Authentic Japanese-made baseball caps | APPLEBUM × POTEN Special Feature
Hello.
I'm Toyohara, a staff member at APPLEBUM.
What we would like to introduce this time is a baseball cap that APPLEBUM commissioned the hat specialty brand POTEN to make with great care. 
Authentic baseball caps born from a deep passion for baseball
First of all, "POTEN" is a brand launched in 2016 by Hironobu Iguchi, CEO of Gwynn Co., Ltd. It was born from a strong commitment and passion for baseball caps, and all products are produced in a specialized baseball cap factory in Okayama Prefecture .
This factory is a trusted manufacturer that produces many team caps for Japanese professional and high school baseball teams.
The quality and skill of each piece, handcrafted by a craftsman, is proof of its authenticity.
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APPLEBUM × POTEN: How they met
The two first met through a triple collaboration between Pierre Gakuen, an amateur baseball team led by Denki Groove's Pierre Taki, and TAMANIWA, a shop run by Iguchi.
(See the article from that time here )
Based in the city of Tokyo, the crossover of their respective styles and passions has led to the creation of this cap.
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This introduction has been long, but
We would like to introduce the excellent details of "POTEN".
【silhouette】
The cap is a "6-panel cap" made up of six panels, and while most caps are shaped like half a sphere, this KK83 model has a distinctive crown shape that gives it a unique silhouette.
This cap was worn by professional baseball teams from the Showa era and by schools currently competing in the Koshien tournament. 
This distinctive silhouette is
When viewed from the front, it has a mountain shape, so we recommend that you bend the brim of the cap slightly when wearing it.
This is because it creates a more beautiful silhouette when worn. 
There are many different ways to bend the brim, and it is a tradition and culture (there are various theories) that has been passed down over the nearly 150 years of baseball history in Japan, of adapting the equipment to your own style. It is truly a form of attachment. If you are interested, please do some research online and wear it in the style that suits you best.
It also has the practicality of helping to protect your eyes and skin from the hot summer sun.
[Brim stitching]
At POTEN, we use stitching inspired by vintage professional baseball caps.
The 13 stitches on the brim are more than those on a typical cap, helping to prevent the cap from losing its shape and making it durable. 
Furthermore, the spacing between each stitch is small and uniform, and there are very few craftsmen capable of sewing like this. This not only allows the brim to maintain its beautiful shape for a long time, but also realizes its iconic design. It is also thanks to this that the brim can be bent into various shapes, a tradition of baseball teams.
While most manufacturers avoid this method because it increases the number of work processes and costs involved, POTEN is unwilling to compromise on quality.
[Mesh placket]
The inside of the front panel of the cap is made of mesh material called a "mesh placket."
This is to reinforce the placket and prevent the part with the baseball team name from sliding backwards, keeping it from losing its shape.
It also has the functional role of increasing breathability and moisture absorption, preventing stuffiness by quickly dissipating sweat, and maintaining a comfortable fit for long periods of time. 
Almost all elementary school boys in the Showa era must have used this to go to and from school or to play with it...
Since the purpose is to prevent the mask from losing its shape, we do not recommend pulling it down to conceal your eyes or transform your appearance.
[Size adjustment adjuster belt]
The "adjustable size adjuster belt" allows for fine adjustments, making it ideal for both men and women, even those who are not used to wearing caps.
Also, This specification makes size adjustment extremely comfortable and easy, and uses a YKK adjuster, which is guaranteed to be of high quality and easy to use. 
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Unique ideas and playfulness
In fact, there is a little trick hidden in the product tag of POTEN caps. 
The cards are made from old baseball player cards with stickers attached to them as product tags, so each card is unique.
It's like the "professional baseball chips method."
Only those who purchase the product will find out which player cards are used.
It's a stylish presentation that lets you experience the excitement of opening the package.
These details will tickle the fancy of any collector, making you want to collect them all.
The love of baseball and playfulness that is embodied in these details is what makes POTEN so appealing.
We hope that you will not only enjoy the quality of the hat, but also experience the fun of wearing it. 
If you write your name on the white fabric part with a magic marker like in the old days, it will be unique and theft-proof.
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Materials and Quality
This cap is made from 100% polyester.
As mentioned above, the quality of the stitching is guaranteed to be reliable.
In other words--
It's okay to sweat as much as you want.
It won't get worn out even if you wash it thoroughly.
The more you wear it, the more it will become familiar to your head and feel right at home.
Before you know it, they have grown into a kind of partner.
This is a cap that will grow into a one-of-a-kind item that will last you a lifetime.
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A must-have Japanese baseball cap right now
Baseball caps are now an essential item in street fashion.
However, now that everyone is wearing similar caps, don't you feel like you want to choose something different?
APPLEBUM has selected a Japanese-made baseball cap with a unique crown silhouette that has its roots in Japanese sports culture and is used in professional baseball in the Showa era and modern high school baseball. 
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The KK83 model is for those who value originality.
Baseball caps are originally an item that originated in America, but POTEN caps are now made with Japanese craftsmanship, achieving a quality and level of perfection that surpasses that of the originals.
Supported by traditional Japanese hat-making techniques, baseball caps have earned the trust of serious competitive scenes such as professional and high school baseball.
It is also a symbol of Japan's proud baseball culture, which has a long history and rich culture that has been passed down through the generations.
"This cap is culture"
Please try out the world's highest quality along with a sense of fun.
A Logo Cap(KK83) / 2510904
¥11,000 (tax included)
Please also take a look at the " Tokyo Underground Mesh Cap (KK83) / 2510902 ", also made by POTEN.
