From "Memorial" to "Classic" Items

UekiIt’s been a full year since we started B・G, and it feels like it just flew by without us even noticing.

TodaIt all started in 2007 as memorial goods for my live show, "ACTRESS." Since then, we’ve made so many different things.

UekiWe’ve really increased the number of items. Before I knew it, I was neglecting my own work (laughs).

With B・G, even when we’re making the same thing, there’s a huge sense of accomplishment at each stage. Take a simple cap, for example: we get a thrill from "the design is ready," "the mold is ready," "the sample is ready," "the product is ready." We have multiple opportunities to refine our process and savor the joy of creating something great. That’s why we get so absorbed.

And then there’s the eco-bag, our very first item made for "ACTRESS" before the brand even existed. I still remember the moment I saw the design Go was showing me on his laptop at the cafe where we were meeting. I thought, "This is amazing!" and I was so thrilled I could have jumped for joy. It’s continued to sell really well, becoming our first classic item.

UekiThe eco-bag is special for me too. And long-sleeve T-shirts, but when my sister says, "I want to make something like this," the subject matter is something I wouldn’t normally consider. I had experience with T-shirts, but eco-bags, hand towels, blankets – these are things I wouldn’t even own myself. Through B・G, I’ve gained exposure to a female perspective and sensibility, areas I hadn’t previously considered or researched. I think my own way of looking at things and people has changed. Even when I’m walking down the street, I find myself following people carrying eco-bags, thinking to myself, "We’re better" (laughs).

TodaWe even secretly took photos, didn’t we? (laughs)

UekiOh, right! I was walking in Kinshicho when I saw a woman ahead of me with a B・G eco-bag. I couldn’t get close, so I thought maybe if I filmed it, even for a second, the focus would sharpen. So, I secretly walked behind her and took a video, then sent it to my sister (laughs).

TodaThat’s a little creepy, don’t you think? (laughs)

UekiBut I was so happy! That feeling is something only the creator can experience.

TodaI suppose if I saw it at my live venue, I’d understand, but if I saw it by chance in a completely different town, I’d be happy too.

The Theme for 2009: "Let's All Have Fun!"

UekiWhat I’m making now are things I would never have had the chance to create without my sister. So, my perspective is changing in various ways. I’m noticing things like, "Women like this kind of thing." I used to think, regarding women who were into elaborate nail art, "Why so many decorations?" But recently, I’ve come to accept that "women have their own sensibilities." My antennae have broadened in a good way. It’s not just limited to women, of course (laughs).

TodaYes, yes (laughs).

By the way, Go, is there anything specific you want to create for B・G this year?

UekiIn that sense, I don’t have one specific thing. But if my sister proposes something and we decide on it, I want to have plenty of ideas ready to go, suggestions on how to make it the best it can be. That’s my hope. It’s about finding ways to express my sister’s desire to create more effectively and in better forms. For example, the studs on the caps and sukajans. It’s not just about following trends; if we think it suits B・G, we should be the ones to introduce it.

TodaYes, that’s wonderful to hear! Clothing items are limited, but as we’re just starting out and thinking about what we want to do, there are still so many challenges ahead. We can release new T-shirts every year, and I want to do polo shirts and hoodies too. Although sizing can be tricky, I’m also very interested in pants and shoes. Of course, our existing items have timeless designs, so buying the same thing again is perfectly fine.

At the same time, to ensure that many people can enjoy our products, we absolutely must maintain reasonable pricing.

UekiPricing is always a struggle! (laughs)

TodaBut if we focused on profit, we’d lose the original spirit with which we started B・G. And then, the joy we feel when each item is completed would be halved, wouldn’t it? This offers a different kind of joy and excitement than singing or acting, something I’ve never experienced before. I think our current stance, which retains a hobby-like aspect, is just right. And with that, our theme for B・G is to have a wider range of customers enjoy it with us. However, we do need to make a little profit to achieve our "goals" (laughs).