunow\'s hummingbird logo.

  • Back: Large chenille letter applique reading \"ZUNOW\" over chain-stitched/embroidered white lettering reading \"THE EXCLUSIVE RACING CYCLE\".

  • Sleeve: Varsity letterman patch on the left upper arm.

This jacket was likely produced as custom team apparel, shop gear, or promotional wear for Zunow team riders or factory staff in Japan during the peak of Zunow\'s production in the 1980s. Because Zunow bicycles were built in strictly limited quantities, official team/factory apparel from this era is exceptionally scarce, making it a high-value crossover piece for both vintage Japanese streetwear collectors and vintage cycling enthusiasts.

Please consider my 100% positive response when offerding on this item. Feel free to contactif you have any questions. Immediate payment is required on all BUY IT NOW listings and within 3 days of the close of all sales. Due to this item being vintage it is being sold AS-IS. Returns are accepted on all items that have been inaccurately listed only. Thanks for looking. Please look at my other vintage sales.