Keiji Kaneko and Italy: A Look at the Country “Today,” 25 Years Later.
Part 2: Unfashion and Fashion.

Just how much do we really know about Italy? While fashion and cuisine are familiar to us, we actually know surprisingly little about the culture that has flourished there, the daily lives of its people, and the moments that bring a smile to their faces. Speaking about this side of Italy, fashion director Keiji Kaneko says, “It’s the country I’m most interested in right now.” As the Japanese concept developer for the bag brand Felisi, let’s hear him talk at length about the “present” of Italy, which he visited for the first time in about 25 years. This is a five-part series. In Part 2, we’ll examine the differences in fashion culture between Japan and Italy as revealed through “Pitti Immagine Uomo (Pitti Immagine Uomo).”

Photo_Dai Yamamoto
Text_Tsuji
Edit_Yosuke Ishii

Kaneko's Recommendation 01 This is the go-to spot for lunch in Florence.

"During my stay in Florence, I ate lunch at this restaurant every single day. The reason? It’s just delicious. The menu features classic Italian dishes, but the quality is consistently excellent—you’ll never be disappointed. While it’s certainly fun to try different places when you’re traveling, when it comes to food, I tend to prioritize reliability. Taking a moment to relax at a familiar restaurant really helps ease the stress of traveling. It’s also nice to get to know the staff and pick up some insider tips about the city.”

Instagram:@trattoria.enzoepiero.fi

Kaneko's Recommendations 02 A hip wine bar bustling with stylish people.

"This is one of the hottest spots in Florence. It's a wine bar that serves light bites, and you can even stand right outside the door and have a drink. Anyway, lots of stylish people gather here, and it had a lively atmosphere. You’d think there’d be plenty of places like this in Italy, but surprisingly, there aren’t that many. The vibe is casual and inviting, so it seems like a great spot to pop in for a quick drink before or after a meal.”

Instagram:@ilsantobevitorefi