Case 02_Painter Tomokazu Fukuchi with ALL STAR 100 OKAYAMA DENIM HI
PROFILE
Born in 1984 in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. After graduating from high school, he started his own business, "Naturally Paint," and has been working as a sign painter, creating signs, designing logos, and custom painting cars and motorcycles. He is also a sign painter.
INSTAGRAM:@naturally_painting
The "All Star" has always been, and still is, "The American" image.
This is your 11th year in the "Naturally Painting" business. How did you get into this business in the first place?
I was fascinated by the custom car brand "Moon Eyes" and started teaching myself custom painting when I was in high school, and moved to Tokyo after graduation. After graduation, I moved to Tokyo and started working as a painter in Yokohama, a mecca for custom cars. There, I learned the tools and the work, and after setting up my own business, I taught myself to hone my skills, and here I am today. In recent years, he has been working on graphics and store signage for Polo Ralph Lauren, Double RL, and other apparel brands, as well as custom painting of cars and motorcycles.
The "All Star 100" that Mr. Fukuchi wore this time is made of Okayama denim for the upper. The laces have a water-repellent finish, and the lining has a deodorant and antibacterial finish.
No wonder. Thanks to the REACT insole used in the "All Star 100," the cushioning is exceptional. Basically, on work days, I stay in my atelier from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Except for the time I spend at my desk thinking about designs, I'm constantly standing, squatting, and moving, so I was worried that the soles would wear out quickly.
What is the point of today's coordination?
For bottoms, I kept it simple with painted pants and a shirt, avoiding denim so as not to match the shoes. I have always loved American culture, so I feel at home in this kind of masculine work style. The "All Star" also has the same "American" image as it did in the past and still does today. They are reasonably priced, look good even when worn casually, and even stains add to the look, making them perfect for me. I will probably wear them for private use at first, but when they get dirty, they will probably be used for work (laugh).
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Of course I enjoy the painting process, but I think it is more the meeting. I am happy when the client is pleased with the finished product, but it is also a lot of fun to discuss with the client how to make it, coming up with ideas. But it is also a lot of fun to discuss with the client how we should make it, while coming up with ideas.
Fukuchi-san, what are your strengths as a painter?
There are plenty of people who can only paint, but it is rare to hear of someone who can handle the entire process from design to finishing, so I think that is our greatest strength. If I am not satisfied with a part that others may not care about, I may ask for an extension of the delivery date and redo the work. I try to reproduce the client's order as faithfully as possible, and at the same time, I try to make it better than it is. And how can we keep the finished product in its original state over the years?" The pursuit of quality is everything. This is my policy as a craftsman.
ALL STAR 100 OKAYAMA DENIM HI The sub-theme is "LOCAL. Okayama Denim" is produced in Okayama Prefecture, known as one of the world's leading denim production areas. The "All Star 100" uses this black denim fabric for the upper. The washed finish gives the shoe a high quality feel while at the same time making it soft and comfortable to wear.
