Not Resting on Laurels, Looking Ahead

With a physique and fighting style that defy Japanese norms, and outstanding looks, Ryota Murata, the Olympian who achieved the remarkable feat of winning Japan's first boxing gold medal in 48 years since the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, now aims to become a world champion. First, he shares his thoughts on his professional debut on August 25th and his decision to turn pro.

"First, I was relieved to win. Since it was my first time fighting with thin gloves and no headgear, I was conscious of not taking punches and managing my stamina. With thinner gloves, it's easier for a knockout in professional boxing, so the opponent fights back desperately. I'm starting to grasp how to fight as a professional, and this was a very significant match where I took an important step for my growth."





Just two days after the fight, I was already doing light running, and I started gym work a week later. I always visualize and move my body to build on what went well and correct what didn't while the memories are still fresh.

The reason I started boxing as a child was watching professional boxing on TV. From there, I aimed for the Olympics, and the driving force was always the desire to become a strong person, a special person. Now that I have the medal, I realized I had to prove my strength in the professional ring to satisfy that deep-seated desire."

Not Relying on Emotion or Instinct, but Purely on Theory

Until now, boxers were often associated with images of bloody, sweaty gloves and the ring, grueling training, and weight cutting. These tough images often preceded them, and boxers were sometimes spoken of as symbols of the "hungry spirit." However, for Mr. Murata, boxing is simply a sport, the "king of sports."





"I've rarely felt emotions like 'I want to knock that guy out' since my amateur days. I step into the ring with respect for my opponent and always focus on executing what I've practiced in the match."

The Pair Chosen by a Man Who Will Change the Future

Mr. Murata, who presents boxing as a refined sport rather than a gritty, underdog story, is truly a "game changer." UGG, born in California, which has drastically expanded its men's collection with a concept of luxury and comfort, can also be called a "game changer" in the footwear industry. It is from this shared spirit that he appears as one of the faces of this campaign.

"My wife used to wear UGG, so I was aware of the brand. I tried them on for the first time for this shoot, and I was surprised by how comfortable they were. The training facility gets very cold in winter, so it's great to be able to slip them on easily with bare feet and stay warm."

"I don't usually choose patterned items myself, but I fell in love with these (Ascot Camo) at first sight because they look so cool. I used to dress in baggy, sloppy clothes (laughs), but now I tend to choose simple outfits, like a jacket with jeans. Although these camouflage patterns look a bit flashy, they surprisingly blend well with outfits when I actually wear them. I'm looking forward to enjoying my own styling with them."


For more interviews, visit the UGG for MEN campaign site.
http://www.uggaustralia.jp/pc/mentop.cgi

UGG® Australia / Deckers Japan G.K.
Tel. 03-5413-6554
http://www.uggaustralia.jp

The Gold Medalist's Reading and Relaxation Habits

Having signed with the major US promotion company Top Rank, Mr. Murata is on the path to stardom. His appeal lies not only in his handsome looks and gifted physique but also in his intelligence and sense of humor. At the end of last year, he published his own book, "101% Pride" (Gentoshya), revealing his life story up to winning the medal. We asked him about the books he usually reads and how he spends his private time.

"I've loved books since I was young and often read them while traveling on planes. Recently, I found Viktor Frankl's "Man's Search for Meaning" very interesting. I was particularly intrigued by his answer to the question of whether to adopt a pessimistic or optimistic attitude when facing hardship in Nazi concentration camps: that pessimism is still better. Another was the novel "The Opium King: The Life of Yoshio Osawa," which is a historical novel, something I don't usually read, but it was very engaging."





The former is a world-renowned classic, often discussed in philosophy lectures. The latter, however, deals with a dark hero active in Japan during a period of turmoil. It's fascinating that he chose these two books. We then asked about his private life outside of boxing.

