New Collection Theme: "American Casual" - Expanding Design Possibilities

"Have you lost a little weight?" When asked, Ueki responded with his usual gentle smile, "Maybe I'm just worn out? (laughs)?" Perhaps he looks more focused because he's been immersed in performances, including Panicrew's live shows, even after finishing his own stage production, "WASABEATS." His face, which he jokes is "worn out," shows signs of fulfillment. "I'm dancing so much right now, the worst jazz dance! Everyone laughs (laughs)." He mentioned he's currently rehearsing for another new play.

The design project "BG Brand" is a collaboration between actress Keiko Toda and dancer Go Ueki, who usually work in their respective fields. Since 2007, they have been creating apparel goods for Toda's semi-annual casual live performances and for "Love Junkies," an organization that supports the independence of young people with Down syndrome through entertainment. The latest release features casual T-shirts perfect for the upcoming season.Available on the EC site "rumors". Here, we asked the "BG duo" about the design points.

—What was the design concept?

TodaI've always wanted to try this type of body, called a "ringer type," with contrasting sleeves and neckline. American casual is getting attention again, you know. For this collection, I asked Go to design based on this body style.

UekiFor the central graphic, inspired by the keyword "American casual," I envisioned a collegiate feel and designed it like a crest. I thought this would be sophisticated enough for college wear without being too flashy. While incorporating the "BG Brand" icon motifs from previous collections, I added ropes and borders to create a summery, nautical feel. With its many colors, the gray version might give a stronger marine impression due to the effective use of white.

—Even with the same design, the colors give them a completely different feel.

TodaThe combination of gray and bordeaux was decided from the start. This color scheme, in my mind, is the essence of American casual. For the black version, I considered making the graphic white stand out more, but thought it might look a bit too plain. It could have even been black on black. But that would be too understated, so I chose a dark gray. By adding color in a distressed style, I aimed for a vintage feel.

UekiFor the black one, I hope people will wear it simply, in a monochrome outfit like today's look on Sis (see photo above). I usually start designing based on requests from Sis, but recently, people around me have been suggesting ideas. "Why don't you try something like this next?" The factory workers who bring our items to life are also actively involved, and the range of our designs is expanding year by year.

—What are your plans for the next collection?

TodaWe have many ideas. We want to stay true to the concept of "adult rock" while trying various things. Right now, I'm planning to make wristbands and, as a surprise, caps for the Love Junkies dance recital.

UekiI created merchandise for a play I recently starred in. It felt more like I was made to create it (laughs). I've also designed merchandise for Panicrew's shows, as well as for plays where I was the lead. Sis, how about a scarf next?

TodaA scarf could be good, as it can be used year-round. I'd like to make more accessories like that.

Performing Panicrew's Hit Song "Basketball" with the Request, "Sing This For Me"

We last met the two in February. At that time, we discussed their casual live performance at "Sweet Basil STB 139" and the new "BG Brand" items released to coincide with it. Just four months later, when asked about a performance with a considerably shorter interval, Toda spoke about the closure of "Sweet Basil STB 139," which she calls her "Tokyo home ground," and the one-night-only farewell live performance held because of it.

—Was this live performance organized on short notice?

TodaIt wasn't exactly last minute, but I think we heard about the closure back in January during the live show. Many artists have a connection to that venue, and of course, not everyone could have a final performance. Fortunately, Basil reached out to us, and if our schedules aligned, we were eager to accept. However, my schedule was already set, and Basil had other artists booked, so we had to squeeze it in... which is why it became a single performance on a weekday night. It was a bit of a stretch, but it felt meaningful to do it, so I'm glad we did.

Ueki

Sis, you knew about the closure? I didn't. The information didn't trickle down to us juniors (laughs).

—Was the setlist designed with the farewell performance in mind?

Toda

What do you mean, "juniors?" (laughs). We considered various options for the content, but rather than making it special just because it was the last, we wanted to perform as usual. I've sung in various genres there, and I wanted to leave it all behind in that venue. So, there was jazz, enka, J-pop, and of course, my own originals. Therefore, we didn't change the style. However, for Go, as it was the last performance, I asked him to sing "BASKET BALL," one of my favorite songs from Panicrew's repertoire.

