How The Oni Transformed From A Japanese Demon Into A Pop Culture Icon

Japanese folklore is filled with all types of creatures, with one of the most enduring being the oni. Considered to be a type of yokai, oni took the form of giant, supernatural trolls. Their demonic appearance gave them an evil reputation. Oni have been identified as bringers of chaos, delighting in the punishment of mortals. The connection to the darkness has translated into pop culture, as oni have appeared in art and literature. However, their role has changed over time to reflect modern interpretations.

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Why Is The Sukajan Jacket An Icon Of Japanese Fashion?

Like everything in pop culture, fashion has a unique look and distinctive story. What started out as counterculture has evolved into the mainstream. Souvenir jackets have followed a similar pattern, transforming from controversial fashion statements to cult classics. Originating in Japan, sukajan jackets have an interesting history. There has been debate over the origin of the name, with some claiming it to be a mix of ‘Sky Dragon Jumper’ in Japanese. Others believe the name to have come from Yokosuka, an area where American soldiers were stationed. Either way, the story of the sukajan needs to be told.

Hero Within’s Tony Kim Speaks On The Evolution Of Geek Fashion

In the pop culture world, there are a variety of avenues to explore, ranging from writing comics to selling graphic novels. An emerging trend is geek fashion, especially with cosplay and people looking to represent their favourite characters on a t-shirt. Pop culture entrepreneur Tony B Kim has set out to provide a market for geek fashion with his Hero Within clothing brand.

It was a pleasure to interview Tony about how he set up his brand, how he got into comics and what it felt like to host panels at San Diego Comic Con.