I Want to Be a Bridge, Making It Feel Accessible Through My Own Style

Congratulations on this unprecedented achievement as an Asian.

Thank you. Previously, as an ambassador, I was in a position to convey the brand's vision and my thoughts on fashion. Now, I am entrusted with the role of expressing myself as the face of the brand, and I feel the weight of that responsibility. At the same time, it is an honor that can be called the American Dream. I am truly glad that I have pursued what I love, whether it was being part of EXILE or acting.

When did you first become aware of "Purple Label" in your interactions with Ralph Lauren?

Looking back, as my age and circumstances changed, it seems to have naturally come into my life. I started dancing in my teens and encountered Ralph Lauren through street culture. When I joined EXILE, I was eager to express a more mature version of myself with a touch of wildness, and I was focused on styling RRL pieces.

Then, when I started acting and began walking red carpets and appearing at public events like stage greetings, I found myself needing suits and formal wear. In that context, "Purple Label," being the highest and most luxurious, naturally became a familiar presence. So, perhaps I didn't consciously focus on it.



Now that you are involved as the face of "Ralph Lauren Purple Label," have you set new goals?

By wearing these clothes, I want to grow into a gentleman, much like Ralph Lauren himself, both in spirit and in demeanor. For example, the watch I'm wearing today is very expensive, but I want to become someone who suits it – someone with the composure of an adult, yet with an assertive spirit and the grounded determination to never give up on challenges.

This means living true to myself as AKIRA, without wavering. The Ralph Lauren brand embodies Mr. Lauren's uncompromising aesthetic in everything, from clothing to architecture, furniture, and tableware. Maintaining that dedication is proof of continuous challenge.

Did you take on any challenges during the campaign shoot?

In embodying the brand, I felt I shouldn't overstep. However, the fact that I, as an Asian, was chosen must have meant there was something needed. Balancing that was incredibly difficult. But thanks to the excellent shooting staff, I was able to fully immerse myself in the world of Ralph Lauren and express myself at a higher level.

It was completely different from what was required in shoots I'd experienced in Japan, so I approached it by resetting everything I had learned, starting from a blank slate. I decided to shed my inhibitions and let myself be immersed in Ralph Lauren. The photographer, stylist, hair and makeup artists, and everyone else were part of the team that regularly works with Ralph Lauren. As it was the first time for an Asian to be a model since the brand's founding, I imagine they had their own hesitations.

Should I emphasize more than Western models, or strip it back? It felt like a process of creation from zero to one, searching for the right answer through trial and error. The palpable tension of everyone working together to create something was truly stimulating and created a great atmosphere. It was also a valuable experience to shoot in locations that are usually inaccessible, much like in a Hollywood movie.



In the campaign movie, you wore the suits beautifully. Could you tell us about the appeal of "Made-to-Measure" from "Ralph Lauren Purple Label"?

Fundamentally, custom suits hold a romantic allure of being one-of-a-kind, and I believe it's a special act that sharpens both mind and body. If you have a suit made when your body is at its best, it will look unflattering if you gain weight or lose it afterward. That's precisely why it imposes a commitment to maintaining your best physique.

Therefore, I believe that experiencing "Made-to-Measure" from Ralph Lauren's premier label will undoubtedly lead to new discoveries in enjoyment, styling, and how you approach yourself. I am confident that this will make your daily life more fulfilling.

Finally, could you share the appeal of "Purple Label" with your fans in Japan?

To reiterate, I hope that by embodying the brand as an Asian, the range of its appeal will broaden. Seeing Westerners wear clothes so stylishly can sometimes create a sense of distance, making the brand feel remote.

"Purple Label" has always been a level above, a dream within Ralph Lauren. But by wearing it, I want it to become more accessible to everyone, from young people in their 20s to those in their 50s and 60s across Asia, making them feel, "Ah, I could wear that too, I'd like to try it." I want it to be a familiar presence, embodying both gentlemanly conduct and dignity.

The suit I'm wearing today incorporates colors like purple and pink, which don't usually mix, but when worn, it blends surprisingly well, offering a pleasant discovery. I would be delighted if I could serve as a bridge, allowing many people in Japan to feel the same way.

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