Even in HOUYHNHNM.Interview the DesignerHOBO BACKPACK" is a new release from the up-and-coming bag brand "THE BROWN BUFFALO," which has been the focus of much attention. The casual appearance and usage of the bag, which is distinctly different from highly functional bags, reveals a margin that can be used by a wide range of users. We decided to unravel the appeal of HOBO by thinking about bags and personal belongings with three people from different professions and genders.
While it is a trendy knapsack-type bag, it has the details of a daypack in terms of design, such as an outside pocket and a strap on the top that can also be carried by hand. The shoulder straps, which also open and close the main compartment, are made of thick seatbelt-style tape to reduce shoulder digging when there is a lot of luggage. The bag is available in a variety of colors, making it a great addition to spring and summer styling for both men and women.
Easy access to the main pocket!
Masaki Sakoda
After graduating from barber school, he built his career at a 1,000 yen cut store in Higashimurayama City, where he was born and raised, and in the barber division of Freeman's Sporting Club, before going independent in 2016. He then opened Barber Sakota (Barber Sakota ) in Shimotakaido. . It is loved not only by skaters and fashion people, but also by men and women of all ages who live in that town.
Please tell us about the bags you usually use .
Recently, I've been using a shoulder bag from a brand owned by a friend of mine. In fact, I even made a collaboration bag for the second anniversary of "Barbersakota" in 2018. . I also use a large military-like bag. . In addition, I often choose bags made by friends who are close to me.
Do you care about the functionality of the bag?
. I may not be too particular. The Brown Buffalo's HOBO BACKPACK (HOBO) is also very simple and not very comfortable to carry, but I don't really care about the details. The appearance is more important.
The color chosen was gold.
I often choose bags in rather subdued colors, but somehow I thought that vivid colors would be better for this shape. I tend to buy only black, white, and gray clothes, so I often use sneakers and accessories to bring in color. There is a wide variety of colors available, so that's good, too.
The belongings are rather compact.
I think I usually carry quite a few things with me. Wallet, handkerchief, T-shirt, camera, bicycle gloves, and that's pretty much all the time.
. then I guess they don't like the bags to be too big either.
No, rather, most of my bags are large. I often have more luggage on the go, such as packages delivered to the store, or to buy something on the way home. . I want to make sure I have enough space for more luggage.
Do you carry a handkerchief or a T-shirt with you because it is warmer ?
As for the handkerchief, yes, I try to carry one in the summer, and a T-shirt, just in case. Quite often, the clothes I choose before I leave the house end up being "something different" by the time I get to the store...( lol ). That's the only thing that gets me down for the day, so having a replacement T-shirt is just that much more of a relief. . . Especially in the summer, it depends on a single T-shirt.
Do you carry a film camera with you at all times?
. this was given to me by a friend as a baby shower gift. . Actually, it has a remote control and can be operated remotely. It can also take family photos and has a function that allows you to print words such as "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" and "CONGRATULATIONS" on the photo, making it a very fun camera to play with. But since I'm not used to taking pictures, I often can't take it out of my bag when I need to. ( lol ) , in such cases, it would be convenient to be able to quickly access the main pocket like HOBO.
Easy for women to carry!
Yuri Yamada
. In 2012, he launched his own theater company, "Luxury Poverty," and since then has been involved in a variety of activities as a playwright, director, and actor; in September 2019, a new production of "Luxury Poverty" will be staged at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space. In addition to theater, he is also active in a wide range of other activities, and in June 2019, he will begin his first novel Series in the free magazine "honto+" distributed in the Maruzen Junkudo Group.
. Please tell us about the bags you usually use.
Recently, I have been using a shoulder bag made by the Tasmanian tribe. Each bag is hand-knitted and has a picture of the craftsman's face printed on the tag. The price you pay for the bag goes to the person who made it. I bought it simply because it was cute, and I also wanted to support such an initiative.
Yamada-san, you always seem to be very natural, or just as you are, or lightweight. Is there a minimum requirement for your bag and personal belongings?
Normally, that may be true. However, this is not the case once stage rehearsals begin, so I switch to a larger daypack. To the set that I always carry, I add a laptop, a file for my script, a pencil case, and so on. If it is a stage I am performing on, I also add my costume and shoes, so it is quite a lot of luggage.
So, what do you look for in a practice bag?
