This possum has found the softest hiding place
A souvenir shop at Hobart Airport was thrilled when a possum was spotted hiding among stuffed animals on display at the store.
LL Bean, the iconic New England outdoor apparel brand with a devoted following in Japan, is launching a Japanese-made clothing collection in the U.S. that is already sold out online.
The 2026 Japan Edition collection is the company’s second release and includes coats, T-shirts and dresses in a “boxy and oversized” fit, and the company said these styles are typically sold only in stores in Japan.
In the 1980s and 1990s, LL Bean became popular among Japanese customers as tourists visiting its flagship store in Maine sparked an influx of mail-order sales from Japan, the company said. Due to high demand, the company eventually opened a store in Tokyo and began catering directly to the Tokyo market.
“Building on decades of cultural exchange and a shared appreciation of craftsmanship, LL Bean’s collaborations with Japanese designers and brands have become the cornerstone of its success in Japan, fusing classic Americana with the innovative spirit of Japan’s creative community,” the company said on its website.
Nick Wilkoff, L.L. Bean’s chief marketing officer, said fashion has finally come full circle and American customers are demanding Japanese-made clothing.
“Our Japan selection has long been coveted in the United States. It has a ‘if you know it, you know it’ quality,” Wilkoff said in a statement.
Last year, LL Bean tested its Japanese-inspired clothing designs in the United States and received strong interest. The Japan Edition collection is “back in response to popular demand,” the retailer said.
“Highlights include oversized silhouettes, natural fits, layered styles and bright, summer-ready color palettes with unique design details,” says LL Bean.
As of Tuesday, March 24th, the 2026 collection is available online and in select LL Bean stores.
Where to find LL Bean’s 2026 Japan Edition Collection
The 2026 Japan Edition clothing collection is available at LL Bean’s 12 stores. All 12 stores are listed on the retailer’s website.
Customers can purchase online, but some items sold out within a day of launch.
It’s unclear how long the collection will be available, but Wilkoff described it as “limited.”
