roarguns Saburo Hamanaka Interview

—First, could you tell us about your encounter with Medicom Toy?

HamanakaI believe the first time we worked together was for the "BE@RBRICK WORLD WIDE TOUR" in 2005 (a project where artists from around the world designed BE@RBRICKs). At the time, the idea of having BE@RBRICKs made felt like a dream come true, so participating in the WORLD WIDE TOUR was a truly stimulating and deeply moving experience.

—roargunsCould you tell us about the concept behind the brand?

Hamanaka We are primarily influenced by American culture, cross-pollinating it with various other cultures like art and music, and pursuing originality while exploring new avenues. We convey our brand message through diverse expressions, but our consistent concept is LOVE & PEACE. The cross-gun motif might seem menacing at first glance, but by crossing them, we embed an antithesis to guns, using it as an icon to convey our brand concept.

—What was the theme for 2019 SS?

Hamanaka SPORTS MIX. We're presenting more ACTIVE wear than usual, with an emphasis on outdoor elements mixed with sports and various other components.




a new approach, which led to the start of the project.



Hamanaka Realizing the idea of putting real feathers inside the BE@RBRICK's belly. It started with our staff searching for suitable feathers, and we made numerous detailed revisions with Medicom Toy regarding the quantity and orientation of the feathers. Of course, we wouldn't create anything we didn't believe in, but we made sure to fully capture the collaborative spirit while respecting Emeric's youthful sensibility as much as possible.

—What are your impressions of Emeric Tchatchoua (3.PARADIS), who is said to be influenced by Japanese street fashion?

Hamanaka Although they debuted not long ago, their worldview is already established, which is quite impressive. I feel passion and momentum in their raw, unpolished aspects. Conversely, his gentle personality is quite soothing (laughs).

—Could you tell us what you like about Medicom Toy's products and what influence they've had on you?

Hamanaka Simply put, everything is filled with dreams, and I feel love in all their products. We aspire for our own products to be the same.

—Finally, if there's anything you'd like to challenge with Medicom Toy in the future, please tell us.

Hamanaka Of course, I'd like to make another BE@RBRICK. Perhaps a toy or an object that uses guns as a motif to advocate our message of LOVE & PEACE.

How about a gun that's floppy, too heavy to hold, has no cylinder, or is simply unusable (laughs)?

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Page02.3.PARADIS Emeric Tchatchoua Email Interview

3.PARADIS Emeric Tchatchoua Email Interview

—First, could you tell us what sparked your interest in fashion?

Emeric Tchatchou As far as I can remember, I've always been conscious of fashion. However, a significant turning point was in 2004 when I discovered NIGO® of A BATHING APE online and encountered Japanese street culture. This truly changed everything for me and ignited my interest into a passion. It's no exaggeration to say that it was thanks to Japanese street culture that I was able to articulate my aesthetic sense for the first time.

—Are there any other Japanese street culture brands that have influenced you?

Emeric Tchatchou Shortly after, I discovered brands like UNDERCOVER, roarguns, FRAGMENT DESIGN, and BOUNTY HUNTER. Among them, Hiroshi Fujiwara's work from that era particularly influenced me. I'm always amazed by his interpretation of culture.

—What did you study at fashion school? Why did you decide to launch 3.PARADIS in 2013 while still a student? What kind of brand did you aim to create?

Emeric Tchatchou I primarily learned garment construction techniques, extensive knowledge of fabrics, and the history of fashion and art.

However, I don't think I was fully satisfied with the school. I always wanted to express my thoughts and ideas freely, but the school at the time didn't allow for such freedom. My goal was never to create an apparel brand, but the desire to create was so overwhelming that I naturally ended up launching the brand while still a student.

—Could you tell us the meaning behind the brand name "3.PARADIS"?

Emeric Tchatchou "3" represents the balance of mind, body, and soul. "PARADIS" signifies knowledge, ultimate happiness, and a place of peace. "3.PARADIS" symbolizes what most people seek: "happiness."

—In your 2018 FW theme "Each One, Teach One," you featured the dove, a symbol of peace, and contrasted it with the counterculture of the late 1960s. Could you tell us about the driving force behind 3.PARADIS's expression?

Emeric Tchatchou The expression of 3.PARADIS stems from a desire to connect philosophical thoughts and interests with artistic creation. It's a hybrid product born from the unexpected encounter of two paradoxical realities.

—Were you familiar with Medicom Toy?

Emeric Tchatchou Of course. I've been purchasing Medicom Toy products since 2006. I'm a huge fan of BE@RBRICK and have been collecting them since my teens; I love everything about BE@RBRICK.

—Regarding the "3.PARADIS × roarguns 100% & 400%" being released this time, could you tell us about your encounter with Saburo Hamanaka of roarguns?

Emeric Tchatchou roarguns is one of the brands that shaped my youth. Although I couldn't wear their clothes because I was too tall, I've been wearing roarguns accessories since the late 2000s.

I met Mr. Hamanaka for the first time a year ago during Paris Men's Fashion Week, through a mutual friend. Making a toy with Medicom Toy, especially a BE@RBRICK, was one of my dreams, so I was very excited. I love both Mr. Hamanaka's work and his personality.

—Could you tell us about the design highlights of the "3.PARADIS × roarguns × BE@RBRICK"?

Emeric Tchatchou With this BE@RBRICK, we aimed to promote peace and unity worldwide and spread a message against gun violence. For the design, we decided to use black semi-transparent plastic, a hybrid between light (transparency) and ambiguity (black). We also placed white bird feathers inside the belly to represent global peace and harmony.

—What are your impressions of Medicom Toy after working with them?

Emeric Tchatchou It has far exceeded my expectations. Working with Medicom Toy has been a wonderful opportunity. I love Medicom Toy.

—You visit Japan often, don't you? Could you tell us about your favorite places or things unique to Japan?



Emeric Tchatchou When I'm in Tokyo, I always stop byNarukiyo. It's my favorite restaurant in Tokyo.WAGYUMAFIA'skatsu sando is also a favorite.

—What are your future plans for 3.PARADIS?


Emeric Tchatchou I want to continue exploring and expressing my ideas and thoughts through various media. I aim to create freely and develop my unique concepts to break the conventions of fashion in a good way.

—Do you have any ideas for future projects with Medicom Toy?

Emeric Tchatchou Yes, of course! I have many specific ideas for projects I'd like to develop with Medicom Toy in the future.

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