To make bags that we really wanted to use.

All of the collections of "TEIKEN EVERYTHING" stand out for their solid designs.

poleWe made bags that we wanted to use, and this is what we came up with. In the Canadian fashion market, including Vancouver where we live, there is limited choice in everything from clothing to bags and accessories.

Especially when it comes to bags, there are no items that we would want to use, as they all have logos or excessive decorations. Even if such items exist, they are luxurious and expensive.

In other words, there is a gap between the creator and the buyer.

poleThat's right. We have always had our doubts about that kind of market. In Vancouver, people are becoming more sophisticated and fashionable, but when you go to the stores, all you see are bags with big logos on them. We started TEIKEN EVERYTHING to solve that problem.

Do you have any particular attention to detail and quality?

poleI am a photographer, so I like to have my laptop with me at all times. As a photographer, I like to have my laptop with me at all times. So I have a computer pocket and a small pocket for organizing my smartphone, sunglasses, snapshot camera, and other small items.

G-manWe like to travel, so we consider details that are easy to use in such situations. In addition to the multifunctional pockets that Paul mentioned, a simple design can be useful when traveling, since your wardrobe is limited.

pole: Then there are the materials. The main fabric is mainly nylon, but we use good quality fabrics. The proof of this is the use of genuine leather for the parts. Nowadays, there are fake leathers that look like real leather, but even if the quality is good, I don't want to use fake leather. I don't want to cut corners just because it is a small part.

That's what we try to express in our catalogs. Many people tend to focus on fashion and flashy things, but we always want to focus on small, simple things. We have to focus on that as well in order to make something as clean and cool as the bags from TEIKEN EVERYTHING.

G-manWe've used a lot of bags. We have probably used close to 200 bags. We know what is truly "good" because we've compared prices, design, functionality, and many other factors.

G-Man and Paul are experts in music, fashion and art.

When was the brand established?

G-manThe brand itself was just launched in the fall/winter of 2016. But actually, we had been preparing for about two and a half years before that. We searched for fabrics, visited production factories, and did the legwork so that we could create items with a quality that we were satisfied with.

poleHe was the one who brought street brands such as "Stussy" and "Extra Large" to Canada in the 90's. So he didn't have zero knowledge of the fashion business. So it's not like I had zero knowledge of the fashion business, and that experience has been put to good use at TEIKEN EVERYTHING.

What is the meaning behind the name "TAIKAN EVERYTHING"?

poleThe word "TAIKAN" means "TAKE" (=to take in). I chose this name with the hope that we will take what we have experienced and what is good in the world.

Paul and G-Man, what are your respective roles in running the brand?

G-manWe have other members besides Paul and myself, each with their own specialties. For example, we have a staff member who specializes in artwork, and a technician who builds the brand's website. Paul and I are the creative directors of the brand. But we all come up with ideas together, and we try to respect each other's opinions.

What kind of culture have the two of you been through?

G-manI have been involved in music for about 15 years as a DJ, but I was involved in music before that, so I have been in the industry for about 20 years. The things I encountered through these activities are my roots and the basis of my brand creation.

As you know, music has a close relationship with fashion and art, and I have been inspired by many people, things, and events during my activities as a DJ.

poleI have been working as a photographer. Photography, like music, is inseparable from fashion and art.

What are some of your specific influences?

G-manI like street graffiti.neckfaceDo you know an artist called He paints graphics on buildings and ordinary roadsides to change their value. I found his work today while walking the streets of Tokyo. I am always looking for art and design as I walk around the city. Art often has a story hidden in it that is not obvious at first glance. I hope to express that kind of thing at TEIKEN EVERYTHING.

poleFor us, art is not something you find on your own, but something that comes to you at the right time. When we first saw it, we didn't understand it, but then one day we suddenly understand it. Therefore, it is not good to pursue something too much just because you don't understand it. We should enjoy what comes naturally to us, as if it had just appeared.

We do the same thing when we design, creating items while trusting our intuition and not thinking too much. If we are too greedy, we will not be able to create a good product.

What the climate of Vancouver gives to creation.

How does the city of Vancouver influence your creations?

poleVancouver is a very nice city and cool at the same time.

G-manVancouver is a city of many cultures, not only North American, but also Asian, European, and many other countries. The city's urban landscape and abundance of natural beauty allows me to consider many different scenarios and to think about the faces of many different people as I create.

In other words, it is a perfect place for creative activities.

Paul, G-ManYou're right.

G-manIn the past few years, there has been an increase in the number of quality brands originating from Canada, and a creative culture is developing.

poleVancouver in particular, as G-Man mentioned earlier, has a variety of cultures and landscapes scattered throughout the city to support the creation process. What if this were Los Angeles, for example? It's hot every day, and all you need is a pair of sunglasses, a T-shirt, shorts, and sandals. No need for a bag, right?

But in Vancouver, it rains a lot, and just a short distance away from the city, there is a wide range of fields where people can enjoy outdoor activities. The diversity of the city allows us to create a wide variety of bags.

TEIKEN EVERYTHING" is now fully launched in Japan.

What do you feel now that you are here in Tokyo?

poleThis is actually my first time in Tokyo. I have traveled to New York, Los Angeles, Europe, and many other places, but Tokyo strikes me as a very cool city. I think there are endless ideas here. The colors of the city, the architecture, everything is exciting and cool. I was especially impressed with the people of Tokyo. Everyone is so fashionable.

G-manThis will be my third visit to Japan, and each time I come I have a new and exciting experience. Tokyo is truly a fascinating place.

In its debut season, the brand was distributed only in a limited number of stores, but from this season, you can pick up "TEIKEN EVERYTHING" items at many stores in Japan, can't you?

G-manI think you're right. First of all, we want people to actually see our bags and experience their charm. And if you actually use them, nothing would make us happier. If you have any opinions on how you would like us to improve them, please let us know. I'd like to incorporate them as Japanese opinions and keep updating them.

poleI am very confident in the fact that almost everyone in Japan has a bag. I am sure that items from TEIKEN EVERYTHING will match the Japanese lifestyle.