"I'm always thinking about boxing, and my work is boxing. Even when I go out for drinks, I only talk about boxing. So, when asked about relaxation, I'm at a loss. I'm truly a man consumed by boxing, so I've never felt suffocated or wanted a change of pace. It might sound cliché, but if I had to say, it would be the time I spend with my son. I think I do the same things as other families with children... This morning, when I was leaving home, he begged me to draw him Anpanman (laughs). If I'm eating udon, he wants udon, and he tries to imitate everything I do; he's truly adorable."

His Own Unique Fashion Sense

In his own book, Mr. Murata analyzed himself as not being brand-oriented and having few material desires. With his turn to professional boxing, he has received a signing bonus, and if he continues to win, his fight purses will likely be enormous. However, it is very characteristic of Mr. Murata that he does not ostentatiously display expensive items and instead saves money with future life plans in mind.

"Recently, I've finally started wanting a car. Since there's a risk of accidents, I can't ride my motorcycle anymore, and I had to give up my beloved scooter. So, I want to get a car in the future. Whatever I buy, I've always had the desire to spend money on my family and juniors. So, when buying a car, I might consult a dealer who is my junior. Since I have a child, I'm looking at a few SUVs with high ground clearance. I'd like to buy one by the end of the year."





"I'm not particularly knowledgeable about fashion, but I focus on simple styling. Lately, I like the jacket style. For shoes, I like traditional leather shoes. Since I have large feet, I often buy them when I travel abroad. First impressions are important, and I like dark colors like black and navy. These black boots I'm wearing today also look really cool, don't they? When I tried them on, they were incredibly cushioned and felt great. I used to think boots were heavy and tiring, but UGG boots are light and seem less tiring. I also like that they pair really well with denim."

What is "Unparalleled Comfort" for Mr. Murata?

UGG's brand promise this season is "Feels like nothing else." So, what does "unparalleled comfort" mean to Mr. Murata?

"For me, it's winning in boxing. And towards that goal, I believe that the time spent with my teammates and family are all irreplaceable, special moments. When I look around, perhaps there are many forms of unparalleled comfort right within our reach."

As the interview neared its end and the topic turned to the Tokyo Olympics, scheduled for 2020, Mr. Murata spoke passionately about the sports industry and the sports industry as a whole. For example, he noted that the Japanese market is about one-tenth the size of the US professional sports market. He argued for the necessity of a system where athletes, both professional and amateur, can properly benefit, and stated that the entire Japanese sports world needs to shift. If Mr. Murata becomes a world champion, the number of boxing participants will likely increase, and the sport may grow into something more mainstream. It is this man, Ryota Murata, the game changer, who inspires such expectations in us.


Ryota MURATA
Born in 1986 in Nara Prefecture. Became interested in boxing after watching it as a child and started attending a gym in junior high school. Achieved brilliant results in high school and university but retired from active competition after failing to qualify for the Beijing Olympics. While working as a staff member at Toyo University, he made a comeback. He then achieved the remarkable feat of winning Japan's first boxing gold medal in 48 years since the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. In 2013, he officially turned professional.


For more interviews, visit the UGG for MEN campaign site.
http://www.uggaustralia.jp/pc/mentop.cgi

UGG® Australia / Deckers Japan G.K.
Tel. 03-5413-6554
http://www.uggaustralia.jp

Mural Art Encountered in the U.S.

While the UGG Shibuya store was being set up, did you notice the vivid and dynamic painting on the exterior walls? It was Mr. Takeshi Sato who created this season's women's advertising visuals using only rollers. He has established a unique live painting technique, creating colorful and pop works at times, and powerful monochrome pieces at others. He is a sought-after artist, with numerous commissions pouring in from companies, especially in the apparel sector. First, we asked Mr. Sato about his time in America, which marked the starting point of his career.





"After graduating high school, I got a job, but at 19, driven by simple curiosity, I went to the U.S. I was drawn to American culture through things like jeans, cars, motorcycles, and movies, and I moved to the U.S. around age 20. I was shocked by the 'mural art' I encountered in downtown at that time. Mural art is wall painting, and it's very popular there, unlike in Japan. In particular, the mural art of a person named Kent Twitchell was clearly different from others. So, I researched Kent at the library and was able to see him actually painting murals. I thought, 'I want to paint like this too,' and decided to pursue the world of art, which I had dabbled in before."

