What made you decide to use this motif for the Star Wars items that are currently on sale?
the recently departed (and buried or cremated, etc.)When I became aware of the collaboration with Loopwiller, Star Wars came to mind. It is well known that you like Star Wars. There is also a connection with the "military" axis.
SuzukiI am of the real-time Star Wars generation. I have seen this movie in theaters, on video, DVD, Blu-ray, and all other formats. I don't know how many times I've seen it (laughs).
the recently departed (and buried or cremated, etc.)I was born in 1977, the same year as the release of Episode 4. Feeling this connection, I consulted with Mr. Suzuki, and he replied, "You can do whatever you like, Konno-san. However, it was difficult to select a motif for the work because there are so many fascinating characters....
How did you end up with Darth Vader and Stormtroopers?
the recently departed (and buried or cremated, etc.)As for Darth Vader, I was attracted to the fact that the story of Anakin Skywalker's fall into the dark side and becoming Darth Vader is well depicted. As for the stormtroopers, I was probably most attracted to the iconic design of the stormtroopers. There are characters that are just black and white stormtroopers reversed, and they have their own personality as characters. I found that interesting as well.
As a Star Wars aficionado, did you give any advice on the selection of characters?
SuzukiI left it all up to Konno-san. But when these two came up, I was convinced. Other characters would have been too maniacal. Incidentally, this is the first time LOOPSWILLER has created a Star Wars item.
What are your thoughts on the graphics of these two characters?
the recently departed (and buried or cremated, etc.)I mentioned earlier that Loopwiller sweatshirts develop a vintage-like texture as they are worn, and when I thought about a print that would match that texture, I thought that an American comic book-style design would be good.
I see.
the recently departed (and buried or cremated, etc.)The first thing I wanted to do was to create a "Star Wars" style T-shirt or sweatshirt. So I thought it would be a good way to differentiate them from such items. I can't go into too many details, but we received the materials from the publisher and created the graphics from them, but that was a difficult process.... It was really a painstaking process, so in a way it is a memorable item (laughs).
SuzukiI was watching from the sidelines and it looked like a lot of work (laughs).
I see.... When you two meet, do you often talk about Star Wars or fashion?
the recently departed (and buried or cremated, etc.)Yakiniku: And then we'll talk about yakiniku (laughs), right? Charcoal BBQ Yuuji's.
SuzukiI think so (laughs).
the recently departed (and buried or cremated, etc.)I am now a frequent customer of Yuuji, and it was Mr. Suzuki who gave me the opportunity to visit the restaurant. The meat at Yuuji is really delicious and far beyond the level of a yakiniku restaurant.
SuzukiIt is a barbecue restaurant, but it is not a barbecue restaurant anymore. We are confronted with the meat itself, and the dishes that bring out the best of its flavor are served with Yuji's creativity. I learn a lot from the way he cuts the meat, and I strongly feel that it has something in common with our work.
What do you mean?
SuzukiYuji" deals in meat, and we deal in sweatshirts, right? We always use the same ingredients, but we try to make sure our customers don't get bored. Every time I go to the restaurant, I find myself excitedly waiting for the food to be served, and I often notice it when the food comes out as expected. I often realize that the same meat can look different if it is arranged in this way.
the recently departed (and buried or cremated, etc.)I may be a bit presumptuous to talk about this kind of thing to my seniors, but both of them are sincerely committed to their ingredients. Mr. Suzuki has the background of the production of fabrics, and Yuji has the background of the procurement of meat. What kind of things are being done there? I believe that it is precisely because of this attitude that they are able to create products that attract customers.
In this age of saturated supplies, it is important to have a sincere attitude toward things, isn't it?
the recently departed (and buried or cremated, etc.)So watching the backs of the two of you is truly inspiring. Going back to the flat seamer craftsmen I mentioned earlier, they too have been working diligently with machines and have mastered their skills through the accumulation of such experience. We are able to make our products thanks to the support of such people. Nowadays, there are whispers that young people are losing interest in craftsmanship, but we need to pass on the attitude of our predecessors to the new generation.
SuzukiI hear a lot of talk in various places about the growing trend away from craftsmanship. Japan's wealth is its craftsmanship, and if the trend away from craftspeople continues, there is a possibility that the country will be weakened in 30 years. To prevent this from happening, we need to convey the message that making things is fun.
the recently departed (and buried or cremated, etc.)I think so. Since the fast fashion boom in Japan, I feel that the story of manufacturing has been omitted and neglected. Things are not that easy to make. But I want people to know that that is why it is fun.
SuzukiI myself started LOOPWHILER with the idea of preserving the hang knitting machines for future generations. I have been operating Loop Wheeler in such a way that people from all walks of life can see it, while disclosing information about the factory in the background. Now, young people are entering the factory, and as a result, the factory has been revitalized. This is also thanks to Mr. Konno. By creating items together in this way, we were able to let people who could not be reached by our own efforts know about the existence of the hangers knitting machine. So I am very grateful for that.
the recently departed (and buried or cremated, etc.)I'm the same way. Many of our customers are maniacs, so I can't let up (laughs). (Laughs) I intend to continue making products that will satisfy these people. As an extension of that, I hope that I can convey to the younger generation the joy of clothes and making them, even if only a little.
