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FEATURE| SOREL×Nobuaki Kaneko Shoes for all-weather survival.

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SOREL×Nobuaki Kaneko Shoes for all-weather survival.

It is not unusual for the weather in a city to go beyond expectations, including guerrilla downpours and snowfalls in Tokyo. What kind of footwear should be prepared for harsh conditions such as rain and snow? SOREL, with its 55-year history of craftsmanship in the development of winter boots, is the perfect answer to this question. The "Caribou," a classic winter boot that is waterproof, coldproof, and can withstand temperatures as low as -40°C, and the "Cheyenne II," which skillfully fuses functionality and fashion, are representative models of this tradition. We sought out the connection between Nobuaki Kaneko, a musician and actor who visits many places in his professional life, and these boots, whose functional beauty shines through their craftsmanship.

  • Photo_Tetsuo Kashiwada (KiKi)
  • Styling_Daisuke Kamii (demdem inc.)
  • Hair&Make_Miyuu Takeuchi (VANITES)
  • Text_Masahiro Kosaka
  • Edit_Shinri Kobayashi
  • All prices do not include tax.

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Nobuaki Kaneko
Born in Tokyo, Japan in 1981. Musician and actor. He has appeared in numerous dramas and films, including "CROWS ZERO II," "MOTEKI," "Ohisama," "Gunji Kanpei," "Shinjuku Swan 1 and 2," and "CRISIS. Meanwhile, he formed the rock band "RIZE" in 1997, and while playing the drums, he has also been active in solo work, participating in numerous artists' productions and tours. In recent years, he has also been involved in music for art, stage, and film. His latest work, "zamza," a collaboration with Sid Kafka, which he sound-produced, will be released for distribution on Wednesday, December 13. RIZE is currently releasing its eighth album, "The Thunderbolt Returns," and will celebrate its 20th anniversary on Wednesday, December 20, with its first solo performance at the Nippon Budokan. The group is also preparing for its first solo performance at Nippon Budokan on December 20 (Wed.) to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its formation this year.


Craftsmanship felt in outdoor boots.

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What is your usual style?

Nobuaki Kaneko ("Kaneko")Since I was a teenager, I tend to wear monotone, simple outfits. I wear a cut-and-sew outfit with a hoodie and stretchy skinny pants. Since I was born and raised in Tokyo, I choose my clothes while thinking about how I can blend in with the city and remain smooth while erasing myself.

If so, is it still simple on the feet?

moneyI think I look at the feet a little differently than other parts of the body, because the styling theme is determined by the feet. I used to play basketball and was influenced by Michael Jordan in real time, so I used to wear Air Jordans a lot when I was young. I still wear 27cm Converse All Star shoes with leather laces.

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(SOREL) snow boots (caribou) ¥20,000, (Iroquois) outerwear ¥69,000, cut and sew ¥15,000, pants ¥17,000 (Iroquois HEAD SHOP Tel. 03-3791-5033)

So sneakers used to be more familiar than boots.

moneyYes, I do. I guess the so-called "street culture" is my origin. On the other hand, when I was young, I felt that boots were something you had to be tall to wear.

Has there been a change in how you feel about this area with age?

moneyIt was probably around the time when I was in my mid-30s that I started to slip into them without having to strain to grow taller. Especially in the past 10 years, I have been going to various places for work, including photo shoots, and the opportunities to wear boots have naturally increased. And when I do, I feel the passion and "craftsmanship" of the shoemaker.

I see. It may be especially easy to get that from outdoor boots, which are easy to understand and have excellent functionality.

moneyAs a musician myself, I have a great deal of sympathy for craftsmanship. Even when I am wearing shoes, I am always wondering, "Why did they make them this way? I am always curious about things like "Why did they make them this way?

The feeling you get in the mountains that you can't get in the city.

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I guess you are looking at shoes from the perspective of products or gear, right? These two models are also boots with excellent functionality, aren't they?

moneyOutdoor products are not only cool, but also have functions for living, and I think that's what makes them so beautiful. It is functional beauty, isn't it? When I am shooting in a hard environment, such as in the mountains, I strongly feel the benefits of products that are made to withstand the rugged environment. I tend to be cold, so boots with excellent heat retention, such as the Caribou, are good for me. After all, my body is my capital.

By the way, "Cheyenne II" has a solid waterproof property, but I have the impression that it is a relatively urban design, but do you sometimes wear boots with serious functions in the city?

moneyI have recently realized that what we need in the city is changing. The four seasons are being lost, and there are so many inclement weather events that say, "I didn't hear that! There are so many bad weather events that make people say, "I didn't hear that! Or a guerrilla downpour, for example. I think it is a good stance to be "stylishly prepared" for such things. It is a way of being fashionable and surviving. I think it is good to wear functional boots in the city as a statement of intent.

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(SOREL) boots (Cheyenne II) ¥17,000, (LAD MUSICIAN) coat ¥68,000, shirt ¥18,000, pants ¥19,000 (LAD MUSICIAN HARAJUKU Tel.03-3470-67601 TP14T ,〈WACKO MARIA〉Leather gloves ¥22,000(PARADISE TOKYO Tel.03-5708-5277)

On the contrary, how do you spend your time outdoors?

moneyAs I grow older, I realize that my body is seeking nature more and more. Because of my job, I cannot get hurt, so rather than doing winter sports such as snowboarding, I tend to go to places with rich nature and enjoy the scenery.

It's a great way to spend your time off.

moneyHowever, not only off-site, we have a studio at Lake Yamanakako, where we sometimes spend a few days making music. Because of the location, the air quality is excellent. When I am in such an environment, I feel as if my body and cells are being replaced, and ideas are not stagnant. When creating something, I think it is good to empty your body and other physical things once. It's like letting everything out. So I would like to continue to cherish such time.

Columbia Sportswear Japan
Phone: 0120-193-803
www.sorel.jp

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