Ms. Tanada, a veteran of 17 years with the company, oversees all public relations for Estnation after working in sales and PR. For Ms. Tanada, a mother of one, the Thule Sleek is an indispensable part of her weekends.

When choosing a stroller, one tends to gravitate towards established major domestic brands. What was your first stroller choice, Ms. Tanada?

“I researched all the well-known brands, both domestic and international, but I really didn’t want to have the same one as everyone else (laughs). My husband enjoys surfing, and we go out to various places on weekends, so I prioritized a stroller with large wheels that could handle slightly rough terrain smoothly. That led me to look at overseas brands, and I ended up choosing Cybex from Germany.”

A key advantage of a full-size stroller is its exceptional stability. The wheels can be easily locked with your foot, offering peace of mind when you stop for a break at a cafe while shopping. Thule's manufacturing expertise and safety standards, honed through their work with car racks and carriers, are evident in the Sleek.

The Thule Sleek stroller is finally launching in Japan with a pop-up store at the Estnation Roppongi Hills store. What are your impressions after actually using it before the official release?

“First, I love the sharp, minimalist, urban design. The large, sturdy wheels make it easy to push with one hand. The other day, I went to the Red Brick Warehouse in Yokohama and walked around the area, and I was able to navigate small bumps without any trouble, which meant I didn’t have to wake my sleeping child. It’s comfortable for both parent and child on long outings, with no stress. Honestly, I wish I could have used the Thule right after my daughter was born (laughs).”

The Sleek you tested for this impression is categorized as a full-size model. Was it too large for navigating Japanese city streets?

“Indeed, lightweight, foldable types are popular among petite Japanese women. The Sleek has a certain weight to it, and it’s not exactly easy to load into a car trunk. However, for urban couples who can manage their walks and shopping within walking distance, I don’t think there’s a safer or more comfortable stroller. ”

The large storage space beneath the seat can easily accommodate a decent-sized bag, making it highly practical for everyday shopping. The adjustable canopy features a peek-a-boo window and ventilation mesh, enhancing comfort and safety.

Beyond comfort during travel, what are the Sleek’s other standout features?

“I really appreciate the three-stage reclining seat. It’s so convenient to be able to adjust it to a flat position when they’re sleepy, a seated position when they want to see the world, or an intermediate position for a rest, depending on the child’s mood and the situation. Also, the seat is positioned higher than on other strollers, which reduces heat reflection from the ground. The breathable mesh panel ensures my child rides comfortably. Although it’s a Scandinavian brand, it has the functionality and ease of use to handle Japan’s climate conditions. Its high stability means I don’t have to worry about it tipping over even if I hang shopping bags on the handlebar.”

Note the five-point harness to prevent falls, as well as the bumper bar that can be locked with one hand. Thule’s unique brand philosophy of “transporting safely and stylishly” is consistently applied to their strollers.

You also used a backpack along with the stroller this time. What were your impressions?

“Having both hands free is a huge benefit for parents. Many of my mom friends use backpacks, and they’re convenient for active weekends. Many leading high-fashion brands are also offering backpacks, and it’s certainly influenced by the rise of sporty styles in menswear. However, for many women, myself included, fashion often takes precedence over function when choosing a bag. That’s why I wish brands would communicate more about how to style them for different situations and outfits. I believe there’s definitely a demand for that. I have high expectations for Thule’s future offerings, both for bags and strollers.”

The Sleek allows the seat to be positioned facing forward or backward. In the infant stage, when close supervision is needed, it can be used in a parent-facing configuration. If a second child arrives, optional accessories can be added to convert it into a double stroller. It’s designed for safety, style, and long-term use.

Thule offers a range of strollers, including sporty three-wheelers for running with children, but this is their most versatile flagship model for urban use. It will be available at the Estnation Roppongi Hills pop-up store. Thule Sleek [W60.5×H97×D85 cm] 12.7 kg ¥149,000

THULE POPUP STORE
Tuesday, July 30, 2019 – Tuesday, August 13, 2019
Estnation Roppongi Hills Store
Address: 1F & 2F, Roppongi Hills Keyakizaka Complex, 6-10-2 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
TEL: 0120-503-971