A Shared Passion for Cars

──I'd like to discuss the joys of creative work, centered around fashion and cars. To begin, how did you two, Mr. Masafumi Suzuki, editor-in-chief of ENGINE, and Mr. Susumu Sasaki, first meet?

SasakiIt was about 12 or 13 years ago. We were introduced through a mutual friend. I recall it was around the time Mr. Suzuki was busy with the launch preparations for ENGINE. He seemed full of energy and enthusiasm.

SuzukiAnd you were also involved in launching APC around that time, weren't you?

SasakiAfter we became personal friends, he taught me a lot about cars. He even let me drive a Porsche. I have fond memories of that.

SuzukiThat was a 911 GT3. I still drive a Porsche 911. It's a 964 model convertible from a little while back. What do you drive now, Mr. Sasaki?

SasakiAn Audi RS4. Until now, my car choices have been quite rational, but I wanted to lean towards passion now. Mr. Suzuki, do you have any cars you desire?

SuzukiPerhaps a Bentley Mulsanne. I also think the Rolls-Royce Ghost is nice, but I lean towards the Mulsanne. I've even decided on the body color for when I drive it myself (laughs).

SasakiWhat color is it? Please do tell.

SuzukiThe exterior color is Signal Red. It's a shade that has a hint of pink, like a British traffic light, and I like the combination with dark gray seats. For a sports car, I'm currently interested in the Porsche Boxster Spyder. I'd want the six-speed manual, without air conditioning.

Fashion and Cars as Self-Expression

SasakiDespite the variety of appealing cars available, the trend of young people not being interested in cars continues, doesn't it?

SuzukiWhat about clothing?

SasakiIt's similar. However, I feel the tide is turning from the previous "cheap is good" mentality. Customers who believe it's better to pay a reasonable price for quality items are increasingly visiting our stores.

SuzukiWearing clothes is incredibly important. Once you step outside, you're in a public space, so you have to be conscious of how you appear. I think that's part of the fun of wearing clothes. I remember once being seen buying a grilled horse mackerel at the supermarket, and someone spread rumors saying, 'Suzuki eats surprisingly ordinary things' (laughs). And indeed, I do eat ordinary things. In essence, we must be aware that our identity is reflected in the eyes of others. When choosing clothes, don't we all think, 'I want him to think this of me, or her to think that of me'?

SasakiThat's right. I also consciously try to present myself in a certain way.

SuzukiIt's difficult to maintain a strong sense of self, "This is me, this is who I am," all the time when you're out and about. At such times, you want something to support you. While intelligence in speech and cultured behavior can earn respect from others, clothing can also be your ally. When you're dressed well, you don't feel intimidated meeting anyone.

SasakiI know I make clothes, but dressing stylishly isn't necessarily something you need to consciously pursue. It's about a kind of unconscious consistency. When you wear a top and bottom that you like, it naturally becomes a form of self-expression.

SuzukiWe shouldn't give up. Looking back at childhood, we've all probably had experiences of giving up on something midway, like quitting studies or abandoning the dream of being a pitcher and cleanup hitter in baseball. It's the same with fashion. But if you've ever wanted to dress stylishly, that desire remains somewhere deep down. Even someone who is criticized by female employees as "our manager doesn't care about clothes at all" might still be particular about their shirt choice.

SasakiExactly. It's enjoyable to help those people. In life generally, a little hint can significantly improve quality. This applies not only to choosing clothing items but also to accessories, soaps, lotions, restaurants, and bars. When you experience something of good quality, you can sometimes feel a kind of awakening. At "Biotope" in Platinum, we aim to offer proposals for life in its entirety.

What Kind of Talent is JUN Seeking?

──When making attractive proposals in various fields, staff members are crucial, aren't they?

SasakiYes. We are currently recruiting new talent, and I want to work with people who can connect their interests to their work. That's what I consider creativity.

SuzukiIt's important for everyone, from sales representatives to kitchen staff, to be creative.

SasakiFor example, one of our staff members wanted to collaborate with a different industry. Despite repeatedly approaching the other party, we didn't get a positive response for a long time. But eventually, that staff member's passion and persistence convinced them. This led to the creation of clothing featuring Calpis's water droplet pattern and clothing using the profile of the girl from Merry Chocolate's logo.

SuzukiThat's interesting (laughs).