An Innovative Technique: Roller Painting

Mr. Sato, who returned to the art world he had once given up on, honed his unique techniques and challenged it again. Since then, he has created murals for theme parks and restaurants in the U.S. and handled corporate advertisements, gaining global attention. How did his style, which emphasizes performance elements unlike traditional painting and art, come about?

"I realized there are various ways to paint, including the art done by street performers around the beaches of LA, who finish their pieces in just 2-3 minutes. Using brushes, spray cans, rollers... Among these, rollers were what I found particularly interesting and saw potential in. I became convinced that it would be amazing if I could create detailed work using only a roller and finish it in 3-4 minutes. I made many mistakes at first, but through trial and error, I made various discoveries and gradually refined my own techniques."

"Although I admired Kent, I felt it was more important for me to do something no one had ever done or seen before. Making sure the audience doesn't get bored and finishing quickly are also part of the appeal of live painting. I want to respond to various needs by making minor adjustments, such as finishing a piece to the rhythm of music. I want to maximize the fun of using rollers and establish it as a genre: roller art."

Dragon | A Cool Work Condensing the Essence of Roller Art

Maintaining His Own Fashion Style Even While Painting

On the day of the shoot, Mr. Sato's personal style consisted of simple yet clean items. The color combinations and sizing were very modern, and we had him pair UGG shoes with his stylish outfit. His favorite watch, a prestigious chronograph, the "Navitimer" from Breitling, is also a choice that reflects Mr. Sato's approach to finishing his paintings within a set time.Breitlingis also a choice that reflects Mr. Sato's approach to finishing his paintings within a set time.

"When I was younger, I always wore typical American casual styles, like jeans and sweatshirts. Of course, I still like jeans and chinos, but lately, I've been wearing them more often with a jacket. Also, I've always wanted to be a man who can wear a suit stylishly, so I sometimes perform in formal attire. I definitely didn't want to dress like a typical painter or wear clothes that could get dirty. "

"Kent, whom I admired, looked great in a flannel shirt tucked into jeans. Painters, including myself, are not just laborers, and we have the confidence that 'the act of painting is cool!' Moreover, the tension of not wanting to get dirty can improve one's skills. It's important for roller art not to focus solely on the painting itself, but to constantly be aware of being watched by the audience."

Encountering UGG Australia and Thoughts on Comfort

We asked Mr. Sato, who has a discerning taste in fashion and is conscious of "presenting himself" as a performer, about his encounter with UGG, his impression of the brand, and his thoughts on the shoes he tried.





This season's UGG brand promise is "Feels like nothing else." What does "unparalleled comfort" mean to Mr. Sato?

"It's about continuing to be a pioneer of unique roller art. Specifically, the thrill and excitement of discovering new ways to use rollers or new painting methods might be it. Unintended mistakes can lead to new discoveries, and the deeper you go, the more profound it becomes. Therefore, challenging the impossible and continuously trying new things might be what elevates me. I believe the UGG brand is also an originator and pioneer of sheepskin footwear."

Takeshi SATO
Born in Miyagi Prefecture in 1977. Moved to the U.S. alone and learned mural painting techniques. Since then, he has created murals for numerous theme parks and restaurants. He has garnered attention from many overseas media for his unique style and live event shows where he paints in a short time. He is known for his original style, full of speed and power, created solely with rollers, utilizing experience and skills honed in commercial art, and he has also created many works for fashion brands.


For more interviews, visit the UGG for MEN campaign site.
http://www.uggaustralia.jp/pc/mentop.cgi

UGG® Australia / Deckers Japan G.K.
Tel. 03-5413-6554
http://www.uggaustralia.jp

First, Let's Try One of the Brand's Signature Styles

UGG boots broke through among West Coast celebrities, and fashionistas worldwide were captivated by their styling. The unparalleled texture of sheepskin. The unique silhouette that adds a moderate volume to the feet. And the exceptional craftsmanship that emanates from their appearance. All of these elements are fresh and exude a luxurious atmosphere.

