Vintage Nirvana tees are some of the most iconic, rare and sought-after shirts of all time. You’ve probably seen a celebrity or influencer wearing some variation of the Heart Shaped Box shirt, or the classic Nirvana Smiley logo.

Vintage Nirvana shirts have a cult following and are continually increasing in price. Many original shirts from Nirvana concerts and tours from the 80s-90s are scarce, and maybe owned by very few individuals in the world. Many of these owners are the original owners who bought these shirts from the concerts and tours. With Nirvana shirts becoming more and more scarce, collectors now have to track down original owners to buy certain tees.

We had the chance to speak with Hikki, a collector from Japan, who specializes in Vintage Nirvana shirts. His collection is probably the best in the entire world, and he has spent around $60,000 to get it there. But for Hikki, it’s never about the money or value of the shirts. He truly loves Nirvana and has put his all into curating the most extensive collection of Vintage Nirvana shirts.

Hikki recently purchased one of his most rare and valuable Nirvana shirts for $8,500; a black tee which features a photo of all three members of the band.

Why did you spend $8500 on nirvana tee?

“There are some important things for me to collect shirts:

The first is Rarity For this shirt Pictures of Kurt, Chris and Chad is the only official Nirvana shirt. Historically it is very rare.

The second is its condition, Tagged size XL, no damages.

The third is the journey of the shirt. Obtained from the first owner is important.

The fourth is history. I want to stick to vintage Until 1996. I’m not interested in more recent shirts.

The fifth is Compatibility with buyers. They are the best partners!

The sixth is that I am a vintage Nirvana collector. These historic shirts I can’t afford not to have it. I have such love and passion for Nirvana shirts.”

Do you collect only nirvana tees?

“I collect Nirvana from all over the world and I have become the best Nirvana collector in the world.”

Do you plan to open a museum one day with all the tees?

“I want an archive In order for the shirts not to become extinct. In a new era I want to keep it as a page, that is my goal.”

“I have money, but better to have a beloved shirt. Life will be enriched! To me it is more important than anything else!”

What does Nirvana mean to you?

“Nirvana to me is a miracle, and the bigger they become, the more love and appreciation they get.”

After Speaking with Hikki, even through a slight language barrier, we can tell he is one of the most passionate and dedicated collectors in the world. To build up such a specific and extensive archive of Nirvana tees is incredible. We love to see his passion and drive and can’t wait to see what new pieces he adds to his growing collection!

None of Hikki’s collection is for sale, so don’t waste your time asking him. However, if you have a Vintage Nirvana shirt, he would be more than happy to look at it (and maybe buy it off you if he doesn’t have it already)!

You can follow Hikki on IG @rannataraoaoa.

You can also shop some Vintage Nirvana on our site!