"BG Brand" New Items: Relaxed Border Shirts

Keiko Toda x Go Ueki: Evolving Live Performances and Creation (Part 1)

Shortly after the New Year, on January 16th and 17th, the first casual live performance of the year was held at "Sweet Basil 139," a live restaurant in Roppongi, Tokyo. The event was a lively affair with singing, dancing, and even Rakugo (!?). We look back at the performance and asked the duo about the new items from their apparel project, "BG Brand," which debuted at the venue.

Photographs by JAMANDFIXText by FUJITA Mayu

Border x Camouflage: Trying "Pattern on Pattern"

ActressKeiko Todaand dancer Go Ueki (PaniCrew), the "BG Combo," have beentogether for seven years since their formation in 2007.It all began in 2007 with the release of Toda's original album, "ACTRESS," andthe live performance of the same name.This marked the origin of what is now known as the "Casual Live," held for the eleventh time. It was at this point that Ueki was asked to design original merchandise, and thus "BG Brand" began.

Since then, "BG Brand" has released new items twice a year to coincide with the "Casual Live" events. This time, new items were once again unveiled. The online store "rumors" carries both new and previous items, so be sure to check it out.

—Looking back at your creative process so far, what are your thoughts?

Ueki—We've made a lot of things, not just T-shirts, but alsobags and pouches,hoodies,souvenir jackets,and Bearbricks...each one feels significant, perhaps because they are so distinct. For T-shirts, one could simply change the print on the same body, but with "BG Brand," we create a new body each time. It's not just about the design; it's about comfort and durability. Toda's commitment to the wearer is unwavering.

Toda—As I've said from the beginning, I don't necessarily have to do this, given my acting career (laughs). But once I started, it became fascinating, and I'm learning a lot from different angles. Late at night, I'd draw designs on paper, pin them to T-shirts as samples, and take them to meetings with manufacturers. It's enjoyable to see things gradually take shape. Now, with a set pace of at least twice a year, there's so much I want to do. But I can't do everything, so I feel I should pursue what I want to do to the fullest each time. I want to try things that seem impossible.

—Could you tell us about the design points of the new items?

Ueki—This time, it's our first all-over print: a border pattern. Toda had a clear concept from the start, which made the design process smooth. The star motif and the idea of combining camouflage over the border were also hers. However, simply placing a star motif with camouflage over a border wouldn't fully capture the "pattern on pattern" appeal, so I added chains hanging from the stars to create a stronger interaction with the border. The embellishments make it look like a medal, don't you think? The dark base tone is accented with white.

Toda—I'd wanted to do a border pattern for a long time, so that was decided quickly. By using a dark tone of black and gray and thin lines, it has a stylish impression. The chic base makes the star motif stand out. For the body, we've loosened the fit, widened the neckline, and finished the hem and cuffs with a "raw cut" look instead of ribbing, giving it a relaxed feel. As you wear it, the sleeves will naturally curl up, which gives it a USED-like, casual vibe. Of course, it's finished properly, so the threads won't unravel.

"BG Brand" New Items: Relaxed Border Shirts

Keiko Toda x Go Ueki: Evolving Live Performances and Creation (Part 2)

Ueki—We kept the brand logo minimal, just the "BG" letters at the end of the chain, for a subtle, simple finish. Since the base is an all-over pattern (border), we didn't want to make it too busy. We adjusted the elements carefully, and it actually took quite a bit of effort (laughs).

Toda—Actually, this long-sleeve T-shirt has slightly different designs depending on the size. Because the border starts from the hem, the position of the star motif changes. For reference, I'm wearing a women's S size, and Go is wearing a men's M.

Star motif design

Back view

Soft textured fabric

Supporting "Love Junkies" Through Creation

"BG Brand" donates a portion of the proceeds from its items to "Love Junkies," an initiative by the NPO Toy Box. "Love Junkies" is a comprehensive entertainment school for individuals with Down syndrome, founded in 2002, that supports their independence through entertainment such as dance, singing, and theater. We asked the duo, who have been supporting the program since 2007, about their encounter with "Love Junkies."

—How did you first connect with "Love Junkies"?

Toda—Before we even started "BG Brand," I had the opportunity to work with Go on a drama, and he was involved with "Love Junkies" through dance. As I mentioned earlier, since we're doing things we don't necessarily have to do, I wanted it to be meaningful. If we were going to create something, we wanted it to serve a purpose. So, we decided to support "Love Junkies," with whom we both had a connection.