The anecdote that the origin of sheepskin boots was an item surfers used to warm their feet while resting on land is also interesting. This is why UGG boots remain comfortable even when worn barefoot. Made with the highest quality sheepskin, they offer excellent breathability and warmth while being lightweight. They are dry in the summer and warm in the winter. These are footwear crafted with world-class craftsmanship, yet they are boots that can be worn casually. Furthermore, they possess a high-grade appearance that sets them apart from previous boots. It is at the intersection of these diverse characteristics that UGG boots exist as an adult casual item.





While the "Classic Short" is undoubtedly UGG's standard style, their lineup now includes work boots, slip-ons, and sneakers. The variety is truly abundant. Despite the overall voluminous silhouette, the heel cup is surprisingly compact, lending a refined look from the back. This may be why they are accepted by everyone as urban footwear. The twin-face sheepskin, made from a single piece of leather, should keep your feet comfortably warm in winter and dry in summer.


UGG continues to release models that pursue further practicality and fashionability, and its evolution knows no bounds.

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UGG Australia



Tracing the evolution of UGG's iconic sheepskin boots leads us to the sandy beaches of Byron Bay, Australia. It is said that local surfers used to warm their feet with sheepskin footwear while resting on land, marking the beginning. A young surfer from Australia brought this item to the West Coast of the United States. The brand "UGG AUSTRALIA" was founded by him in 1978. Although the brand originated in Southern California, USA, it bears the country's name in its title for this reason.

In 1995, "UGG AUSTRALIA" came under the umbrella of Deckers Outdoor Corporation. It has since transformed from a surf brand into a "luxurious & comfortable" brand, which it remains today.


For more interviews, visit the UGG for MEN campaign site.
http://www.uggaustralia.jp/pc/mentop.cgi

UGG® Australia / Deckers Japan G.K.
Tel. 03-5413-6554
http://www.uggaustralia.jp

UGG's "Casual Elegance" that Satisfies Adult Playfulness

The "Alder" is a slimmer version of UGG's representative slip-on, the "Ascot." Simultaneously, it features the removal of the 17mm thick twin-face sheepskin, leaving natural wool only in the footbed. This successfully achieves a sleeker impression for the feet. Because the lining is fabric, the upper does not bulge when the foot is inserted, giving the appearance of any other slip-on.





Although structurally minimized, it provides ample UGG's signature soft feel. The natural wool in the footbed insulates against cold from the floor and offers high breathability and warmth. The lining is made of high-quality flannel, ensuring smooth on and off.

With the introduction of numerous new models, the occasions for wearing UGG slip-ons have expanded further, and their casual models, which they excel at, are all full of a sense of style. Among them, the idea of printing a camouflage texture onto high-quality haircalf is innovative. The boldness of incorporating pop icons into high-quality items fully satisfies the playful spirit of adults.

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Japan's Largest Concept Store Opens in Shibuya

On September 26, 2013, "UGG Australia SHIBUYA," the 14th concept store in Japan, opened on Shibuya Park Street. This store is the first in Japan to offer not only footwear for men, women, babies, and children but also loungewear items. The day before the opening, Mr. Takeshi Sato, mentioned earlier, performed live painting, creating UGG's 2013 Fall advertising visuals to jazz music.

The store, spread across two floors (1st floor and basement 1st floor), exudes a premium atmosphere that fully embodies the brand's concept of "Luxurious & Comfort." To experience the brand's worldview through its space, a visit to this latest concept store is highly recommended.





For more interviews, visit the UGG for MEN campaign site.
http://www.uggaustralia.jp/pc/mentop.cgi

UGG® Australia / Deckers Japan G.K.
Tel. 03-5413-6554
http://www.uggaustralia.jp