Since its founding in 1959, Toraichi has been the leading workwear brand in Japan. Their "Tobi," wide, flowing trousers worn by Japanese construction workers, are very popular both in Japan and abroad. These trousers derive their shape from a combination of the knikerbocker, baggy trousers gathered above the knee and worn by European high society in the late 19th century, and the hakama, trousers traditionally worn in Japan by Kendo practitioners.