PROFILE
In 1992, they started their musical activities as "SILENT POETS". They have released a total of eight original albums and participated in numerous compilations. On the other hand, in 2016, he released a T-shirt with "POET MEET DUBWISE" printed on the back at Jersey Sport, which led him to officially launch "POET MEETS DUBWISE" in 2019, The company has been developing goods, mainly apparel.
If we can send a message outside of music as well.
Shimoda-san, it was 2016 when you created the T-shirts that led to Poet Meets Dubwise, and four years have passed this year. Have there been any changes during that time?
Shimoda:When we released "Tokyo" with SILENT POETS in 2004, we produced a T-shirt at the suggestion of "Jazzy Sport". At that time, I printed "POET MEET DUBWISE" which later became the brand name. Until then, my music activities had been stagnant, but in 2006 I released an album for the first time in a long time, and my activities that had stopped gradually began to move, and I have the sense that many things have expanded within me.
Do you feel that "Poet Meets Dubwise" is made like the product sales of "SILENT POETS"?
Shimoda:I am not a fashion person, so it seems a bit presumptuous to claim it as a fashion brand on a large scale. So, as you say, I make my products as if they were my own.
Part of the item includes the words "If you have any doubts, investigate, learn, think and judge for yourself. Don't be fooled by fake news and liars. Don't be fooled by fake news and liars. Don't be fooled by fake news and liars)" and "Protect your precious thing" are some of the messages depicted.
Shimoda:That's right. I wanted to send a message outside of music. I would be very happy if the wearers would take such a message to heart and wear it. However, I don't want 100% to be like that. I have something to convey, but I would like to leave the interpretation to the wearer.
Mr. Shimoda on InstagramPersonal accountI see that you are actively communicating to the society.
Shimoda:On your Instagram, you are more specific and strong in your message. The root of "POET MEETS DUBWISE" remains the same, but I am conscious of conveying the message in a softer way. If the message is too strong, it will be too heavy. I try to find the right balance between the two.
The new coronavirus is having an enormous impact on the world today, and I felt that your earlier message was very relevant to this situation.
Shimoda:That may be so. I had always had this idea, but I have the sense that it has been brought more into focus by this situation. Various problems had been piling up for a long time, but Corona made them visible. I think this was the time when many people became interested in politics and social issues, and became aware of various things. For myself, the event made what I thought was happening clearer.
