Lion Sukajan Jacket 'Kogane no Ikari'

The black sukajan guarded by a golden lion

The shishi — the lion-dog guardian found at the gates of shrines — is a protector against evil, and on this sukajan it stands watch in gold. A golden lion prowls the back among cherry blossom, embroidered in raised thread against a dark ground with cream-gold sleeves. Kogane no ikari: 'the golden wrath'.

The embroidery gives the lion real presence. Worked in genuine relief with the sheen of true thread, the gold shishi and the soft blossom stand off the satin-finish shell and catch the light, warm against the dark body. It's a guardian motif with centuries of meaning behind it, rendered bold and luminous.

It's a dark jacket lifted by gold embroidery and cream-gold sleeves, so it reads rich without being loud. The build is classic sukajan: a ribbed collar, snap-button front and ribbed cuffs and hem, in a smooth, light satin-finish fabric with a soft sheen that drapes easily.

It's heritage streetwear with a protective charm. The sukajan was born as a post-war Yokosuka souvenir jacket, and a guardian lion is the tradition at its most auspicious — wear it open over a plain white or black tee and dark denim, and let the golden shishi carry the look.

This is for the person who wants a guardian-lion sukajan — golden shishi and blossom on a dark ground. Wear it over a plain tee and jeans. Available M to XXXL; if you're between sizes, size up for a roomier fit.

• Type: Sukajan (Japanese souvenir jacket)
• Material: Lustrous satin-finish fabric, smooth and light with a soft sheen
• Embroidery: Golden lion (shishi) with cherry blossom, embroidered across the back
• Reversible: No — single dark colourway
• Closure: Snap-button front, ribbed collar and hem
• Sleeves: Long sleeves with ribbed cuffs
• Sizing: Available M to XXXL — if between sizes, we recommend sizing up for a roomier fit
• Colours: Black with gold and cream sleeves
• Wear it with: Open over a plain white or black tee and dark denim