PROFILE
. Born in 1973. After working as a buyer for the select store Edifice, he became independent and launched the select store "Reshop" in Aoyama in 2015, and opened the "Reshop Shibuya Store" in July 2008. He is also in charge of directing "The Recreation Store," a one-of-a-kind store for "Outdoor Products," which will open on July 31 (Sat.), 2008.
Instagram:@keiji_kaneko
A flagship store that consolidates the public image.
About 2 years ago, Mr. Kaneko told meArticle by [Outdoor Products. We are pleased to have you on board. Last time we talked to you, you focused on the "reshop" special-order big-size daypack, but over the past two years, there has been quite an increase in collaborative products and initiatives, hasn't there? Could you give us a brief review of how you have evolved over the years?
Kaneko: . it's already been two years. But there has been no particular evolution. In terms of our activities, we have not changed the design of our special-order models, but have changed from Japanese to American-made, and have reviewed and re-released previous special-order models to coincide with the opening of the Miyashita Park store. . Rather than making major changes, we have improved the details.
At the same time, there was a collaboration project between "TOKiON," for which Jun Serizawa serves as editorial director, and "Reshop," where the theme was "Shibuya in the 90s," and stores in Shibuya looked back on the city and tried to create new products. We also worked together to create an "Outdoor Products" backpack under the theme of "Shibuya in the 90's." (To be released at the beginning of August) (Scheduled to go on sale at the beginning of August.)
Then, Outdoor Products asked me to help them establish a flagship store, and I was offered the opportunity to set up a store at BAYCREW'S with myself as the main person. I am now participating in the opening of the "Recreation Store" as a director.
When did you receive the offer?
Kaneko: It was around the summer of 2020, so just about a year ago . Looking back, a lot has happened since two years ago when you were interviewed for HOUYHNHNM's (laughs).
Q: Which of you made the offer to collaborate with Outdoor Products, which you had been developing at "Reshop" in the first place?
Kaneko: . it was from here that we asked, "Would you like to do it? "Would you like to work with us to make a large size bag to fit a person of 190cm height?" .
I think it was a pretty outlandish idea, but what was their reaction? I'm used to seeing that size now, but it was quite a shock at the time.
Kaneko: Yes, it is. The other party asked, "It's pretty big, are you sure you can handle it?" . The response was something like. I replied, "Maybe not, but I don't think it will be a problem! I replied, "Maybe not, but I don't think it will be a problem!
I guess there was a lot of back-and-forth going on behind the scenes (laughs). . However, the special-order model was a hit, dispelling our initial misgivings. It is precisely because of Mr. Kaneko's proven track record in collaboration with "Outdoor Products" that "The Recreation Store" was asked to do this time around. What did Mr. Kaneko himself think when he was told about the launch?
Kaneko: Outdoor Products" is carried by mass merchandisers of jeans, major select stores, and even stores that offer high fashion. Not only that, but they also collaborate with designer brands. In short, we are a brand that is deployed in a wide range of markets, from one end of the market to the other. This is part of its appeal, but I was told that this broad range of products is a problem for the other side. If a mass retailer of jeans were to see an Outdoor Products product, they might think it was a bag for families. Conversely, since they are also carried in select stores that offer high fashion, it is hard to tell what kind of brand they are. That is why we needed a flagship store that would serve as a foundation to show what kind of brand "Outdoor Products" is. When I heard about this idea, I thought it was true, but to be honest, I was worried that I might not be able to take on such a large role.
Q. Why did you still decide to accept the request?
Kaneko: . I don't know why. (Laughs.) I knew it was not going to be an easy road, but I took it lightly. I think it was because I had been given the opportunity to make a big bag, and I had high expectations that I could do something interesting with "Outdoor Products. Once we started this project, it went smoothly, and I was grateful for that.
