Chapter 5_Other miscellaneous scenes of the market.
Colorful sandal store. In Thailand, where it is summer all year round, sandals are a consumable item.
A store dealing in accessories for monks. Colored to match the ochre and orange kesa.
I had the impression that there were many specialty stores everywhere at the market, for example, glasses, sandals, tools, and so on. Do you go to such stores in Japan?
Matsukawa: I don't go to Kappabashi in Asakusa, for example, often, but sometimes. To begin with, I like the U.S. I can't get enough of the feeling of mass consumption and rational manufacturing. I'm attracted to home centers and other places that are incredibly large and have a half-dozen things laid out on the floor. In Thailand, I felt the same thing, and that's why it was so worth digging out. But if you want just one piece and they don't sell it in pieces, that's a problem (laughs).
This store sells small hardware items such as scissors, nail clippers, and pliers. It is impressive to see such a large quantity of items.
Other than clothes, he bought key chains, socks, nail clippers, and so on. I often hear Mr. Matsukawa talk about Jun Miura, so I wondered if his concept of "hoge-mono" (souvenirs that do not make you happy even if you receive them) was similar to what he advocates.
Matsukawa: I see what he is collecting! I admire the way he collects things according to his own desires. I admire the way he collects things according to his own desires.
Sock Shop. The line between cheap and fashionable is fun.
Bags are lined up on the walls of the store. Many logos you may or may not have seen before.
You have a different point of view from others, but you are not complacent, and you are open to the masses. Jun Miura's position is unique. Matsukawa-san, what is your sense of distance from major and niche works?
Matsukawa: I myself like major things, but I don't like to be influenced by trends. When I was growing up, I had the conflict of having to conform to school and the world. However, as I worked in this job, I think I became aware that it is boring to follow the same trends. Another big thing was that I started working at a vintage clothing store when I was a college student before I became a stylist. I thought, "I'm done with this.
So you have decided that you don't need to break the mold?
Matsukawa: That's right. I felt that I looked out of place at the university dressed in what was considered acceptable attire at the vintage clothing stores. There were many trend-conscious students on campus, and at that time, some of them rode their TW bikes to school in imitation of Kimura, but I was the only one wearing a bowling shirt or something (laughs). (Laughs) When I saw the obvious difference, I decided to stick to what I liked.
The university is a private school, and the difference in sense of style really comes across.
Matsukawa: Also, when I met a good friend of mine in high school in plain clothes, he was wearing a football T-shirt and an Adidas jersey with snow shoes on his feet, and I was shocked by his outfit. I was shocked by his outfit. He was the only one who had a different atmosphere at school, and I was influenced by him. I have settled on my current style after working as a stylist's assistant for many years, including those past events.
The triangular hat (traditional Vietnamese "Nong La" hat) that Mr. Matsukawa was carrying on his backpack in the middle of the interview photo was impressive, even though there is no photo of the store for a reason.
It also serves as a sunshade and is useful in Thailand where it suddenly starts raining.
Matsukawa: I had been talking about wanting one for a long time and happened to find one in a show window and bought it. This one is not just triangular, but has a device inside to stabilize your head, which was nice. I bought it not for a costume or for personal items, but simply for a sense of satisfaction (laughs). It was a desire to own it.
You also brought a Mexican hat for a photo shoot once.
Matsukawa: You can buy them on Amazon, and some Japanese thrift stores carry them, but it is nice to buy local items in the local market. That's why I get into a shopping mode when I go to a rural area or overseas.
