"When I first started my company, I was involved in website and service development as my clients directed. But I began to feel a desire to create content that presented our own vision to society, which led me to establish this company. By leveraging the capabilities of Japanese cameras and focusing on the lives, landscapes, and culture of Japan as subjects, we can naturally differentiate ourselves internationally. And by putting that content onto the internet infrastructure, we can widely promote Japan."

augment5 Inc., headed by Hidetaka Ino, is a digital content production company based in Japan with a global reach. Their work in African countries led to the release of footage capturing the nature and people of Kenya. This year, they presented a documentary film exploring Japan's natural landscapes at the Cannes Film Festival. While traveling the world, Ino recently stopped by a kimono shop in Kurashiki, Okayama, and commissioned a custom kimono.

"Attending film festivals, going to Africa... During times like these, I find myself wondering, 'What does it mean to be Japanese?' It's not just about kimonos; for example, simply having a tatami space in one's home can change many things. It might inspire you to brew better tea, or to alter the lighting."

The more he ventures abroad, the stronger his desire becomes to depict and preserve Japan's beautiful natural scenery. Ino's films undoubtedly resonate because they convey this pure sentiment.

James Oliver, tall with blue-gray eyes, looks every bit the foreigner, but his fluent Japanese might surprise first-time acquaintances.

"I've been living in Japan for seven years now. I only just returned to my native New Zealand for the first time in four years."

Oliver is an editor. He is the publisher of "THE NEW ORDER MAGAZINE," which is carried in select bookstores such as Daikanyama T-Site. The magazine has garnered attention for its stylish pages that convey core fashion and culture from Tokyo and around the globe, earning it worldwide support.

"I have many acquaintances around the world, both photographers and writers. They create cool photos and features. But originally, I was a professional soccer player."

After playing in Australia's professional league, he returned to his native New Zealand to coach at a soccer school. Then, he moved to Tokyo.

"I considered living in places like New York or London, but Tokyo was the most stimulating. Fashion, art, design, and music. For me, what originates from Tokyo is the edge, and it feels the most sophisticated. I believe Japanese people, or rather Tokyoites, have an intuitive ability to grasp 'what is cool.'"

Todd Snyder
Born in Iowa, USA. He has held key positions in men's fashion, including designer at Polo Ralph Lauren, director at Gap, and senior vice president at J.Crew. In 2011, he launched his own brand. In March 2014, he opened the world's first flagship store in Tokyo.