DESIGN /
PRODUCT
October 23, 2014
UNITED ARROWS | The "UA Monkey" Designed by Editor Hitoshi Okamoto
UNITED ARROWS
The Second Collaboration in the "MONKEY Bâton" Series: UA Monkey Straps
The "Bear UA Monkey" Designed by Editor Hitoshi Okamoto
"MONKEY Bâton" is a collaborative project featuring UA Monkey straps, where the baton is passed like a relay race, with the popular UA Monkey from UNITED ARROWS as the protagonist. The previous installment...Stylist Miyoko Okao...passed the "baton" to Hitoshi Okamoto, who handles editing at Landscape Products. The second installment, "MONKEY MEETS BEAR," is now available.
Text by Makoto KAJII (OPENERS)
California Enthusiasts Are Bear Lovers!
The second "MONKEY Bâton" release features two types of monkeys with a bear theme, conceived with Hitoshi Okamoto, a self-proclaimed "California aficionado." Bears are symbolic animals of California, depicted on the state flag and frequently used as mascots by many universities in the state.
These monkeys are based on the concept "Love California = Love Bears." Two types are introduced: "SMONKEY," inspired by "Smokey Bear," the mascot for the U.S. forest fire prevention campaign, and "KUMONKEY," designed with a college aesthetic.
From left: Tote bag ¥2,160, Bandana ¥1,944, Button badge (set of 3) ¥1,620
A Launch Event Will Be Held on Saturday, July 26th
To commemorate the release of the second "MONKEY Bâton" installment, "MONKEY MEETS BEAR," an event will be held on Saturday, July 26th. It will feature sales of commemorative items like California-themed button badges and tote bags, a special market by "GOOD NEIGHBORS' FINE FOODS," and a talk show with Hitoshi Okamoto.
Launch Event
Date & Time: Saturday, July 26th, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Talk Show by Hitoshi Okamoto: 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Store: UNITED ARROWS Harajuku Main Store Women's Building
Tel. 03-3479-8176
*No advance reservation required. Please come directly to the venue on the 1st basement floor.
"MONKEY MEETS BEAR," the second installment of "MONKEY Bâton"
Release Date: Saturday, July 26th
Price: "KUMONKEY" (left in photo) ¥2,808
"SMONKEY" (right) ¥2,808
*Both are sold as a set with a college-style ballpoint pen.
Available at: All UNITED ARROWS stores (excluding Taipei), All THE AIRPORT STORE UNITED ARROWS stores, THE SOVEREIGN HOUSE, DISTRICT, UA Online Store, ZOZOTOWN
Hitoshi OKAMOTO
Born in Hokkaido in 1954. After graduating from university, he worked at a TV station before joining Magazine House, where he was involved in editing for publications such as "Brutus," "Relax," and "Ku:nel." He left the company in 2009 and has since been involved in planning and editing at Landscape Products.
His books include "Today's Shopping" and "More Today's Shopping" (both published by Petit Grand Publishing, co-authored with Keiko Okamoto), and "My Kagoshima Guide" and "My Kagawa Guide" (both published by Landscape Products). He is currently a regular contributor to the magazine "Kurashi no Techo." His nickname at home is Kumagoro, his favorite foods are salmon, honey, and "Yamashin-senbei" (a butter cracker from Hokkaido), and his favorite movie is "The Bad News Bears."