Kakimoto-san, what do you think is good? What do you think is good?
Kakimoto:In a good sense, I don't feel like I'm selling anything. Rather than purchasing clothes from a brand, I feel that I am introducing the designer's work here. I respect the designer and am in love with his/her sensibility, which makes the clothes attractive to me. Because I want to serve customers while conveying these feelings to them, I have decided not to hire staff to run the store, and I have reduced the number of products as much as possible. I have been thinking deeply about what I want from a physical store now that it has become commonplace to buy on the Web. When I buy clothes, I want to be served in such a way, and this store embodies what makes me happy when I go to a clothing store.
I think you only wear uplifting clothes every day, but I understand that you usually wear footwear by "Birkenstock" on a regular basis, Mr. Kakimoto.
Kakimoto:I have been wearing about 10 pairs. Bloom & Branch, of which I am the director, has been carrying them for a long time. I like the fact that Birkenstock's products are born from function, not from design. I think that Birkenstock is a brand that values functional beauty born from the fundamental idea of supporting the feet.
. I have flat feet. . That's one of the reasons why, when I learned that they are functional, I became more and more interested in wearing them. When I have flat feet, they hurt a little when I first put them on, but once the insoles get used to them, they become very comfortable.
I wear them around the house and when I come to this area, and they feel like relaxing shoes. They are footwear that is good for the body, easy to put on and take off, and have a quality that allows me to walk straight into a restaurant even if I am wearing sandals.
Kakimoto-san's life fits in well with his desire not to feel stress.
Kakimoto:Yes, I wear them really well.
What models do you wear most often?
Kakimoto:I started wearing "Pasadena" in high school, and I like "Boston", which I am wearing today, as well as "Zurich", "Madrid", and "London". While the insole is the star of the show, it's nice to see a wide variety of upper designs. They are not stylish footwear in the good sense of the word, but have a somewhat rustic atmosphere. I often wear them with set-ups or tailor-made slacks and pants, like today.
The combination of the two complements both the clean styling and the "Birkenstock.
Kakimoto:Yes, it is. The design is simple, but elegant. I have a sense that they are a bit like old military wear or workwear. I often wear them to add a touch of sophistication to my styling.
What do you think is the appeal of the "Boston" shoes you wore today?
Kakimoto:. these have a nice coloring, like a French maison. I like that you can wear "Boston" all year round, summer or winter. . If you wear mohair, wool, alpaca, or other warm socks, you will be comfortable even in the winter.
Birkenstock footbeds are designed based on foot medicine.
Kakimoto:They are made with many things in mind. The toe bar at the base of the toes promotes walking with the toes in proper position. . The shoes are comfortable, and at the same time, they support the proper walking posture. . It makes my posture more upright or crisp. I feel that wearing flip-flops makes me walk in a sloppy manner, but wearing "Birkenstock" makes me stand taller and walk in a more beautiful manner.
Also, it is nice that there are two widths, narrow and regular. I have wide feet, so the regular width is just right for me.
Kakinoha" has changed over the past year since its opening last year.
Kakimoto:The opening days were irregular, mainly on weekends and holidays, but we are now open on Fridays as well, and we have been able to see customers who only come on weekdays, and the number of locals has been gradually increasing. I am also planning to create original items. I have several items that I would like to have made, and I plan to have them made by designers who can realize them in their ideal forms.
Kakinoha" is evolving rapidly, isn't it? Looking at you, Mr. Kakimoto, I get the impression that you are fulfilled in both your work and your life.
Kakimoto:. I am fulfilled. I still want to be free like a fish swimming in the sea, not in an aquarium, and I want to pursue what I love more without being tied down by anything.
Kakimoto-san's health is a result of this.
Kakimoto:I think that prioritizing what you are passionate about over what you are trying to do will be less stressful and will yield better results.
Do Birkenstocks play a role in your lifestyle?
Kakimoto:Of course . . because it really is stress-free footwear.
Launched in 1978, this long-selling item has been attracting many people for more than 40 years. Since natural leather is used, you can enjoy the change in texture as you continue to wear them. They are also attractive because they can be worn throughout the year regardless of the season. While the silhouette is rounded and casual, the ginger brown coloring is both elegant and luxurious, and adds a smart touch to your coordination.
