A new Hawaiian shirt proposal. A three-way rain spooner.
When the warm weather arrives, there is one piece of clothing that I find myself wanting to wear every year. That's right, Hawaiian shirts. This year, a variety of items have been released, but when in doubt, one thing you can always rely on is the "long-established" crown. That is why JOURNAL STANDARD has placed a special order with the Hawaiian brand "reyn spooner," which has been making Hawaiian shirts since 1956. The Hawaiian shirt has been reborn as a new classic by multiplying bold ideas while maintaining the dignity of a long-established brand. We asked three experts who love shirts to try on such items.
Founded in Hawaii in 1956, the brand "Rainspooner" is still loved by locals even after more than half a century. While most Hawaiian shirts are considered to be open-collared shirts, the brand has attracted many people with its unconstrained and free ideas, such as releasing button-down and pullover type items. And one item that can be cited as synonymous with the brand is the printed fabric lining. But this time, Journal Standard has turned the tables and delivered a new "rain spooner" to us.
That is what this shirt is. The outer fabric is used instead of the lining to create an orthodox Hawaiian shirt, and a plain Hawaiian shirt was born to overturn the concept of "Hawaiian = patterned". These items suggest a new direction for the brand, while maintaining the high quality craftsmanship of the Rainspooner brand. What will the three experts who will appear in this issue make of it?
This Hawaiian shirt is made of rayon 100% fabric with a relaxed feel. The spacious box silhouette and smooth, thick texture are combined to create a superbly comfortable fit. The tropical motifs of the Hawaiian shirt, such as hibiscus, pineapple, and palm tree, are also attractive. We asked Jun Saito of YOUR SONG IS GOOD, a well-known band member who wears Hawaiian shirts, to wear this item.
Saito Jun
Born in Tokyo, Japan in 1973, he formed the instrumental band YOUR SONG IS GOOD in 1998 after playing in FRUITY and SCHOOL JACKETS. He is known as a considerable Hawaii lover.
When YOUR SONG IS GOOD made its major debut, all the members wore Hawaiian shirts on stage, right?
dice cupAround 2006. I wanted to make it look like a so-called "orchestra. It was like playing in a hotel lounge in Hawaii sometime ago.
I see.
dice cupYOUR SONG IS GOOD started out and is based on strong influences from punk and hardcore, but as a listener, I have heard a lot of music and have come across record jackets that show the band members all wearing matching outfits. I have always had a strong yearning for such bands. So you have always had a strong longing for such bands (laughs).
Is it all about the music and the visuals?
dice cupYes, I agree. I loved the feeling of punk, especially American hardcore, with those suburban kids going on stage in their regular clothes, but I was also attracted to a certain kitschy fun that came from the overdressed-up nature of the orchestral stuff. I liked both in terms of sound.
Did you always love Hawaii?
dice cupI was attracted to the so-called Hawaiian image, the tropical image. Beautiful beaches, palm trees, Diamond Head, exotic music, Tiki culture, Hawaiian shirts, and so on. All of these things together made me think that Hawaii was nice. But at the time, I had never been to Hawaii, so it was just an image I had (laughs). (Laughs.) And when I went there, I was hooked.
Now you are totally recognized as a Hawaii lover (laughs).
dice cupThank you (laughs). I visited for the first time, albeit belatedly, in 2010. Since then, I have visited almost every year. There was a time when I tried my best to visit twice a year. By the way, I was there just recently (laughs).
Did anything change after experiencing the Hawaiian atmosphere firsthand?
dice cupI don't mean playing so-called Hawaiian music with a band, but after visiting Hawaii several times, I started to think that I wanted to incorporate the unique Hawaiian mood, or rather, that relaxing feeling, into the band's sound. However, since our starting point was punk hardcore, it took a long time to find the right way to make that tension more relaxed, but I think we are on the right track these days (laughs).
During the course of the activities, you stopped wearing "all Hawaiian shirts". What was the reason for that?
dice cupI don't have a good reason, I'm afraid, but I probably got tired of it in the middle of the show (laughs). (Laughs.) By the way, I have been wearing Hawaiian shirts in my live performances since last year.
Do you wear it in everyday life when you are not performing live?
dice cupI also wear them on a daily basis. I have about 20 of them at home, and when I go to Hawaii, I buy them as a memento of my trip. Of course, I also own "Rain Spooner" shirts. There was a time when all the members wore Hawaiian shirts.
Oh, really?
dice cupIt was just at the time when we decided to wear Hawaiian clothes in the band, when it was cold (laughs). (Laughs.) We couldn't find anything at all when we looked for it. When we were having trouble, we happened to find a lot of "rain spooners" at a vintage clothing store near our member's house. I asked the owner, "Are these linings? The store master told me, "Yes, this is a brand called 'Rainspooner. I had an image of Hawaiian shirts as open-collared shirts, so I saw a lot of B.D. shirts and pullovers, and I learned that there are many kinds of Hawaiian shirts.
