The Essence of Takeo Kikuchi, Packed In

Within the fashion industry, Takeo Kikuchi is affectionately known as "Sensei Take." Those who know him invariably describe him as "amazing" or "impossible to emulate," always striving to convey just how special he is. He is, in essence, the ultimate titan of Japanese fashion. This book is his own account, written because he wished to leave his philosophy in book form.


The book opens with color pages, featuring a wealth of precious photo archives, including advertising visuals for costume production, posters from Men's Bigi, and collection photographs. It also details Kikuchi's personal history, from his childhood to his youth.


Furthermore, the content is exceptionally rich, covering people who inspired him, his creative process, private life, business ventures, and including round-table discussions and contributions. The book is structured to allow readers to view the person of Takeo Kikuchi from every angle.


Kikuchi states, "Am I living in reality with passion? Do I feel that reality constantly? If I realize I have no goals, it's a terrifying thought. Fortunately, I still have several unfulfilled goals, like a young man in his thirties." In an era where a sense of stagnation is undeniable, particularly in lifestyles including fashion, his unwavering pursuit of creative and business success as a designer serves as a powerful encouragement to us all. There are few 73-year-olds as passionate and cool as he is.


Those who live in the same era as Mr. Kikuchi, those who aspire to him as a senior figure who leads the way, fans of TAKEO KIKUCHI, and young people aspiring to a career in fashion—This is a book that we wholeheartedly recommend to all of them.