STYLE IMAGE 3. traditional
PROFILE
Osaka Norin Kaikan, a famous historical building completed in 1930 . He is the owner of the Yamaguchi Store, which opened there in 2005. With 32 years of experience in this field, Mr. Yamaguchi's knowledge of clothing is considerable. From long-established imports to artisanal domestic brands, he offers clothes that are worthy of the name "daily wear for adults," and that meet his reliable aesthetic sense.
Instagram:@yamaguchistore_osaka
Your own closet is directly in the lineup.
. Could you tell us about your background before you set up your own store?
Yamaguchi: I am from a place called Omuta, Fukuoka, and there were many fashion lovers around me. Because of their influence, I was buying clothes not only in Fukuoka but also in Kumamoto. Later, when I entered university, I moved to the Kansai region and began working part-time at BEAMS, which was the start of my career. Next, I joined "UNITED ARROWS" and left in 2004, and the following year I launched "Yamaguchi Store".
What made you decide to launch "Yamaguchi Store"?
Yamaguchi: I had a fulfilling time at "UNITED ARROWS," but I left the company half-way through with no plan, thinking I'd like to get away from the world for a while. . Soon after I resigned, I received information that the tenant of "Osaka Norin Kaikan" was going to be vacated. I had always wanted to own my own store someday, so I went to see the vacant tenant and found that it was exactly the space I had envisioned. Inspiration came to me, and I decided to start my own store here.
What criteria do you use to select your brands?
Yamaguchi: . We select basic items that incorporate the historical background of the time, and we are attracted to them. Generally, we have the image of being traditional, but this is not the case. Of course, we carry universal brands such as Alden and JOHN SMEDLEY, but we also carry many domestic brands such as COMOLI and CIOTA.
. I am not particular about genres, nationalities, or even brand names. . I propose clothes that will always make those who put on my sleeves, including myself, feel positive.
The strength of an individual store is that it reflects the owner's tastes and interests.
Yamaguchi: I think you are exactly right. My style is directly reflected in my lineup. . I like American clothes, and I also wear European clothes. Although basic, I think that it is the styling that gives a sense of the times that makes "Yamaguchi Store" what it is.
A wristwatch plays a supporting role in enhancing a coordinated look.
What kind of watches do you usually wear?
Yamaguchi: I usually wear a simple diver's watch. Famous brand watches are certainly nice, but I really don't like the fact that other people's eyes are directed only to my hand. . Because of this reason, the size of the watch is basically not that large.
What do wristwatches mean to you, Mr. Yamaguchi?
Yamaguchi: . I think it has various meanings depending on the person. Some people wear expensive watches only as a single item of luxury, while others use various models depending on their purposes. In my case, it is a part of my coordination. I don't want it to stand out too much, and conversely, I don't feel comfortable wearing something too understated.
. You like a watch with a delicate position, don't you?
Yamaguchi: I always have a hard time finding that exquisite design, but when I saw the Seastar 1000, I honestly felt that it was a watch with a high degree of perfection.
A coordinating dress that subtly asserts your individuality with your hands.
What was your impression of the "Sea Star 1000" when you actually wore it?
Yamaguchi: I think it's the kind of "not too forward" design that I like. . And yet, when it peeks out from the hem of a jacket or shirt, it has a sense of presence. It is a vague expression of "healthy," but just like the clothes on display at the Yamaguchi Store, I think it subtly asserts a sense of the current era.
Do you feel that way about all aspects of the design?
Yamaguchi: Yes, I agree. Not only the volume of the case, which I consider ideal, but also the bezel, which is partly colored red, and the dial, which is balanced with a date display, are stylish. Modern elements can be felt from all aspects.
I asked you to style the watch to match this watch.
Yamaguchi: I wore a chambray shirt and denim pants, which is a good old-fashioned style, but I like jackets, so I added a jacket from "mando" to give it a more mature appeal.
What other clothes do you think "Sea Star 1000" would look good in?
Yamaguchi: If you want to take advantage of the watch's fresh atmosphere, I think it is best to dress it in an American style. In addition, I think it would be interesting to use the watch in a thoroughly earthy outfit, for example, with a military shirt. . The style is casual, but the watch worn on the wrist is moderately elegant. By blending the watch with your clothes, I think you can enjoy your own unique styling.