Ueki—Someone saw our performance with PaniCrew and started dancing, which led to dance spreading within "Love Junkies," and we were invited to their recital. Seeing them dance to our music made me and the other members eager to join in. In the end, we went on stage and danced with them (laughs). That was our first encounter, and we still teach dance and attend their performances. Although I'm teaching them, I feel like I'm learning more from them. Things like the pure joy of dancing, or realizing that you don't need to dance to look cool—they remind me of important things I might forget.

—What kind of support do you provide specifically?

Toda—We create original merchandise like towels, wristbands, and bandanas to match their stage performances, and we give them sweets for parties, delivering support in various ways. We could simply donate money from our pockets, and that would be fine. But we wanted to support them with the results of our own efforts towards our goals, as it felt more like us. In fact, we've made even more items than for "BG Brand"... dividing them by color and pattern for different genders and teams (laughs).

"BG Brand" New Items: Relaxed Border Shirts

Keiko Toda x Go Ueki: Evolving Live Performances and Creation (Part 3)

New Year's Guests: Shota Fukamachi and Koki Mitani

After two performances at the Nagoya Blue Note, their hometown, on January 15th, the casual live event was held at STB139 over two days, the 16th and 17th. Starting with a reading of Takashi Yanase's poem and "Anpanman March," the early part of the show featured upbeat jazz numbers. After interspersing talk segments, they performed many original songs, including duets by the BG duo.

In the middle of the show, Ueki delivered a stunning dance performance, and guests included Rakugo performer Shota Fukamachi on the first day and screenwriter Koki Mitani on the second, thrilling the audience. This live performancewas the first since the passing of Mr. Yanase last October,and there was a moment where thoughts of him were shared. For the finale, they appeared in jackets tailored from original fabric printed with his silhouette and dedicated "Over The Rainbow" to him.

—The performance included a tribute to Takashi Yanase, didn't it?

Toda—I didn't want to dwell on it in a somber way, so it was only at the beginning and the end. I was determined not to cry... that was the main thing. I had been thinking for a while that I wanted to convey a message in my own space. I had made public comments, but I wanted to express it in my own way, with my own words, through song. The jacket was originally made to be worn with him, but the opportunity never arose.

—What did the two guests sing?

Toda—For each guest, I ask them to perform one duet with me and one solo. Shota (Shota Fukamachi) sang "My Blue Heaven" with me. While I sang, he played the trombone! For his solo, instead of singing, he set up a stage and performed a Rakugo piece. It was like a "Basil Yosegi" (laughs). I want my live shows, like Go's, to be an opportunity for people to experience various live performances. I think many people saw Rakugo for the first time this time, and I want to present different live performances in a more accessible way within my own scope.

Ueki—Watching Mitani on stage, I was reminded that he's not just a writer but a storyteller. He brought a nose flute, but the way he built up the performance, playing normally at first and then playing around at the end... and the fact that he practiced it beforehand (laughs)!

Toda—Mitani always has ideas and a plan for the performance. "Sing this, play the nose flute here..." Even though he's incredibly busy and it's not even his primary field, he does it. He sang "Kuruizaki Friday Night," a song Keisuke Kuwata wrote for Tamori... it's beyond just being good or bad. It teaches you things.

Ueki—He has a unique style. When he was in the dressing room, he asked me, "Go, I'm thinking of going for a dapper look, what do you think?" He was dressed sharply in a suit and sunglasses, but then he pulled out the nose flute... I was at a loss (laughs). But even for a few minutes on stage, he gives his all, showcasing his accumulated experience. Mitani's attitude inspires me to want to do more and try new things.

Toda—He's a genius at enjoying every moment to the fullest. Despite being extremely busy and likely not having the time to participate in live shows, he joins in and enjoys it. I always feel I should learn from him. Even though it wasn't necessary, he wanted to hear the trombone Shota played the day before. I think he wanted to incorporate it into the performance, but he doesn't hesitate to spend time on such things.

—From your perspective, Go, how was Toda's performance?

Ueki—I like that she performs freely, unlike on stage. And I'm always impressed by how well she sings. It sounds simple, but it's incredibly important. It's the same with dancing; I often say, "Rhythm is key," right? I believe that's only possible when you have the skills. It's cool and acceptable to do so when you have a high level of proficiency. Toda has a solid foundation and performs with control, which is wonderful.

—Are there plans for new songs?

Toda—No, not this time. Songwriting is also interesting in a different way than creating merchandise. Unlike professional composers and lyricists, when people who know each other collaborate, they bring different aspects to the table. It's like communicating on a different channel than usual. When we create something together, we find common ground in unexpected places that wouldn't emerge from just casual interaction. I'd love to do something again!

—Thank you very much.