How do you feel about wearing this special-order Hawaiian shirt from "Journal Standard"?
dice cupIt has the best of both worlds in terms of feel and comfort. It has an exquisite lightness and is stress-free. I tried on all the patterns for this item, and when it came to matching this hat, this pineapple fit the best (laughs).
Saito-san, are there any particular things that you pay attention to or are conscious of when you wear Hawaiian clothes?
dice cupIt was quite a while ago, but a man at a local store once told me something. When I tried to pick up a shirt in a size that would fit me, he said, "Hawaiian shirts are supposed to be worn with the shoulders down. Choose a bigger size. I thought, "Well, this is the Hawaiian way of wearing shirts.
I also want to have a long relationship with Hawaiian shirts. This is also a story from the other side of the world, but one day I was relaxing on the beach watching the sunset when a local old man came dashing by on his scooter, wearing a shabby Hawaiian shirt. He looked so cool. He was tanned, wrinkled, and looked really good. I felt that Hawaiian shirts have a deep sense of nostalgia, as if age is irrelevant.
For Hawaiians, the Hawaiian shirt is formal wear. In other words, it is standard clothing.
dice cupThat's right. While there is such depth, for me, wearing a Hawaiian shirt is just a fun feeling. It's a different kind of uplifting feeling than wearing my favorite T-shirt. I feel like my body floats a little. This "Rain Spooner" is an item that gives me that same feeling. Just wearing it makes you happy. That kind of clothing is hard to find.
Case_02
Arata Kobayashi (Stylist)
Hawaiian shirt ¥10,000 + tax each
Next comes the plain Hawaiian shirt, which omits any pattern. One might think that a plain shirt is not Hawaiian, but only because it is made by "Rainspooner" can it be considered Hawaiian. However, it is precisely because it is made by "Rainspooner" that it can be considered Hawaiian. The fabric is the same rayon 100% as the previous item, so it is very comfortable to wear. This solid item was worn by stylist Arata Kobayashi. What kind of style will he show us?
Shin Kobayashi
Born in 1978 in Kanagawa Prefecture, he became independent in 2006. He mainly works on styling for magazines, musicians, and advertisements. He has a deep knowledge of American items and enjoys the support of many people, both men and women.
How many Hawaiian shirts do you have?
KobayashiMaybe two or three cards? Maybe not that many. One of them is a vintage "rain spooner.
How do you feel about wearing this shirt?
KobayashiIt simply feels good. This is the kind of clothing I like to wear in the summer. I finally feel like I can wear Hawaiian clothes at my current age.
What does that mean?
KobayashiWhen I was young, I felt like I wasn't tall enough for it, so I was kind of put off by it.... I think these clothes are cool because they are worn by older men and look austere. I think I have finally reached that age.
I have an image of Mr. Kobayashi often wearing open-collared shirts.
KobayashiThat was said last year too (laughs). But I don't think I actually wear it that much.... I used to wear old, open-collared shirts a lot. Maybe that image is still there.
Do you visit Hawaii often?
KobayashiI often go there to do photo shoots. I went twice last year. Even if it is for work, I still get excited. After the shoot, I like to spend time relaxing on the beach.
Do you do much shopping and such?
KobayashiI went to Kakaako last year to buy some things that my family had asked for and also to visit an area called Kakaako that seems to be on the rise these days. I also went to Kakaako last year. It was unique with wall art and many small stores. I also went shopping at a stationery store called "Fisher Hawaii. That's about it.
Do locals still wear Hawaiian shirts?
KobayashiMaybe most people wear it for school uniforms, but there are still many who wear it. It is not so much as a fashion item, but more as a way to tighten one's mind and straighten one's collar.
When do you yourself wear Hawaiian shirts?
KobayashiI go to tropical places including Hawaii several times a year, so I wear it there. Recently, however, I would like to wear shirts with Japanese patterns. At first glance, you can't tell what kind of pattern it is, but if you look closely, you can see some hidden ukiyo-e prints or something like that. I think it would be good for an old man to wear something like that, to have a sense of humor.
Please tell us about Mr. Kobayashi's commitment to shirts, not only Hawaiian shirts.
KobayashiI don't often wear things that are tight when I put them on. It is fine the moment I put it on, but after wearing it for a long time, I feel tired and stressed. I tend to pick up such clothes less and less often. So comfort is very important. Then there is the material. I am attracted to clothes that feel good against my skin.
How do you like the "Rain Spooner" this time?