—It's unusual for you to sing one of your own songs.

UekiIt's a song from 2002. The last time Sis guested at a Panicrew live show, she sang it. However, that song has call-and-response parts, so I couldn't sing it alone. I asked YOHEY from the band to join me, and we sang it together. It samples Queen's "We Will Rock You," so I think it was easy for first-time listeners to enjoy. It's not a dance number, so we danced first, and then sang.

TodaWhen Go and I first met, he brought me all the songs Panicrew had released, and this was the one that first caught my attention. While there are many other good songs, this was a particular favorite, and the lyrics fit perfectly, so I requested, "Please sing this for me" (laughs).

UekiThe composer, who used to play basketball, wrote this song about the days and farewells with friends spent on the court. Basketball is a street sport, and it fit our vibe, so we adopted it. The theme is about parting ways for various reasons, but promising to return here someday. Recently, to commemorate our 15th anniversary, we released a new song, "Ifu-Dodo ~BASKET BALL Ten Years Later~," with the theme of "Basketball Ten Years Later."

—Did you have any guests this time?

TodaBrother Tom came. I recently participated in Tom's album, singing a duet called "Koi ni Oborete" (Falling in Love). So, I was hoping to have Tom at the next live performance, and it coincidentally turned out to be the last live show. This song was composed by Toshinobu Kubota, and it's incredibly sexy... perhaps the sexiest of this century (laughs).

Last Live at Sweet Basil STB 139 in Roppongi, Tokyo

Keiko Toda x Go Ueki: The "BG Duo" Embarks on a New Journey (3)

Duet with Guest Brother Tom on "Koi ni Oborete"

—What led to your participation in the album?

TodaI first met Tom during the NHK morning drama "Junjo Kirari," but we didn't have many scenes together. After that, we'd occasionally meet on variety shows, and I didn't even have his contact information. So, I'm surprised I even asked him (laughs). According to Tom, he was looking for someone who could "express" sexiness, not just a singer, but an actress. I don't know if he specifically thought of me, but when we met again on a variety show, he said he thought, "There she is!" Later, when he let me hear the sample, I thought, "Wow, this is a really sexy song..." (laughs).

—How was the recording session?

TodaNormally, you record separately and then edit, but Tom wanted to do it in one take. Like, "Don't worry if it's not perfect, just go with it" (laughs). The focus was entirely on the atmosphere, and all the ad-libs were done on the spot.

UekiOne take!? That's unbelievable (laughs).

TodaYes (laughs). It's like enjoying things in a mature way, not getting hung up on the details. Singing while looking at each other, paying attention to expressions and breaths, was a new experience.

—Did you perform "Koi ni Oborete" at this live show?

TodaTom performed "Big Blue Balloon" from the same album solo, and then we sang "Koi ni Oborete" as a duet. Just like the recording, the stage performance was full of ad-libs. We started apart, gradually moved closer, and in the end, he held my waist while singing (laughs). He can enjoy the moment instantly. It might be his personality, but he has a strong core and solid skills, which allows him to play around like that.

—What are your impressions of Tom?

UekiThis was my first time meeting him, but I grew up listening only to Western music, and the only Japanese artist I sang was Tom. You can tell just by talking to him a little, that cheerful vibe (laughs). And the immense presence Sis mentioned.

TodaHe was the first guest to ask about the color of my dress. He sent a casual email with a joke. I thought it was cool (laughs). Compared to someone like me, who rushes, gets discouraged, and lives hectically, I'm drawn to the unruffled, uninfluenced, and unhurried way of life of people like Tom... and in that sense, Go too. Tom often says at his shows, "There are songs that must be sung," meaning things that must be left behind, themes that must be conveyed. That kind of spirit and way of life is cool, and it feels good to work with them.

—The performance interval was shorter than usual, but do you have any live show plans for the rest of the year?

TodaWe originally planned for around autumn. I have a stage play at the end of the year, so I'm not sure about the rest of the year. I'll be looking for a new base in Tokyo. I have a few options, so I might try a few places. We'll be creating new merchandise for each occasion, so please look forward to it.

—Thank you very much.