Where shall we go with Karhu and you?

KARHU is a long-established sneaker brand from Finland. One hundred years after its birth, the brand is loved around the world for everything from competitions to town use, and its Scandinavian-inspired design and vivid coloring are also attracting attention as a fashion piece. So, for this issue, we have two good friends, stylists Takeshi Toyoshima and Masashi Sho, who have both gone independent from the same master. We went out on the town with model Mineyu Kotani and hair/makeup artist kika, who are also work colleagues and close friends in their private lives. Wearing these shoes, walking around, laughing with each other, and talking about them with others will surely help you discover new charms of "KARHU".

Photo_ Yuki Sakai
Hair&Make_kika（Miyu Otani)
Text_Takako Nagai (Takeshi Toyoshima × Sho Masashi)
Edit_Shun Koda
Special Thanks_Artek Tokyo Store, LOU

The gentle pale tones are uniquely Finnish.

KARHU is a brand with a history of more than 100 years, originating from Finland. What kind of image do you two have of Scandinavia?

Kotani:I liked the movie "Kamome Shokudo" , and it was set in Finland. Until recently, I was reading an essay titled "My Matka" by Hairi Katagiri, who appeared in the movie. In it, she wrote about filming in Finland, and I wondered what kind of country it was.

KIKA:I'd love to go to Finland, wouldn't you?

Kotani:I'd like to go there . It looks like a great place to live.

. It is said that Scandinavian furniture and goods became colorful because of the cold climate in Scandinavia, where people spend most of their time at home.

Kotani:The book also said that "Finnish people are enriching their homes".

KIKA:Indeed . Scandinavia has an image of pale tones. That's why KARHU's sneakers have such beautiful colors.

Where would you go if you and I were going out together wearing these?

Kotani:I want to go thrift store shopping . I can walk a lot.

KIKA:Looks like fun! . it's lightweight and cushioned, so it doesn't seem to tire you out.

Kotani:I can totally go for 3 stations.

KIKA:Ah, you plan to walk quite a bit (laughs). We tend to walk quite a bit when we are shooting together , so I want to wear them on those location days as well.

Kotani:Yes, that's right . We often get together on some kind of grueling shoots (laughs). If we wear them together, we'll get through it.

KIKA:Yes, it is. . it's colorful, and I'm sure it's going to be exciting.