WONK, one of the leading bands in Tokyo today, calls itself an experimental soul band, and with a high degree of originality that reflects the tastes of each member, they have traversed a variety of genres, from jazz festivals to rock festivals. While their stance is somewhat dry, as they are conscious of the fact that music is not selling well, their detailed planning from the beginning of their formation reveals an extraordinary passion for music. We interviewed Kento Nagatsuka, vocalist of WONK.

We decided on the direction of the band from scratch before we even started writing songs. We also designed the photos and promotional posters ourselves.

Although he thought and moved strategically to that extent, he was not able to read the appreciation from music fans. However, in a positive sense, he describes the huge success of their first full-length album, "Sphere," released in 2016, as "really unexpected. Now, five years after their formation, they are trying to encompass not only music but also "culture in general" through their own label, epistroph. The new generation band, which is not only concerned with making music but also apparel, design, and songwriting, also looks at fashion with a cool head, while at the same time showing a glimpse of their passion as creators.

I sometimes look at a person and think, "That's cool, that outfit," but I won't touch something that doesn't suit me. My personal favorite fashions are those that convey the creator's thoughts and philosophy, regardless of whether they are major or minor. Of course, there are times when I choose an item based on its design, but basically, that is what I rely on. Usually, I tend to wear traditional clothes with a traditional atmosphere or with a work-like smell. . As for my feet, I definitely wear leather shoes rather than sneakers for a lighter look. I prefer a masculine style, as if I were working in a coal mine (laughs).

Even Kento, who emphasizes leather shoes, often wears sandals in the summer.

Of course I like traditional and work clothes, but when I go out for fun in the summer, I like to put all that aside and choose casual clothes that allow me to relax completely. I naturally switch my mood, so I tend to wear sandals more often.

Birkenstock" has more in common with Kento's style and the music that WONK plays than with "casual" flip-flops.

. It has a very long history, over 200 years, I believe. . In our music, for example, we are often influenced by old jazz musicians and classical composers. . I sometimes write poems while thinking about their thoughts. I think that wearing historical objects is similar to that. Of course, wearing "Birkenstock" does not mean that you feel the history of Germany, but it is still very different from wearing something without history or background in terms of feelings. So, even when I wear them with casual wear, I feel more comfortable.

Among them, "Zurich" has a hidden charm that can only be appreciated by experiencing it. Kento seems to have a great appreciation for the design and comfort of the shoes.

. I first encountered it when I was in junior high school. I saw a boy in my class who was wearing them and bought them, copying him. Now that I try them on again, I am still attracted to their "good-for-you" design, which allows me to wear them in any style. I don't have to mention the comfort of the shoes, and I think the fit is outstanding. I feel a high level of perfection in these shoes.

What kind of future does the band, which is steadily progressing in activities other than music, making the most of each member's origins, have in store for us?

. from the very beginning, we had a lot of things we wanted to do. For example, the apparel brand to be launched in the 18SS is led by Arata, who plays the drums. By having someone else's creativity take the center stage while the other members bring their ideas and opinions to the table, the members, who have strong personalities and tastes, are able to work together in friendly competition without clashing with each other. This approach is the same when we create music. I believe that the value created through music can only become a culture if it spreads to other genres as well.