The HOBO is a casual, sports-like bag, but it is made of more solid material than a knapsack, and it is comfortable to carry. . It looks like a good bag for carrying practice clothes and so on. I thought the shoulder strap might be a little long, but it is adjustable with an adjuster, which is nice. I often carry small items such as a cosmetic pouch and sunglasses, so it is nice that there is an outside pocket. It looks easy to use even for women.
. you always carry a notebook and writing utensils with you, even when you are not practicing.
. A notebook is like an idea notebook for jotting down little things. . I buy a new notebook each time I create a piece of work. By the time a piece is finished, I usually have used up the entire notebook. I sometimes jot down a few phrases on my phone, but when I want to think about a picture or composition, a notebook is very useful.
I'm also quite curious about the book "A World History of Mankind and Livestock", or what it has to offer, if you don't mind...!
. This is the book I am reading right now for the creation of my work. When I am creating a work, I am always reading some kind of book.
What do you do when you are not so busy on stage?
I don't like "habits" very much, or rather, I'm not very good at them. I get into different things from time to time, and then I get bored of them quickly...( lol). After the last play, I started doing DIY, building shelves and re-varnishing the desk I bought. . Lately, I've been into jogging around the neighborhood.
Straps that do not damage clothing.
Naoki Kuze
After working as store staff in Kyoto, where she was born and raised, she moved to Tokyo. He worked as a press representative for "Journal Standard" and became independent in September 2018, and currently works as a freelance PR for various brands including "Journal Standard". He is also active as a musician under the name Naoki Kuze and releases his music on iTunes and other sites.
. Mr. Kuze brought a special-order HOBO from "Journal Standard. . When the material is changed, the overall impression is quite different.
You have a nice special order. It has been changed to a transparent white ripstop material, which is trendy, yet simple and versatile. . I also like the use of a seat belt for the shoulder straps. . as it is less likely to damage your clothes. . Also, the tag is reflectorized, so it's safe when riding a bicycle.
I understand that you ride a bicycle on a regular basis. Does your lifestyle influence your choice of bag?
Yes, I do. When I ride my bicycle, I generally carry a backpack, but in the summer, my back gets too hot, so I tend to use a tote more often. Also, heavy luggage and leased bags are generally tied to the back of my bicycle, so a bag with the capacity of a HOBO is just right for me to carry.
In what situations would HOBO be useful?
For example, it looks like it would be easy to use as a bag-in-bag. Actually, I usually have two sakosh and a tote bag in my backpack that I use on a regular basis. . because it is convenient to have a bag that I can use when I have more luggage on the road or when I need to make a short trip on a business trip. I'm a bit of a scaredy-cat, so I always like to be prepared for that kind of thing, and with the HOBO, it's lightweight and folds up nicely to keep it in.
The meticulous nature that is evident in such preparations also seems to be reflected in the way he divides his belongings into small pouches.
. I have quite a lot of small things like a camera or a battery for my phone, so I store them in a way that is easy to use. In terms of storage, I personally use the outside pocket quite a lot, and I think that if I were to actually use HOBO, it would be full only there. It is rare to find a bag of this shape with an outside pocket. It is also nice that it has a strap to hang it on a hook in a bathroom or the like. . It is a small detail, but it is often inconvenient without it.
As for what to bring , is this a basic set?
Yes, it is the minimum for biking.
Many of the items, such as hand towels and water bottles, could be used outdoors.
Perhaps it is because I have been carrying a portable shrine in my hometown for a long time, but I like Japanese tenugui (washcloth) and collect many of them. They are lighter than towels, absorb water well, and dry quickly. They can also be tied up and used, and I highly recommend them for camping. The water bottles are apparently used by NASA, and have such high filtration power that they become colorless and transparent when cola is passed through them. . It can be used outdoors and in emergencies.
A collection of bags ranging from large to everyday use.
HELMET BACKPACK ¥15,800
This 3-way bag follows the shape of a traditional helmet bag , but can also function as a backpack. The main compartment can be adjusted using the side straps, making it suitable for a wide range of situations, such as business or travel, where luggage is required. The front pocket is also very roomy, and can hold a jacket or gym shoes. With pockets for various gadgets, there is no shortage of storage space.
HILLSIDE BACKPACK ¥15,800
This large backpack has an authentic silhouette with a top lid reminiscent of a mountaineering sack. The large main compartment can be accessed from the side, and it also has a drink holder and pockets for small items, making it easy to get things in and out while riding a bike or on the train.
