It fits right in with Jiyugaoka, where there’s a Moonstar flagship store.
—There were already games like “LOW BASKET,” weren’t there?
Yamada: Sneakers with this type of winged design are actually a specialty of Moonstar. As the name “Basket” suggests, these models have their origins in sports, so they typically feature a long tongue and a wide opening to support the ankle. However, since we wanted them to look like dress shoes this time, we’ve made adjustments to the spacing between the wings and the fine lines when worn.
Ebe: So, you're incorporating those kinds of fine adjustments into the design, right?
Yamada: The tongue is curved at the tip to follow the contour of the ankle, and matte eyelets are used—these subtle details work together to shape the shoe’s overall look. Furthermore, I believe the cushioning adds just the right amount of volume, creating a balance with the substantial feel of the upper that contributes to the shoe’s distinctive character.
Kaji: Haven’t you noticed that a lot of recent designs seem to prioritize a sense of volume? There’s definitely a trend toward thicker soles, and I think that’s become the norm for the younger generation. That’s exactly why our eyes are naturally drawn to the sole. But this model strikes just the right balance. If you look closely, you realize, “Oh, the sole is actually a little thicker.” It’s that subtle touch that makes it so appealing.
—Mr. Kaji and Mr. Ebe, how would you wear these shoes?
Kaji: After hearing what Mr. Yamada had to say, I thought, “These are really great shoes.” That’s exactly why I want to wear them in a cool way. I feel like this has given me a challenge as a stylist.
Ebe: It’s not quite “fashion-forward,” but you’d still want to pair them with a contemporary look, right? If these were sneakers with a closed-lace design, like deck shoes, I think they’d be easier to pair with a suit.
The areas of the upper where the foxing tape is applied have been lightly sanded to ensure the adhesive bonds properly. This is another example of Moonstar’s attention to detail.
Yamada: Looking through old documents from , it seems they were making cloth shoes with an inner-wing design before they started making those with an outer-wing design. Since the concept was likely based on leather shoes, I think it’s only natural that the inner-wing models would be seen as a good match for suits. On the other hand, the “LOW BASKET SG” features an open-laced design and has its roots in basketball shoes. That’s precisely why I think its styling lends itself better to a more casual look.
Ebe: Since it has its roots in sports, that means the upper is easier to adjust, resulting in a better fit, right?
—But they’re a really sophisticated pair, aren’t they?
Kaji: It’s got that Jiyugaoka vibe, doesn’t it? With a Moonstar flagship store here, it just seems to fit the neighborhood. That’s why I wore a shirt today with long cuffs—it’s got a bit of a ’80s feel to it. These days, a lot of fashion tends to be pretty serious, doesn’t it?
Ebe: That's true. The idea that it has a "Jiyugaoka vibe" is actually pretty convincing.
Kaji: Precisely because the product is so well-crafted, adding just a few extra elements can sometimes take it to places even the creators themselves never imagined. I think that being appreciated from a different perspective in this way can give these shoes a whole new look.
—To highlight the care and sincerity of .
Kaji: It’s kind of like a fusion of seriousness and playfulness, isn’t it? I don’t think fashion can work if it’s just serious—I believe there’s always a certain “longing for playfulness” somewhere in there. While the background and story behind the creation are important, it’s when different cultures overlap that the appeal of fashion really comes to life.
—Are you asking how to interpret the context and what kind of essence to add to it?
Kaji: If you truly love fashion, the real fun comes from not just focusing on trends or rarity, but also understanding the context behind the pieces and expressing them in your own way. When you approach it from that perspective, I feel like the products themselves become even more appealing.
