No more Azuma Indy shirts...

[azuma]

Dear Indy Fans,

It is difficult to announce, but Azuma Indy shirt is now becoming a part of history. The studio I have worked with for the past 21 years (starting with Jedi costumes in 2003) will be closing its doors at the end of 2024.

The studio owner, who has been in the fashion industry for over 40 years, has decided to retire. The ladies of the seamstress team are also at retirement age, and with the industry shifting to China and Southeast Asia over the past two decades, finding skilled seamstresses in Taiwan has become quite difficult. As a result, the studio will cease operations by the end of this year, and no new orders will be accepted.

However, previously promised individual orders and a couple of my unfinished projects will still be fulfilled by the owner herself, despite some delays, we’ll catch up! Additionally, the studio will be clearing out its workspace before Chinese New Year, so there may be some leftovers and prototypes available. I also still have a few size 17 Raiders shirts from the 2023 run in stock

Thank you all so much for supporting Azuma Indy shirts since 2010. Sharing my passion for Indy shirts with all of you has been an amazing journey. To those who own an Azuma Indy shirt, thank you for choosing wisely, and I hope it follows you on many adventures to come. Adios.

Best regards,
Azuma

[Michaelson]

This is sad news to read, my friend. Your shirts have been a mainstay in the hobby, and though I was never fortunate enough to get one for myself, I was always aware of your product and projects you produced, as well as the excellent reviews your happy customers posted.

Your shirts will be greatly missed.

Highest regards! Michaelson

[Indiana Croft]

I second what Michaelson said.
This is sad news.
While I do own many of Azuma’s awesome shirts and proud to say I helped support his endeavors.
His shirts are what others strive for. They were so spot on for what you see, I wear an Azuma shirt every week, literally
every week if not twice.
My closet is full, with many still in packaging (always bought two when ever possible).
Your shirts will now be ranked similarly to Noel Howard’s as your were the closet I’ve ever owned.

He made a very small run of DoD shirts which I was honored to be able to purchase, not knowing this would be my last ever.

Sir, my hats off to you and good luck in what comes your way in the new year.

Croft

[Canyon]

Azuma, so sorry to hear this.

Although I don't own one of your shirts, I've heard nothing but good things about them.

[Mitch LaRue]

Simply THE BEST Indy Shirts I ever owned.

After I lost the ones I had previously, trying my best to once again find Azuma Shirts was one of the first things I tried to do as I began to try and rebuild my Collection
(Croft, I'm JEALOUS of what must be an AMAZING Collection you have, my friend ... may you always wear them in Good Health!)

Azuma, you'll always be A Legend in my books!
Thank You for all the hard work, care and attention to DETAIL that you put into your work for So Many Years!

CHEERS!

[Isaidwhipit]

Is there a way to check the remaining inventory?

[Jonesy Jr.]

Dear Indy Fans,

It is difficult to announce, but Azuma Indy shirt is now becoming a part of history. The studio I have worked with for the past 21 years (starting with Jedi costumes in 2003) will be closing its doors at the end of 2024.

The studio owner, who has been in the fashion industry for over 40 years, has decided to retire. The ladies of the seamstress team are also at retirement age, and with the industry shifting to China and Southeast Asia over the past two decades, finding skilled seamstresses in Taiwan has become quite difficult. As a result, the studio will cease operations by the end of this year, and no new orders will be accepted.

However, previously promised individual orders and a couple of my unfinished projects will still be fulfilled by the owner herself, despite some delays, we’ll catch up! Additionally, the studio will be clearing out its workspace before Chinese New Year, so there may be some leftovers and prototypes available. I also still have a few size 17 Raiders shirts from the 2023 run in stock

Thank you all so much for supporting Azuma Indy shirts since 2010. Sharing my passion for Indy shirts with all of you has been an amazing journey. To those who own an Azuma Indy shirt, thank you for choosing wisely, and I hope it follows you on many adventures to come. Adios.

Best regards,
Azuma

Just today I was thinking about sending you email about when the new shirts will be available.
Sorry to hear that studio is closing. Azuma shirts were most accurate. I own your Temple of Doom shirt and attention to details is amazing. Most Indy shirt makers make incorrect button layout (for TD, LC and KOTCS, the 4th button from bellow to upwards should be around middle of pockets and most other makers are making button layout of Raiders style which has 4th button placed around in line where buttom of the pockets are) but yours are correct.

Please, send me a PM of which Indy shirts were left in stock (with their sizes and styles).
Also consider continuing or starting new production yourself. I'm sure you would be successful.

Regards

[1dylannelson]

So sorry to hear this, Azuma. The one shirt I did have of yours was simply phenomenal and your custom service was/is beyond excellent. This is truly a sad day of the Indy community as a whole. I wish you the best in your future endeavors, and I hope you know how appreciated by all of us you have been and will always be!

[j_m_t]

oh man this is a bummer!
half the reason I come here is to see if a thread has been started for your next run of shirts.
well at least I got in on the last 2 runs.
Hope your future endeavors go great.

[backstagejack]

Azuma,

One of my fondest memories and proof that this forum is amazing was when I posted an older Azuma LC shirt for comparison to another and you sent me more accurate buttons out of the goodness of your own heart simply because you saw the picture.

I'm sorry to see someone with your talent and obvious love for this community to ride towards the sunset. Wish you well, good sir and thank you.

[Western New York Indy]

Sorry to hear about this. While I unfortunately never had the opportunity purchase one of your shirts, I have always been aware of your impeccable reputation in the community. Thank you for the dedication and passion you invested into your shirts. I wish you well in your future endeavors!

-WNY Indy

[Howard Weinstein]

That's a shame, so sorry to hear this. I have one Azuma shirt among my 8 Indy shirts, and while others are very good, yours is the best. Now that it can't be replaced, I'm almost afraid to wear it for fear of getting some terrible food stain on it!

I hope you get a New Year's miracle and are able to find another studio/manufacturer to work with and do more shirts in the future. Maybe some of the other Indy shirt vendors might have some leads for you...?

[Indiana Croft]

Here's what I believe was his last run of shirts, it was a very, very small run.
He contacted me to see if I was interested in a more accurate colored DoD, and of course I said yes.
Only wish I could have bought my standard 2 shirts.
Was more than his usually, but worth, and at the time I didn't know it would be his last run.









I can only hope that some how he finds away or another seamstress as talented and picks up where he left off.
Azuma, once again, thank you for your contribution to the hobby, and my closet.

Croft

[Mitch LaRue]

Wow, VERY nice, Croft!
Truly wish I could've nabbed one of those ...

and HEAR HEAR to your hope for an "AZUMA CHAPTER 2" Moment somewhere down the road

[Liberance]

Terribly sad news.

I'd been patiently waiting for a new Crusade run over the past year and a half, after missing out on previous runs time and again

I guess my only chance now is to get one secondhand.