Ryuichi Sakamoto, who passed away last year after a long battle with illness. This site has featured numerous projects and interviews he was involved in, but he rarely spoke about his personal belongings. On March 28th of this year, the first anniversary of his passing, a special work cap, created at the professor's own request, will go on general sale.

When we picture the professor, we first think of his center-parted white hair and tortoiseshell glasses. It's also known among fans that he was an avid wearer of New Balance sneakers, but it's less widely known that he had also been fond of hats from "Kijima Takayuki" since around 2012.

"Kijima Takayuki" celebrated its 10th anniversary last year after rebranding. The founder, Takayuki Kijima, is a designer who creates hats for many popular brands such as Undercover and The Soloist, and is also a craftsman with over 30 years of experience. On August 12, 2019, Ryuichi Sakamoto himself visited the atelier adjacent to the Daikanyama shop for a custom order.

The professor, already a fan of "Kijima Takayuki," reportedly asked Mr. Kijima for a "chic work cap that could be worn to restaurants in NY." During the order, after some casual conversation, he left behind the base work cap for the custom order. Apparently, it was a cap that could be easily obtained.

Mr. Kijima, having received the order from a world-renowned musician, was inspired by the few words exchanged with the professor and his overall demeanor, and quietly worked alone in the empty atelier over the weekend. He changed the material, which was not of the highest quality, to a smooth, high-grade cotton fabric, and repeatedly made fine adjustments to the width and depth of the crown for a more elegant appearance.

When handing over the completed custom order, the professor reportedly said with a touch of playfulness, "With this hair color and these glasses, people recognize me as Ryuichi Sakamoto, but if I wear this hat and take off my glasses, I can ride the Yamanote Line." Indeed, this work cap also served the function of concealing the professor's trademark white hair, making it an indispensable companion for his private time.

After this, he contacted them again requesting a "work cap with ear flaps for the harsh NY winter," but amidst this, the COVID-19 pandemic spread, and the professor's condition gradually worsened. The hat was never completed, and they parted ways forever. With this lingering regret, Mr. Kijima chose the professor's 2017 work "Async" as the theme for the 24AW collection.

When he sought permission from the family, not only did he receive their kind approval, but he was also asked to sell the work cap as a double name with "Sakamoto Tosho," leading to this general release. It will be exclusively sold for four days, from March 28th (Thursday) to March 31st (Sunday), at the KIJIMA TAKAYUKI main store in Daikanyama. It will also be available at Sakamoto Tosho simultaneously. Both will be limited in quantity and will sell out.

Even after the professor's passing, major disasters have continued both domestically and internationally, and global warming has become even more severe. In these times, remembering the departed through this work cap holds significant meaning. Along with the many musical works he left behind for us.