Akira Shimada x OPENERS

Q: What is your favorite place right now?

The upper reaches of the Uono River in Niigata. It's no longer open season, but it's a place where I can lose myself in fly-fishing, a place where I can truly return to my childhood self.

Q: What do you do on your days off?

I go to bookstores, galleries, and vintage shops. In the end, it's all about things that connect back to my work.

Q: Who is a friend (work colleague) you recently saved to your phone?

Mr. Kawasaki from GQ editorial department. He's young but knowledgeable, a promising young editor with whom I can have deep conversations about fashion.
As a fellow professional, I was delighted by his idea of dressing Pharrell Williams in Shikata.

Q: Can you recommend a delicious restaurant?

Soba Yamato in Yoyogi-Uehara. I might go there once a week.
Delicious food, reasonable prices, and pleasant staff. It's truly relaxing.

Q: What car (or motorcycle) do you drive? What do you want to drive next?

A G-Wagen 500GL.
I've customized it with an all-black exterior and a beige leather interior.
I also have a fully custom-ordered fixed-gear bicycle that I received from Mr. Aihara, formerly of Organic Cafe.
It's a striking golden color. However, I haven't quite mastered riding it yet and am currently in training (laughs).

Q: Who is your 'idol'?

Mr. Yukihiro Takahashi of the former YMO, now HASYMO, was the one who significantly shifted my interest towards fashion.
I was captivated by his stylish way of drumming in white Gucci sneakers during my high school years, and my passion for fashion has never waned since.

Q: When you hear "health," what comes to mind?

Balance between mind and body.

Q: What is your motto in life?

Do not be ungrateful.

Q: Who is the person you most want to meet right now?

The Dalai Lama.
Photographer Noboru Morikawa, who has met him, says,
“He is a person who embraces everything.” I would like to be embraced by him.

Q: What is the one thing you most want to buy right now?

A table by Piet Hein Eek.
I've been strongly drawn to tables made from salvaged materials for a long time.
However, to buy it, I would have to move (crying).

Q: What is your best movie?

American Beauty.
There is so much overwhelming beauty in the world,
and it constantly makes me contemplate the meaning of life.
It's a truly profound film. I rewatch it several times a year.

Q: What computer do you use?

Fujitsu FMV-BIBLO.
To be honest, I have a digital phobia.
When it breaks, I always rely on a friend (laughs).

Q: Do you take any regular medication or supplements?

NOMUBARA.
The extract from roses, when added to water, helps me relax. And, of course, my exhaled breath smells of roses.

Q: What is your favorite season and why?

Early autumn, specifically dusk.
I like the blend of the fleeting transience of summer ending and the first autumn breeze, when crickets begin to chirp.
It's a mix of melancholy and the start of autumn.
Sometimes I feel like a sentimental adult (laughs).

Q: What do you mainly use to listen to music?

A Pioneer CD player in my car for when I'm on the move.
At home, I use Bang & Olufsen.

Q: What are your favorite fashion brands?

I don't have any in particular.
Rather than brands, I believe my style is chosen through my own eyes and touch.

Q: Please name one creator you are interested in.

Artist Hiroshi Sugimoto.
His works are like puzzles that always surprise me.
I'm also interested in Tatsuo Miyajima, an artist who captures the essence of time.

Q: What is your favorite alcoholic beverage?

I don't drink alcohol. Or rather, I can't.

Q: Do you have any pets? (If so, their name and why)

MAX, a miniature dachshund.
He's 12 years old. I named him MAX because it sounds strong (laughs).
The reason I started keeping this dog might have been because Jacques Tati's dog, Daki, was a dachshund...
That seems to be the reason I started keeping this dog...

Q: Who do you respect?

The Dalai Lama.
Despite being such a high-ranking monk, he sheds his aura and is always smiling and welcoming.
Truly great people possess an aura that transcends mere aura. His extraordinary ordinariness is remarkable.

Q: What book is in your bag right now?

Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut.
I remembered it because Haruki Murakami translated it, and it left an impression on me.
And also a photo book of forests called 'WOODLAND' by DANIEL GUSTAV CRAMER.
I found it in Milan; it's a deeply, deeply healing photo book of forests.

Q: Favorite athlete?

Hidetoshi Nakata during the Germany World Cup.
Fighting alone, giving his all, stoic, constant effort.
After all, a man must fight.

Q: What do you wear to sleep?

For the past 20 years, I've been wearing Brooks Brothers pajamas.

Q: What is your dream?

When I die, I want many true friends with whom I've connected deeply to shed real tears.
I won't be able to confirm it, though (laughs).
After my death, I hope my collection of Art Deco and modern art
will be published as a personal auction catalog at Christie's
and put up for auction. I won't be able to confirm that either (laughs).