It's something that makes sense to me and I can stick to it. Furthermore, it is a brand that others do not have.

TAISUKE: You are supported by "Machiavellian." Could you tell us how you first met the brand?

TAISUKEI had known the manager of Machiavellian's Harajuku store for a long time, so I went to visit him when the store was being built. That was the first time I learned about "Machiavellian," and all the items they had were very cool. I was just looking for a bag, so I bought a backpack. Some time later, the director of the brand, Mr. (Naoto) Kitajima, approached me at the "Red Bull Thre3Style" event (a worldwide DJ battle contest to determine the No. 1 DJ) and asked me to support him.

It is a rather rare case where a customer has been using the bag for a long time.

TAISUKEI like bags and have used many different brands. But I couldn't find anything that suited me. The first time I saw a Machiavellian bag, I liked it, and the conversation went from there. I didn't expect it, but I was simply happy.

Is the bag important to you professionally as well?

TAISUKEI use it in different ways depending on the scene. When I go abroad, I always carry a computer. I also carry my costume and shoes, so the bag has to be a certain size. During practice, I also keep my watch and necklace in my bag, so I use a bag with just the right size pockets for easy access to them. When I dance, I usually carry a backpack or a Boston type bag, but when I am off duty, I use a tote bag or a small pouch for short outings.

What do you consider important when using a bag that you share your life with on a daily basis?

TAISUKEI guess it's the functionality, isn't it? Many Machiavellian models have many pockets, so they are simply convenient. Furthermore, they are not only specialized in functionality, but also have attractive designs that make them easy to use on a daily basis. I use my bags every day, so functional beauty is an important requirement for me.

If you are so particular about your bags, you must also be careful about what you wear in your daily life.

TAISUKEClothing: When it comes to clothes, I wear what I want to wear without worrying about trends. I think I wear a lot of black and white monotone clothes. Machiavellian also has a lot of monotone clothing. I don't see white bags in particular anywhere else, so it's easy to match them with my daily outfits.

What was it that attracted you to Machiavellian?

TAISUKEBags are a part of fashion for me. As a dancer, my fashion is often checked by people around me. So I have always wanted a bag that I am satisfied with, that I am particular about, and that is a brand that other people don't have. Just like dancing, I value individuality. In that sense, I was attracted to "Machiavellian," which had just started at that time.

We will show the next goal to make the dance scene even more exciting than it is now.

As you mentioned, it is a well-known fact that TAISUKE is now one of the leading dancers in Japan with his unique style.

TAISUKEI started dancing when I was in elementary school under the influence of my older sister. I joined a neighborhood dance club. At first, there was no teacher, and I and two other boys were practicing on the edge among the girls who made up the majority of the members. Then a teacher came in as an instructor and taught us minority boys how to break dance. After a while, I formed a team called "Cool Crew Jr. and Papa" with the instructor, and we started participating in competitions such as the "RAVE 2001" TV program at the time. I won a special audience award at the first competition I participated in. That experience was a big one for me.

It is amazing that it was only a year after you started dancing. Did you accelerate your career from there, and did you naturally want to become a professional dancer?

TAISUKEI was in the "RAVE2001" competition and got a good response, and when I was in the 5th grade of elementary school, I won second place in the first world competition I entered. At that time, I was also on TV programs such as "Shonen Chanpuru" and "Laugh It Up! and other TV programs. I participated in various competitions both in Japan and abroad, and from that time on, I had a vague sense of mission that I would continue to work as a dancer.

What led you to form your own dance team, "The Floorriorz"?

TAISUKEThe Floorriorz" was formed in 2010. I have been a member of various teams in my life, and the team was formed by a group of friends that I met during those years who I found to be very inspiring. In the beginning, we all had our own teams, but around 2012, we started to work as a full-fledged team. Since then, we have been participating in world tournaments as a team. We had a lot of pressure as the defending champions in the "Battle of the Year" this time, but I am glad that we were able to win the championship for the second year in a row.

Lastly, what do you see in the future for "The Floorriorz" team and for yourself?

TAISUKEI would like to focus on the education of the next generation, as we are also involved in the academy. To that end, I think there are still things I can do as a leader in the team, but I am personally considering stepping down as a player.

I am proud to say that I have been at the forefront of this scene for almost 10 years, so I think it is time to think about a generational change to get to the next level. I am sure that I have passed on the skills of how to win competitions and dance skills in the field, so from now on I would like to aim for the next goal to make the dance scene even more exciting than it is now. I think that is my mission now.

TAISUKE
Born in Nagasaki, Japan in 1990, he started his breakdancing career at the age of 8. In 2007, he moved to Tokyo by himself and became the first Japanese to win the second place at "Red Bull BC ONE 2008". As the leader of "The Floorriorz," he won the "Battle of the Year" for the second year in a row, and is a charismatic figure leading the breakdance scene in both name and reality.www.bboytaisuke.com

Left Photo: BULLET BACKPACK OF NEW SERIES "LUDUS"
Machiavellian's new series "LUDUS. The "Bullet Backpack" shown in the photo is designed with board straps on the front top and bottom, which is great for skaters, and can hold a laptop PC up to 15 inches. It can also be used in business situations. The bottom and shoulders are equipped with reflectors for nighttime use. 510 x 300 x 170 mm (L x W x W) ¥23,000 + TAX

Photo right: STREAMLINE DUFFLEBAG OF NEW SERIES "LUDUS"
The "STREAMLINE DUFFLEBAG" can be used for different occasions. In addition to the shoulder and handles, it can also be used as a backpack by removing the straps that can be stored in the back. It also has a waterproof storage pocket that can hold shoes, and is guaranteed to be useful for travel. The rubber logo, which is different from the previous model, is also a point of interest. 240 x 490 x 260 mm (H x W x D) ¥24,000 + TAX

Left: SUPERIORITY DOUBLE BELT BACKPACK OF SERIES "SIERRA
A classic backpack made of N/ROBIC®, a well-known high-density nylon fabric. This season, it has been updated with an original camouflage pattern that further embodies the brand's world view, giving it a stylish impression. The unique luster of the cowhide leather gives it an urban look. Inside, a PC sleeve is built in and accessible from both sides. 475 x 275 x 140 mm (H x W x D) ¥25,000 + TAX

Middle: CYCLIST WEST BAG OF SERIES "CHASE"
The roll-top body bag is made of CORDURA® EcoMade Canvas fabric, which is known for its durability. The front pocket is three-layered, with a waterproof pocket and a pocket for small items inside. It is also equipped with a watertight zip for waterproof protection. This model is popular among non-bicyclists as well, as the style and capacity can be changed. Length 190 x width 340 x width 120 mm. ¥15,000 + tax

Photo right: CP312 OF SERIES "MONARCA
From the brand's high-end line, this model is a minimalist backpack with an attached rain cover. While the reliable CORDURA®1680 is used for the body, it is sublimated to a chic look by using luxurious suede cowhide leather throughout. While simple in construction, it also has minimal features such as a PC sleeve. 500 mm (length) x 280 mm (width) x 140 mm (width). ¥29,000 + TAX