—Are there any people or things that have influenced your design?

That would beall uniforms.I believe military uniforms and denim pants are uniforms in a broad sense. The uniforms of American laborers.
Also, vintage clothing—things that have been continuously produced, refined by history. These are, for me,uniformsin three senses.
And then there are the things that reach the pinnacle of my imagination—all the designers creating fashion, architecture, and products. Naturally, I am influenced by what I have seen and experienced.



—I see. The point about uniforms really struck me as “ONE GRAVITY.” That’s because I thought uniforms possess both the “public sphere” and the “worksite,” combining ease of movement with a formal feel, which was something we discussed at the beginning.

I do think those elements appear in the design. However, if it were too direct, it wouldn’t be comfortable. That’s why we don’t just make replicas or place special orders with renowned factories. Ultimately, that’s something that can be done anywhere, not just here. “ONE GRAVITY” is about taking an original and thinking about how to evolve it further.



After that, it’s just about how to pursue that lead. So, in that sense,I think it’s simply about encounters.Rather than being inspired by something specific, I’m constantly pursuing what I don’t have.
Also, I believe everyone has an image associated with different types of clothing. For example, with denim pants, you don’t worry about them getting dirty if you sit on the floor, or about your knees showing, and you don’t mind washing them in the machine. But with wool pants, you’re conscious of your knees showing or sitting on the floor. Personally, I don’t think it’s necessary to overturn these images. Because I believe they represent the wearer’s image in a good way, I focus on finding different ways to express them without destroying that.



—I see. While this season retains the usual formality, it feels a bit more street-oriented. Is that largely due to the “preppy” influence from the city’s atmosphere?

The “preppy” element is quite significant. However, what I was conscious of within that was wanting to retain a sense of purity, more so than usual. I would call itpure, rather than simply clean.



Normally, such materials aren’t used for patterned designs, but I wanted to apply it to the front and further incorporate a design. It’s aplayful elementapplied to a functional film. Furthermore, it’s not printed; it’s embossed.

—So that’s why it has a raised texture when you touch it?

Exactly. This coat, at first glance, looks like a shiny, patterned solid color, doesn’t it?
But,it’s surprisingly functional, with a pure origin.It was born from that kind of thinking.


Following this, is the set-up with these shorts also part of the “preppy” influence?

Yes. When it comes to bottoms, I felt that the “preppy” look is best represented by the image of a “nerdy kid” (laughs). So this time, I deliberately chose shorts.

—Each season, you seem to have a particular focus on denim pants, not just the materials. Is that correct?

It’s not that I’m particularly focusing on them or have a special commitment, but denim is always there as a base within the casual category. Plus, denim pants are comfortable for the wearer. Stains aren’t noticeable, and it’s okay if the knees show. Depending on what you pair them with, you can even wear them to a high-class hotel.
They embody both casual and formal aspects, aligning with the concept, which is why we end up making them every season.



—Other apparel brands seem to have what you’d call basic design items, but “ONE GRAVITY” doesn’t seem to have many of those.

That’s true. If I had to pick something that could be called a staple, it would probably bea wrinkled denim jacket.



—This shirt, with its stand-up center placket, is a remarkable design. It has buttons on both sides, allowing it to be fastened upright or laid flat. It’s a shirt that can be worn either way, but what inspired this form?

I personally enjoy wearing formal shirts in a more relaxed way. Formal shirts, represented by the pleated front, are often seen as quite dressy. But if you make them too straightforward, I think many men might feel hesitant to wear them.
Therefore, I wanted to create a shirt that retains that essence but can be worn without hesitation, so I incorporated the frill detail only on the button placket.



—Finally, could you tell us about your goals for the brand moving forward?

It’s essential to continue the brand, butI want to continue existing as a niche brand forever.I know that sounds contradictory. As larger entities become dominant, niche things tend to disappear, and in that sense, waste is eliminated.
To remain niche amidst that might not be economically viable, but I would be happy if I could stay there and continue to exist.
Whether that’s the ultimate goal or simply a goal, I hope to continue existing in that way. Of course, it won’t be easy.

—Thank you very much.