Style 02_Youichi Ohwashi
PROFILE
He has a handsome face with a strong beard, a slender height of 187cm, and healthy skin that is tanned to a wheat-colored. Despite his appearance that could easily pass for a model, he is in fact the heir to a family of farmers who specialize in Fukaya negi, a traditional Japanese green onion. Her Instagram account, which shows off her own coordinated outfits, has become the center of attention among clothing enthusiasts.
Instagram: @youichi.ohwashi
Our job is to create a stress-free environment for leeks.
How did you become a farmer?
After graduating from high school, I worked in an apparel store and as a temporary worker at a factory until I turned 20, but I gradually grew tired of my dizzying existence. I asked my parents to let me take over the family business and became a green onion farmer 17 years ago.
What is important to you when growing leeks?
I believe that careful work leads to a stress-free environment for leeks and vegetables. Now is a difficult time for vegetables due to heavy rains and heat wave, but we cannot go against nature, so we should do what we can carefully, such as drainage, weed control, and control of insects and fungi.
I heard that the "Fukaya negi" that Mr. Owashi grows is grown and harvested throughout the year.
That's right. In my family, shipping begins gradually every year around September, and goes into full swing around October. Seeds are sown from the end of December to the beginning of the new year, and then we start the growing period. However, we are not busy all year round, so there are years when we grow carrots and burdocks in other fields while watching how the green onion shipments are going.
What do you enjoy most about being a farmer?
It is when I feel a connection with the people who eat my vegetables through them. One of the vegetables that I personally grow is corn, which I send as a mid-year gift to those who have taken care of me every year. It makes me happy when I receive photos of the recipients with their children and messages from them saying, "I always look forward to receiving your corn.
The key to choosing clothes is whether or not you share the designer's ideas.
You have been posting coordinated outfits on Instagram every day. Have you always loved fashion?
I liked it, but I was into fishing just when it was in its heyday in the backcountry. In high school, I was also into skateboarding and went to a skate store in my neighborhood.
What criteria do you use to select your clothes?
Actually, it's mostly a feeling. In the end, I want it to be cool, or comfortable, or I want it! I want to wear it! I have come to let my feelings of "I want to wear it! I also think that the personalities of the designers and staff are important, in addition to the production background and materials. I want to make purchases that will make me fall in love with the clothes, including their personalities, through conversations with these people.
You have over 30,000 followers on Instagram. Why do you post so energetically?
I am very grateful to my followers for their attention to me. I would be happy if my posts lead to some kind of trigger or awareness. I hope I can continue to upload at my own pace without worrying about the increase or decrease in the number of followers.
Here is the essence of a watch that you can continue to use with love.
What was your impression of the Tissot PRX Automatic?
Since I consider a watch to be a part of a coordinated outfit, it is absolutely essential that it does not get in the way of the outfit. In that sense, this watch is easy to wear with its smooth bracelet integrated with the case, and it can be used like an accessory that adds color to your styling and fits any style.
How about the design aspect?
It has a calm look, but also incorporates the glittering elements of the 1970s, doesn't it? In the playful design, I felt the depth of a long-established brand.
What kind of image did you have of Tissot?
I knew about it, but I had never picked one up before. When I actually tried it on, I felt as if I was able to touch the essence of a watch that I would become attached to by holding on to it.
I asked you to style the watch to match this watch. What are the key points of coordination?
I like peculiar clothes, so I put on flared denim and, although you can't see it, I dared to wear colorful socks with it. In this context, I feel that bringing this watch to my wrist brings the whole coordination together.
