On a recent trip to Japan, we found a selection of vintage Popeye issues from the ‘70s and ‘80s—a rare glimpse into the origins of one of the world’s most iconic style publications.
Founded in Tokyo, Popeye magazine was first published in 1976, making it one of the world’s longest-running men’s fashion magazines. Dubbed the “Magazine for City Boys” it has consistently offered a refreshing take on men’s fashion trends, through its playful styling and affinity for Japanese subcultures.
Despite being almost entirely written in Japanese it has gained a worldwide following and can be found in specialist magazine shops across the globe. Unsurprisingly, the content and styling from those early issues feels just as relevant today—a true testament to the longevity of Popeye.