. with respect to the classics , we will continue to challenge ourselves.

A little time has passed since the release of your latest album "BALLADS. How do you feel now looking back?
Iwama:Up until the last album, we had put a lot of "beauty" or "sense" into making music with just the eight of us, but for the latest album, we decided to give it a new twist, and for the first time, we invited a producer and guest performers. I wanted to give a new twist to my latest work, so for the first time, I invited a producer and guest performers. This was a new challenge.
I have the impression that SANABAGUN. is always moving forward without stagnation in terms of music and stance.
Iwama:Yes, it is. However, although this album gives the impression of a drastic change, in fact, we have always taken on new challenges, such as changing the way we record. So, looking back on it now, I feel that our stance has not actually changed.
You are searching for a new form of music while maintaining the "axis" that is important to SANABAGUN, such as respect for old-school music.
Iwama:Yes, that's right. I always try to incorporate what I think is "interesting," and this time it was the producer and guest performers.
Were there any conscious changes you made to each of them?
Obayashi:I felt that everyone was aware of the need to perform with a wider audience in mind.
Tanimoto:Until the previous album, I had the image of increasing the purity of what I wanted to do, but for this album, I tried to produce it with the question, "What do people want from SANABAGUN.? ." I approached the production of this album with this in mind.

Now, each of you has chosen your favorite eyewear from a total of six models today.
OHI:It was hard to choose.... They were all so cool....
High rock:As soon as we got to the topic of glasses, all of a sudden you became a lousy interviewer!
(laughs) But you are right, the approach is very fashionable and classic.
Tanimoto:I thought this kind of eyewear with a classic base texture would be a good match for us.
Obayashi:Yes, it has a straightforward beauty, not the "slanted" coolness that sometimes comes with unique designs.
Corner fence:. I also noticed when I was wearing it, there are rubbers in various places.
The bridge and temples are rubberized to prevent shifting while wearing the glasses.
High rock:Oh, yes, it didn't bother me when I was playing.
Takahashi:That was hard to shift.
. Yes, that's right. . This second edition of "VC" has a hybrid feel, not only in design but also in functionality, which is a key point of this work.
Tanimoto:I think this is true for anyone, but musicians who move around a lot are especially happy.
I'm sure you wear sunglasses on many occasions, but you can choose from nearly 50 types of colored lenses.
Iwama:Fifty kinds! That's not half bad.
. You can also choose from a selection of light-dimming lenses that color the lenses when exposed to ultraviolet rays and return to clear when you go indoors.
Sawamura:It's true! They are normal eyewear now, but when I was outside earlier, they looked like sunglasses, didn't they? (Looking at the eyewear with dimming lenses that Zoff's PR person was wearing)
OHI:I want that.
Takahashi:I usually carry two pairs of sunglasses and eyewear because I can't see at night. It is very convenient for people like me.

Top row, from left: Ohi, Tanimoto, Sawamura, Sumigaki, Obayashi, Takahashi
Bottom row, from left; Takaiwa, Iwama
What was the deciding factor in choosing the eyewear for each of you?
Obayashi:As I enter my thirties, I wanted to wear more mature eyewear. I used to wear plastic models, but I wanted to try metal eyewear. Also, I think it's cool to see African-Americans and others wearing this kind of design in movies.
Corner fence:. I have fairly good eyesight, but I have a delicate side. . I chose this model because I thought the sunglasses would protect my eyes and the basic design would allow me to use them for a long time.
Takahashi:I guess it is a 50's style design. . I think it's about time for me to look good in something like this.
Sawamura:I have been wearing this orange knit cap a lot lately, so I went for a color match. Also, for the shape of the frame, I chose a model that not everyone seems to choose and went for balance for the shoot (laughs).
Iwama:I usually wear sunglasses, so I thought this would be a good opportunity to try something with a simple look and clear lenses.
High rock:I'm quite interested in plastic, thin frames right now . They look kind of badass. They have an officer-like look, but if I put black lenses in them, I thought they would give a rock 'n' roll impression.
OHI:I chose what I thought was the most basic. I also considered it important that the lenses match the lenses of the sunglasses.
Tanimoto:I usually wear jazz music, but many of my favorite musicians wear this kind of model, so I usually wear a similar model. I often wear the most oversized clothes at SANABAGUN, so I think that eyewear like this gives a "cool" impression in a good way.
Takahashi:Each of them has a clear reason for choosing them, so they probably all look good on you.
. You know that you should examine your choice of glasses very carefully.
High rock:I found out when I tried them on that our live show is quite aggressive, so the audience should wear these chic, stylish, and functional eyewear. Please wear them and come to the final show of the tour!
Check out the full lineup of "VC=Visual Communication" here!
www.zoff.co.jp/shop/contents/vc.aspx
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