FEATURE | TIE UP

Translated By DeepL

Four Tokyo creators came across Salzen, born in Germany, and their backpacks.
SALZEN for your creation

Four Tokyo creators met,
Salzen, born in Germany, and its backpacks.

German-born is a brand born from the manufacture of school bags in 2017. The brand has been widely loved in Europe because it can be carried by all kinds of people without borders and has its origins in valuing functional beauty. The brand has now made its first appearance in Japan, further refining its quality and functionality. How do up-and-coming creators in the metropolis of Tokyo perceive Sarzen's products? We will explore the appeal of Sarzen, which is close to the work and lifestyles of these four creators.

  • Photo_ Shinsaku Yasujima
  • Text_Takako Nagai
  • Edit_Yuri Sudo

02 A function required by the artist who continues to think.

PROFILE

Yoshiaki Takahashi
Model (BE NATURAL) , Artist

. Born in 1989. Former model for Men's Non-No. Currently, while working as a model for fashion magazines and advertisements, she also creates artworks as an artist. She has a studio and gallery "EFAG CSS" in Kasai with other artists of the same generation.

PROFILE

Yoshiaki Takahashi
Model (BE NATURAL) , Artist

. Born in 1989. Former model for Men's Non-No. Currently, while working as a model for fashion magazines and advertisements, she also creates artworks as an artist. She has a studio and gallery "EFAG CSS" in Kasai with other artists of the same generation.

. It's kind of an exciting studio with lots of materials and tools.

. I try to be in my studio on my days off and when I have time. I keep my studio well-stocked with things so that when an idea strikes me, I can create it immediately, but lately I have been doing a lot of research, which is a preliminary step to creation. Japanese history, world history, economic history, history of thought, history of design... I found myself addicted to history.

What made you decide to study history?

. because I realized that nothing happens according to plan. Recently, when an unexpected event occurred, I realized that I had not been fully in tune with the environment around me. Until now, I had been living my life thinking that the people I met and the things I saw with my own eyes were all that mattered. But that was not true. Everything in the world interacts with each other, and even things that we do not actually see are connected. After I realized this, I wanted to know what was happening outside of myself.

I see that you have started to look "outward".

Yes, I did. . I like to be alone, so I felt somewhat distant from the world. So, even when I go to the trouble of creating a piece of artwork, I always wonder, "Will people understand this? And, "Why am I making this in the first place? I even gave up explaining my work to the people who came to my exhibitions. Now, after reflecting on that experience, I feel a strong desire to deepen my understanding of the people around me.

Have there been any changes in the artwork?

. I am still searching for the next output of my work, but my stance as an artist has changed. For example, in the past, I used to idealize the work I created after deciding on the composition, but recently, I find it interesting to look at the folders of photos on my phone. . I think I can objectively look at the scenery I was looking at from a group of photos that I did not intend to take.

. I see that you are expanding your thinking and gaining new perspectives. What do you want to challenge yourself with in the future?

Talk Show. As I mentioned earlier, I think it is very important to have conversations with people and learn about the outside world. . I am hoping that new works of art will be created in the process.

You are a thoughtful person, Mr. Takahashi, but do you have any specialties when it comes to fashion?

I like comfortable clothes, so I have been wearing vintage clothes since I started modeling. Today, I wear vintage clothes again , and my shoes are Montbell. . I value safety so that I don't get hurt when carrying heavy equipment.

. I have the impression that you have always worn cotton shirts and knitwear. . On the other hand, I have the impression that accessories are more functional.

Yes, that's true. Sporty clothes made of synthetic fibers make me feel noisy, even when reading a book (laughs). (Laughs.) But, since my job requires me to move around a lot and carry a lot of luggage, functionality is important in my shoes and bags. However, the backpacks from "Sarzen" are soft and grayish in color, and the textures give a gentle impression, don't they?

Did you like Sarzen's backpacks?

It's very good! It holds a lot of stuff, including my PC. I was thinking of buying a special cover for my PC, but this backpack seems to be enough since it has pockets that fit perfectly. I was quite surprised that it didn't lose its shape even when I put in a super-telephoto camera that can take pictures of stars, a tripod, books, a notebook in which I keep writing down my impressions, a water bottle, a pen case... all of these things. Moreover, the body and zipper are water repellent, so I don't have to worry even on rainy days.

Do you use a backpack on a regular basis?

Yes . Actually, the one I had been using for 8 years finally went bad. I was looking for a new one, so now I am very happy (laughs). (Laughs.) Choosing a bag is difficult, isn't it? I want it to have functionality and capacity, but the logo of a sports brand gives it a strong image... . . This bag fulfilled all my needs.

I see. Mr. Takahashi, you have a lot of notes and notebooks, and you are a very diligent writer. The pockets seem to make it easy to organize them.

I read more than 100 books a year, and I keep a notebook with my impressions of each book. . I also keep a small notebook to write down my thoughts. If you look at the bottom of this backpack, you will see that it has a small pocket for quick access, so it would be convenient to take it out and put it in while carrying it on my back, even on the train! I am also a meticulous person. I am also a meticulous person, and I feel that when I organize my surroundings, my thoughts become more coherent.

VERTIPLORER (Ash Grey) ¥31,900

The "VERTIPLORER" is a large-capacity 21L backpack. Inside, of course, there are three pockets on the outside front and side, so you can use them for different purposes. The zippered pocket on the right side is connected to a compartment inside the bag with a dedicated compartment for a PC, which can be easily accessed with the bag on your back. The highly durable/water-repellent material and water-repellent zipper are also attractive.

INFORMATION

Salzen.

Official Site
Official Instagram

【 Campaign]
(1) Original Wireless Charge Present
To celebrate the opening of the official website, all purchasers will receive a original wireless phone charger.
For more information.this way (direction close to the speaker or towards the speaker)From.
*Off as soon as they are gone.

(2) Instagram hashtag campaign
After purchasing a backpack from [Sarzen],Official Instagram of the brandand post a photo of the bag you purchased with the hashtag "# Creative Bag".
You will receive the accessory case used by Mycalbute in this page.
For more information.this way (direction close to the speaker or towards the speaker)From.
*Off as soon as they are gone.

Sales Stores
Sales began on April 15, 2021 at b8ta (Beta), an interactive store in Shinjuku and Yurakucho, Tokyo, and at the official online store. b8ta detailsthis way (direction close to the speaker or towards the speaker)From.

b8ta Tokyo - Yurakucho
Series handled: SAVVY, VERTIPLORER
1F Yurakucho Denki Building, 1-7-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

b8ta Tokyo - Shinjuku Marui
Series handled: SAVVY, FREELICT
Shinjuku Marui Main Building 1F, 3-30-13 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

interpoint (interword separation)Official Online Store