Expressing one's own standards through continuous adventure and challenge.

Subtle cutting, the placement of buttons, a jacket made from a single pattern… at first glance, the designs appear universal, yet they hide witty details and ideas that defy the ordinary. Isn't this how one might succinctly describe "Jipijapa" clothing? Each garment seems to hint at a "challenge to design something standard."

"I personally like conservative things, and I like the 'obvious' and 'standard' things in the world. I slightly alter standard items, or create things that I can call my own standard. Ultimately, I want to create things that are acceptable even when riding the Yamanote Line. I want to make interesting things that are just a little bit different, and I want them to look ordinary even if they are elaborate."

For example, the multi-colored button shirts and the China shirts have been part of the collection since the brand's inception. Mr. Kaga's fashion philosophy continues to flow vibrantly, even 16 years after the brand's founding.
How was this firm fashion philosophy cultivated?

"I became aware of fashion in the 1960s, when I was in my teens. At that time, many American home dramas were broadcast on Japanese television, and the characters wore permanent press pants. I thought, 'How cool!' It was very different from the Ivy League style introduced in Japan, and my initial motivation was to own 'authentic American clothes.'"

From there, Mr. Kaga became engrossed in fashion, "as if by magic."

"Back then, I often went to places like Ameyoko, Fussa, and other 'Little Americas.' But since I couldn't find the ideal sizes, I even went on shopping tours to Okinawa before its reversion, obtaining visas just for that purpose. The energy I put into fashion and appearing stylish was immense. I was so focused that I wasn't even very interested in girls (laughs). At 27, I went to America alone to buy clothes and sell them in Harajuku. Around that time, I was asked to create women's items, and that's how the brand started."

From there, Mr. Kaga went on to "Skip & Pea" and "Interior Exterior" before starting "Jipijapa."

"Since it's a small brand, I wanted to create interesting things without spending too much money, so I incorporated materials like Kevlar used in industrial applications, created items where a rider's jacket could be turned inside out to become a mod parka, or a parka that could unfold into ponchos for three people. I've also considered clothes that can be made from a single pattern in case of disaster, and jackets for dates," he explains, indicating that adventure and challenge are always part of Mr. Kaga's creative process.

"But my basic principle, which is also embedded in the brand name Jipijapa, is 'Let's wear a hat on our hearts,' meaning, let's not forget to be stylish. I believe it's about being in the most comfortable state and being able to confirm one's own position. There's a book by Geneviève Antoine Dariaux called 'The Dictionary of Elegance,' where she writes, 'I always wear the things I bought on impulse, but I never wear the things I bought after thinking about them.' I find that very true. My ideal is something that has an impact that makes you want to buy it on impulse, yet remains standard."

Clothing that is sophisticated yet effortless to wear. Isn't this the charm of Jipijapa?