From Maison MIHARA YASUHIRO comes "VCD Kutsuhimo Musubenakun," a unique character brought to life. We spoke with designer Yoshiro Mihara about the inspiration behind this creation.

Maison MIHARA YASUHIRO has collaborated with Medicom Toy to produce "VCD Kutsuhimo Musubenakun." To commemorate this, we conducted an email interview with its creator, Yoshiro Mihara. He provided insights into this enigmatic character who, despite being shoes, cannot tie their own laces.
We also asked about his thoughts on "Nihonbashi Anarchy Cultural Center," a gallery that opened for a limited time in front of Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi in Tokyo this September.

— How did the character "Kutsuhimo Musubenakun" come into being?

Yoshiro Mihara (hereafter Mihara): It started as "just a doodle" in my design notebook.

— We felt a sense of healing in this character, who is shrouded in mystery for being unable to tie their shoelaces despite being shoes. Could you tell us about the message you intended to convey?

Mihara: The act of "tying shoelaces" itself evokes various metaphors. What did you feel? It's almost like an antithesis to those metaphors, saying "I can't tie them."
I believe Kutsuhimo Musubenakun symbolizes a loose personality. If you find healing in that, then perhaps that casualness is what brings you comfort. Though, walking without tying your shoelaces can be dangerous.

— "Kutsuhimo Musubenakun" also appears in the MY Foot Products line currently offered by Maison MIHARA YASUHIRO. What is its position within the brand?

Mihara: It's the designer's alter ego. Sometimes it acts recklessly, taking actions without clear answers.

—Previous InterviewIn a previous interview, we heard that one of your inspirations was "sofubi monster figures your grandmother bought you." Is the production of this VCD an extension of that?

Mihara: Yes. Sofubi holds a special place for me. My life has been shaped by monster sofubi.

— When you requested this collaboration with Medicom Toy for its three-dimensionalization, were there any specific points you were particular about?

Mihara: During the production process, I requested that the prototype be hand-sculpted by a craftsman, like traditional sofubi, rather than using digital 3D CAD. This gives it a subtle softness.

— How did you decide on the two color variations, gray and monotone?

Mihara: I considered various colors, but I felt that neutral colors like monotone and gray would be the most timeless and pleasing to look at.

— What were your impressions upon seeing the finished product? How do you envision yourself playing with or displaying it?

Mihara: It felt quite surreal. I never imagined I would pour so much passion into "Kutsuhimo Musubenakun." Now, I'm looking forward to seeing how "Kutsuhimo Musubenakun" will grow.
I imagine I'll play with it alongside the monster sofubi figures I have at home.

— Regarding the future of "Kutsuhimo Musubenakun," could you share your dreams for potential color variations, size expansions, or the introduction of companion or rival characters?

Mihara: Many dreams are unfolding. My dream is to create an amusement park called "Musubena Land."

VCD Kutsuhimo Musubenakun
Prototype Production | PERFECT-STUDIO
Size | Approximately 225mm in height
Colors | Available in two variations: Gray and Monotone
Price | ¥19,800 each (tax included)
Sales Method | Scheduled for release at Maison MIHARA YASUHIRO directly managed stores and EC site
Release Date | Scheduled for December 2022
Distributor | Maison MIHARA YASUHIRO
*Limited quantity sale. Please forgive us in case of stockout.
©︎ MAISON MIHARA YASUHIRO

— You launched your brand in 1996, and this year marks 26 years. What have these 26 years been like?

Mihara: Honestly, I've "done as I pleased," so as you can imagine, it's been a journey with its ups and downs.

— "Nihonbashi Anarchy Cultural Center (NACC)" (a gallery utilizing a site slated for redevelopment starting in 2024, where fashion, art, music, and other diverse genres will be showcased in 1.5-month cycles as a hub for cross-cultural expression by various artists, operating for a limited time for about a year starting this September) is also generating buzz. Could you tell us about the thoughts behind it?

Mihara: This project is our "altruistic cultural contribution to society." We're not thinking about any profit here at all. Isn't it enjoyable for everyone to be in a space where various talents are overflowing?
An inexplicable energy and passion are invigorating. You might call it absurd, but "you're absolutely right." It is absurd.

[Nihonbashi Anarchy Cultural Center]
"Play is the essence of human activity and the root of cultural creation. Furthermore, play transcends biological imperatives for survival, giving meaning to life."
In 1938, Johan Huizinga stated in his book "Homo Ludens (Man the Player)" that "play precedes culture." It can be said that "culture," as we understand it, is not a single concept but a byproduct of various forms of "play."
However, looking at contemporary times, the context of "play" has diminished, and "culture" has become defined as "commerce." We do not utter crisp phrases like "protecting culture" or "creating culture." Instead, we crave an inexplicable energy and passion. We believe this is precisely "play" and serves as an antithesis to our vague modern era.
At Nihonbashi Anarchy Cultural Center, artists with different forms of expression will exhibit their works over approximately one and a half months. It is a "space" for various self-expressions such as art, music, architecture, film, photography, and fashion, etc. It is a "space" that serves as a showcase for artists and sparks cross-genre chemical reactions.
Chaos, or rather, incompletion.

October 29, 2022 (Sat) - December 8, 2022 (Thu)
Nihonbashi Anarchy Cultural Center Vol. 2
Participating Artists: <Art> "Mui Mina Da" Curated by SHIGEO GOTO with G/P＋abp (Masaya Chiba, Tomoo Gokita, Serena Nose, Keita Kojima), HUMAN AWESOME ERROR (Hai Cai, Shiho Umihara), Sculptor Seiichi Mori, Artist DIEGO, Biko and Kenny from TZC <Fashion> Fashion Designer Keisuke Yoshida, Shoe Designer Masaya Kushiino, Fashion Designer Mao Oishi <Music> Contemporary Artist/Throat Singer Fuyuki Yamakawa, Musician doravideo, Fake Creators [Fake Creators NFT Community Live]

Nihonbashi Anarchy Cultural Center
Address | 1F, Nihonbashi Muromachi 162 Building, 1-6-2 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0022
Business Days | Open daily during exhibition periods
Admission Fee | Free
Business Hours | Weekdays 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM | Weekends and Holidays 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Phone Number | 03-6262-3862
Access | Directly in front of Exit A1, Mitsukoshi-mae Station, Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line / Ginza Line