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A Legendary Pair of Levi’s Jeans Gets a Stunning Made-in-Japan Reissue

These reimagined 501s may stray from the original. But what they lack in authenticity, they more than make up for in character.

Close-up of the waistband of dark blue denim jeans with orange stitching, featuring a metal button with Japanese characters and a tan leather patch with red Japanese text.Levi’s
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By Jack Seemer

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If the history of American clothing is written in denim, the Levi’s 501 is the blue-stained ink.

And yet its path from genuine workwear to everyday wardrobe stable didn’t happen overnight. Nor has the 501 always followed the same basic template we recognize today.

a black and white photo of 2 coal miners in california in 1882
The 501 dates back to the 1800s, but it would take until the turn of the century for it to adopt its signature five-pocket design.
Levi’s

The iconic numbers date back to the 1890s, when Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis attached them to a pair of pants adorned with four pockets: three on the front (including a small one for coins) and another on the back.

But it would take until the turn of the century for the 501 to adopt its signature attribute: a second back pocket, which has since come standard on nearly every pair of jeans from Levi’s and otherwise.

Dark blue denim jeans shown from the back, featuring two back pockets with arcuate stitching, a leather patch on the waistband, and a cinch strap with two buttons at the center back. The jeans have a straight leg cut with the cuffs slightly rolled up. Copper rivets are visible on the pockets.
The second back pocket has become so ubiquitous that it’s difficult to imagine a pair of blue jeans without it.
Levi’s

Big in Japan

Now that legendary pair jeans is getting a semi-faithful reissue courtesy of the brand’s high-end sub-brand, Levi’s Vintage Clothing.

But what the 1901 “Japan” 501 lacks in authenticity, it more than makes up for in character.

A close-up of a leather patch on a pair of denim jeans, featuring red Japanese text and the classic Levi's Two Horse brand logo. The patch includes the model number "501 XX" and size "32 x 32" in black text. The denim fabric is dark blue with visible white specks and orange stitching.
The historic “Two Horse” leather patch is reimagined with Japanese text.
Levi’s
A close-up of a Levi's jeans label with Japanese text, featuring the classic Levi Strauss & Co. logo with two horses pulling a pair of jeans apart. The label is sewn onto dark blue denim fabric with visible orange stitching.
Even the packaging is translated.
Levi’s

As expected, the pair features a relaxed, high-waisted fit, center-back cinch, suspender buttons, Japanese selvedge denim and even single-needle arcuate stitching.

However, every word of text, right down to the packaging and stamping on buttons, is translated into Japanese — a nod to the fact that all of the brand’s Shrink-to-Fit fabrics are now produced in Japan.

Dark blue denim jeans with a brown leather patch featuring red Japanese text and illustrations. A white envelope with the text "To the owner of these 1901 501® Jeans" is tucked into the waistband. A cream-colored label with Japanese text and decorative borders is attached to the jeans.
Only 800 pairs are available, each one hand-numbered.
Levi’s

Availability and pricing

According to Levi’s, only 800 pairs have been produced, each one hand-numbered and finished in a Rigid Katakana dark wash.

The 1901 “Japan” 501 costs $295 and is available now while supplies last.

About the Author:

Jack Seemer is the executive editor at Gear Patrol, with over a decade of experience in product journalism. He currently reports on a wide range of topics, including footwear, watches, EDC, cookware and more.

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