Fashion
March 9, 2015
nineSIXty Hiroteru Kato in Conversation with Stylist Katsuhiro Yokota
nineSIXty Hiroaki Kato
10th Talk with Stylist Katsuhiro Yokota
This time, we welcome Katsuhiro Yokota, who has been active as a stylist for artists such as Aya Ueto, Mika Mifune, and Aoi Miyazaki.
What is the "bond" between these two, focusing on their private brand that they are developing together, with Mr. Yokota sharing the same passionate spirit as Mr. Kato?
Photo by Jamandfix
How They Met
YokotaThere was a performance group called "Tetsu-wari Albatrossket" that was well-known in underground circles, and a mutual friend, Naruo Kobayashi, belonged to it. That's how we were introduced. At first, I felt like I was just brought along without being told much, but I actually owned one of the early nineSIXty rings myself and knew of Mr. Kato's existence.
KatoWe were already connected beforehand. We hit it off quickly after meeting, and I would create jewelry to match what Yokota (Mr. Yokota) styled, or we'd collaborate on jewelry for ourselves, not under the nineSIXty name.
YokotaWe're both busy, so it hasn't progressed much.
KatoBut it's more like, "Let's have a serious good time."
YokotaA serious play, perhaps. The project we're working on with our circle of friends is called "ROCK THERAPY." Literally translated, it means "healing with rock," but the word "rock" here carries various meanings. Of course, there's rock music, and also "rock" as in a strong connection.
Actually, I'm currently handling the press for a British shoe brand in Japan, and through that, I was able to meet Joe Strummer from the band THE CLASH.
When I actually met him, he was an incredibly kind person. For example, if there were fans waiting after a show, he would sign autographs for all of them.
Even though he gave 100% on stage, I was deeply moved by his dedication to his fans. Later, we were supposed to go out for dinner, and when Joe went back to his hotel to change, he ended up falling asleep (laughs).
Everyone(Laughs)
YokotaBut that's how passionate rock is, and how it can be a source of healing for fans.
That's how we created the T-shirt called "ROCK THERAPY." However, the market price skyrocketed, and I thought, "This isn't what I intended," so I shelved it.
Later, when I met Mr. Kato, I happened to be wearing that T-shirt, and he said, "Isn't that logo cool?" That's how it came to be revived.
Kato"ROCK THERAPY" has a great ring to it, doesn't it? I just felt it was cool on an intuitive level.
YokotaMr. Kato's jewelry isn't just a mere accessory. When I bring it to stylists for actresses or artists, and I explain that each piece is handmade or imbued with meaning, they genuinely empathize and truly grasp the creator's intent.
In this way, I feel like we're constantly gaining more friends. This naturally leads to people liking nineSIXty, but I consulted the passionate Mr. Kato with a strong desire to somehow give form to these connections in a private, non-commercial way within our circle (laughs). And he immediately created something.
KatoI made it right after hearing the story. It's engraved with "ROCK THERAPY," and I made it as a gift because it was Yokota's birthday. This is the very first product.
"ROCK THERAPY" is something that can connect good friends, isn't it? I believe healing comes in various forms, such as colors, shapes, and scents. I want to expand on this with a "Therapy Series." Of course, it's strictly "among friends."
The pendant top, which became the first item in the "ROCK THERAPY" series. It was created as a birthday present for Mr. Yokota.
YokotaRegarding "ROCK THERAPY," since it's not a commercial venture, we want to create what we want to make with a spirit of serious play.
KatoWe want to continue making things we like at our own pace, as we feel it, going forward.
Professional Relationship
YokotaWhen I use Mr. Kato's jewelry in my styling, the artists' reactions are immediately apparent. They always show interest, and when I explain it, they truly resonate with it.
In fact, I use nineSIXty accessories for almost all my important styling jobs. I also work with Aoi Miyazaki, and I used a gold necklace for the press conference for "Atsuhime."
KatoActually, I made that for my wife (laughs).
YokotaOther than that, I always include at least one piece in my important styling projects. It makes the actresses happy too. And most importantly, it gives me a sense of security.
I believe my job is to use these truly excellent, meticulously handcrafted items in a stylish way, while respecting them.
KatoThank you (laughs). But having Yokota around is also healing, not in a therapeutic sense, but I'm happy to feel a connection, as if we created it together, with the accessories being just one part of the adornment for what Yokota styles. It's like we can communicate on a feeling level.
A necklace under the "ROCK THERAPY" name. This was created over time after being gifted to Mr. Yokota.
A necklace created by Mr. Kato for his wife. Mr. Yokota uses this accessory for his important styling projects.
YokotaEven without any explanation, they're drawn to it. Actresses and artists who have seen many great things also want it. There's definitely something that attracts people, and I think they can feel the spirit that Mr. Kato is trying to convey.
KatoAs we continue to interact, something new that I couldn't have imagined will likely be born, and I'm truly looking forward to what the "two of us" will create in the future.