KobayashiIt's very good. It is comfortable to wear and because it is rayon, it feels good on the skin. As for the design, the V-line around the neck is nice and not too open. I kept it simple today, but you could wear it with a scarf or something. I'm also glad that it's plain. I want one of these shirts. Hawaiian shirts are formal wear, so I'd like to wear it to a wedding party or something in the summer. I would wear it with slacks and loafers on my feet.
Finally, what are your key points about today's styling?
KobayashiLately, I have been thinking that I would like to revisit the basic style, although I am not going back to my roots. I'm in the mood for a uniform look, or rather, I want to enjoy subtracting, such as wearing a plain T-shirt and jeans, etc. I've come full circle, and I've come to think that this is a good way to dress. I've come full circle, and I'm starting to think this is what I like.
Case_03
Tropical Matsumura (Editor / Owner of Tropical Records / DJ)
Lastly, we introduce a Hawaiian shirt made of a bouncy cotton and rayon fabric. Unlike thicker fabrics, this shirt has a good firmness to it, which makes your back stand up straight. The pattern, which reminds us of surf culture, is also a key point. The man wearing this shirt is Tropical Matsumura, who calls himself a time traveler and advocates the styles of the 1970s and 1980s. Look out for his old-school surf style.
Tropical Matsumura
Born in Hyogo Prefecture in 1988. He is usually busy as an editor, but also works as a time traveler who embodies the lifestyle of the 1970s and 1980s. He has a deep knowledge of the surf and disco culture of the time, as well as vintage clothing.
As a time traveler, Matsumura-san perfectly embodies the style of the 1970s and 1980s.
pine villageWhen I was in junior high school, I saw the surf movie "Big Wednesday. I was drawn to the style of the drunken surfer heading to the ocean in a red block-checked flannel shirt and dirty jeans.
I am reluctant to be influenced by "Big Wednesday" in middle school.
pine villageThe equation "Surfer = Big Wednesday" was born in my mind, and I was dressed like that when I went to the ocean to surf for the first time. I will never forget it. I was in my first year of high school at the time, and when I got to the ocean in Shikoku, everyone was dressed in modern surf style (laughs).
He said there was quite a gap (laughs).
pine villageThe old men who took me to the beach at that time were also older men who would puff on their rums while listening to the Eagles or the Steve Miller Band while driving, so I thought my style was completely standard. So when I arrived at the beach, I was in culture shock. I was like, "What the heck are these guys?
Did you develop a longing for Hawaii?
pine villageOf course, I had always longed to go to Hawaii. After all, Hawaii is the place to be when it comes to surfing. Last year, I had the opportunity to visit Hawaii for the first time in quite a while since I was in elementary school, and I enjoyed the local lifestyle. When I got off at the airport, I saw a woman working there wearing a "rain spooner" and slacks, and she looked really cool. I was impressed right from the start. Old Hawaii is still here.
After all, it is the classics that attract me, isn't it?
pine villageOf course there are many things that aren't, but I still look for Old Hawaii (laughs). Diamond Head, the vintage stores in town, and the market at Aloha Stadium are all great old-fashioned places.
Why are you attracted to old things, Mr. Matsumura?
pine villageI am attracted to originality. I am not attracted to the words "homage," "inspiration," and "taste," and I want people to create something new with their own individuality. Originality has its own flavor, and I want to savor it. I want to chew on that. All old things are original, aren't they? That's why I like them.
How do you like the "Rain Spooner" this time?
pine villageIt's delicious (laughs). Rainspooner is famous for using lining fabrics. But I am attracted to the boldness of using the outer fabric. The pattern itself is classic and cool. This is exactly the kind of item worn by sophisticated surfers in the 70's. I think of "Rain Spooner" as a classic item. In my mind, "Rainspooner = Lahaina Sailor (the brand's signature pattern)," but it has a different kind of coolness.
What are your thoughts on the "Rain Spooner" brand?
pine villageI think that "Rainspooner" is the representative of Hawaiian shirts. My favorite surfers of the past wore this brand, and I am sure that many of my seniors in the fashion industry also think of "Rainspooner" when they think of Hawaiian shirts. I think the brand's production has not changed since its establishment, and it would not be out of place if someone said that this item was made in the 1970s.
Finally, please tell us what you are conscious of when you wear Hawaiian shirts, Mr. Matsumura.
pine villageFor casual wear, I try to wear a "Town and Country" T-shirt inside. I like to wear denim hot pants with it for a flirty look.
Do they smell like flapjacks?
pine villageIt means "buttery" (laughs). It means "Westernized," or "Americanized." The styles of the 1970s and early 1980s are all buttery. I want to embody the coexistence of old-fashionedness and boorishness.
