『My Freedamn! Vol.6』 is Complete! (1)

『My Freedamn! Vol.6』 is Complete!

Thoughts During the Production Process... (Part 1)

Approximately three months have passed since the announcement of the previous work, 『My Freedamn! Vol.5』. The latest installment, 『My Freedamn! Vol.6』, was released on March 23rd. In this issue, we asked Mr. Tanaka to freely share his thoughts on the highlights of Vol.6, the past and present of America as seen through its production process, and what the Fifties mean to Americans.

interview & text by TAKEUCHI Toranosuke (Citywrites)

From 『My Freedamn! Vol.6』, p. 8

The Fifties in America: An Era of Shirts

—Could you first briefly introduce the overview of 『My Freedamn! Vol.6』?

Rintaro TanakaAs I mentioned in previous installments of this column, Vol. 5 and this Vol. 6 are the first and second parts of a two-part series created around the single theme of "The Fifties." Vol. 6 features clothing primarily from the Fifties after Elvis's breakthrough, specifically from 1956 onwards. Generally, fashion and customs referred to as "The Fifties" often point to this aesthetic. The shirts, which are iconic items of this era, are the highlight of this book.

—Indeed, the Fifties saw the birth of shirts in various colors and patterns, didn't they?

TanakaUndoubtedly, the Fifties were the golden age of shirts.

From 『My Freedamn! Vol.6』, p. 10

—So, shirts, not T-shirts?

TanakaYes, shirts before T-shirts. The 1950s were the first era when society (American society) became lighter and more streamlined. Shirts, being light and active, represented this shift. Particularly symbolic were rayon shirts, known for their exceptional lightness and vibrant colors.

The rise of rayon, which allowed for the beautiful expression of bold prints, meant that new materials evoking a new era captivated people's hearts. You might understand if I compare it to fleece in the 1990s.

From 『My Freedamn! Vol.6』, p. 14

Shirts Symbolized a Streamlined World

—I see, so rayon was like fleece back then. In terms of design, bowling shirts are iconic, and the fact that such sportswear became fashion is also very American, much like fleece.

From 『My Freedamn! Vol.6』, p. 15

TanakaExactly. In the Fifties, everyone was bowling, and tournaments were held everywhere. Bowling shirts originated as uniforms for these tournaments. Conversely, as bowling has faded from popular leisure activities, bowling shirts too will disappear. Therefore, I believe it's worthwhile to experience these items if you have the chance. Not only to touch upon the zeitgeist of the era, but because such meticulous craftsmanship in a single shirt is something you won't find in America anymore.

To be continued in Part 2