SasakiThis kind of enthusiasm is surprisingly important. I believe that what is needed in today's era is often hidden within things that others might dismiss as "a bit too enthusiastic." That's why, at our company, proposals won't get approved without a certain level of enthusiasm.

SuzukiIt's important to have people who are willing to take action without knowing the outcome. While we don't know how much thought went into the polka dots initially, the proposal itself is interesting. The fact that they were able to persuade the other party afterward must be because they made them think, 'This person might be onto something.' That's the power of people.

SasakiIf I trust that person, I generally give them my full approval. Of course, there will be failures. But as long as they have the capacity to learn from them, it's fine.

The Ideal Style Proposed by "Biotope"

──Listening to this conversation, it seems that communication between people and things is paramount.

SuzukiIt's not just about performance or design with cars. It's about how you enjoy them. For example, when I buy clothes, I often drive there. Ideally, I'd like to park right in front of the store. Then, when I come out, if the staff who saw me off say, 'That looks cool,' I'd be happy.

SasakiI understand that having a car involved can create a more pleasant relationship, not just between the customer and the product.

SuzukiIt's disappointing if you have to park in a distant lot and walk.

SasakiDriving to a shop is enjoyable. Furthermore, I believe it's important for shops to have skillful presentations of how products are handled, and to be able to explain their concepts during sales. A business that's just about selling isn't enough, in my opinion. That's where the human element is needed. For instance, for a customer who wants to dress stylishly, we can offer a luxurious look or a naturally elegant ensemble; the range of proposals is wide. I believe this is also part of the communication we, the sellers, provide.

SuzukiIn terms of cars, there's a model called the Lancia Thema. It's understatedly stylish. In fashion, too, a classic style with a high-quality cashmere jacket, well-made flannel trousers, and classic lace-up shoes is certainly very good. What kind of style proposal is your ideal, Mr. Sasaki?

SasakiOur store's concept boils down to "creating excitement." With clothing, I want to propose modern newness through coordination.

SuzukiFocusing on what interests you is the most important thing. In magazines, when we write about topics we're truly interested in, we receive a great response from readers. The interior design of "Irving Place" on the third floor of "Biotope," where we are now, was designed with someone's passion, wasn't it? It's very impressive. The chairs, the chandeliers, and so on. They've skillfully combined various styles.

SasakiIt was renovated in March 2010, but prior to that, I toured Manhattan and other places with director Takashi Kumagai to confirm the style. On the first floor, we sell refined aromas and plants. The second floor offers clothing with a selective element. We considered incorporating earthy elements for people living in the city. After all, an exclusively artificial environment wouldn't fit the current mood.

SuzukiWorking with staff who can help build the world you're interested in.

SasakiI present creators with an image or objective for what they want to create and then commission them, but I enjoy seeing their values and tastes reflected in the work. I believe that when people I trust can fully express their worldview and create products, it leads to a good outcome for the business as well.

Experience is Unnecessary if You Have Inner Drive

SuzukiMr. Sasaki, what are you interested in right now?

SasakiPersonally, I'm interested in physical activity.

SuzukiPersonal interests can become business opportunities. For instance, do you know any good gym trainers? Can you think of something you could do together with them? I expect you to expand your business in such flexible ways, Mr. Sasaki.

SasakiIndeed, business seeds can sprout from anywhere. Whether they can be nurtured is another matter. That sensitivity is precisely what I seek in my staff.

SuzukiFor future business, I think it might be better not to produce things on a massive scale. Sincere craftsmanship for small groups. I believe that involving customers and creating events is a good way to sell. Therefore, people who can communicate directly are most important.

SasakiCommunicate directly?

SuzukiIt's a metaphor. In a live music performance, isn't the most moving part the singing with a live voice? Similarly, I believe stores can grow if they have staff capable of communicating directly with customers.

SasakiIs that the kind of person you're looking for, Mr. Suzuki?

SuzukiI like people with good faces. Not in terms of conventional attractiveness, but a facial expression that clearly shows their inner drive and enthusiasm. I enjoy working with such staff.

SasakiI agree. As I mentioned earlier, my company is currently recruiting. We're looking for people who can expand our business by taking a broad view of the fashion industry. Experience is not a requirement. If anyone has something they want to achieve, we want them to come to us right away.

SuzukiI've had a long association with the JUN brand and look forward to its future changes.

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