I feel the "next-generation" spirit from the customers too (Udo)

STUDIOUS was founded in 2007 with a concept diametrically opposed to traditional select shops that import and introduce good overseas brands to Japan. Currently, it operates 15 stores, including e-commerce, employs approximately 120 staff, and disseminates over 100 Japanese domestic brands (TOKYO brands) through the STUDIOUS filter.

A key feature is that President Tani himself attends brand exhibitions as a buyer, and each store manager also purchases products as a buyer. Consequently, the merchandise selected at the Harajuku store may differ from that at the Shinjuku store, and the store manager's individuality directly shapes the store's atmosphere.





Masato TaniFor this short, intensive series on OPENERS, I specifically asked Mr. Udo for the first installment.

Koji UdoThank you for that request.

TaniIt was when STUDIOUS wanted to carry FACTOTUM and made an offer that we were introduced, wasn't it?

UdoAs I got to know Tani and talked with him, I felt his passionate desire to "handle things he genuinely believes in," and I came to understand what STUDIOUS aims for. I watch with keen interest as he pioneers a new era.

TaniThank you. I turned 30 last year.





UdoWhen you look at STUDIOUS shops, you can clearly see how much they value brands and products. With displays that beautifully showcase the clothing, they emphasize the process of "conveying value" alongside selling the garments.
Amidst the diversification of select shops, the focus on Japanese craftsmanship is also fresh, making it easy for customers to grasp the message.

TaniPeople tend to think of next-generation select shops as operating rationally, and STUDIOUS might appear to be doing new things, but in reality, we are going against the current trend, applying what were once standard practices to today's era.

UdoFor example, for fashion as a daily necessity, rational purchases made online might suffice. However, for fashion as a luxury item, there are also irrational aspects that are sought after. Looking at STUDIOUS, they strongly present the clothes and brands, while the sales staff provide service like entertainers, and customers are essentially "buying time" including the service.
The people who enjoy shopping at STUDIOUS are often stylish individuals who skillfully mix and match various brands. I sense that "next-generation" spirit in them too.

Bringing Shops Reflecting Japan's Current Reality to the World (Tani)

TaniFrom your perspective, Mr. Udo, how do you see the Japanese fashion market?

UdoFor FACTOTUM's Spring/Summer 2014 collection, I visited Finland in Northern Europe. Without a doubt, Japanese fashion sensibility is exceptionally high. Japanese fashion is a mix culture in the best sense. My generation mixes vintage with designer brands, and Tani's generation mixes domestic and international brands, further enhanced by vintage clothing.

TaniIndeed, Harajuku, with its dense concentration of fashion shops ranging from luxury to fast fashion and gothic lolita, has a unique atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the world, offering a chaotic kind of fascination.

UdoSTUDIOUS plays a part in that fascination, and its strength lies in expressing its concept within the store. I'm looking forward to seeing how it evolves. Perhaps it might even venture beyond fashion into something else.

TaniActually, we plan to expand overseas starting this year, and I want to convey the real fashion of Tokyo, which has a high sensibility. While Japan is often spotlighted for its subcultures, I believe that by introducing brands like FACTOTUM, which advocates for real clothes, to overseas markets, we can create a fertile ground for conveying Japan's current reality.

UdoThat perspective is novel. I look forward to it.

Masato Tani, CEO of STUDIOUS, and Koji Udo, Designer of FACTOTUM (Part 2)to be continued

Masato TANI
CEO of STUDIOUS. Born October 1983 in Shizuoka Prefecture. Graduated from Chuo University Faculty of Commerce in 2006. Joined Daytona Inc. in April of the same year, where he launched the STUDIOUS business from scratch. In February 2009, after serving as General Manager of the STUDIOUS Business Division, he resigned. In March of the same year, he founded STUDIOUS through an MBO.

INFORMATION | FACTOTUM Gallery Hosts First Exhibition by Akira AOKI

The "FACTOTUM Gallery," opened concurrently with the renovation of the FACTOTUM Daikanyama store in August of last year and located within "FACTOTUM appartement," serves as a space to focus on and present things and concepts selected by designer Mr. Udo, regardless of domestic or international origin or format.
As the inaugural artist, Akira Aoki, an artist who has handled art direction, graphics, and art shows for numerous domestic and international brands, will hold his first solo exhibition, "ONESWER," from Saturday, January 25th to Sunday, February 2nd, 2014.

FACTOTUM Gallery EXHIBITION "ONESWER"
Period | Saturday, January 25, 2014 – Sunday, February 2, 2014
Time | 13:00–20:00
11-3 Uguisudani-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
FACTOTUM Gallery (within FACTOTUM appartement)