For me, the era of intense heat has arrived.
Do you see more band members and people around you wearing sweatshirts?
JQ:I am the only member of the band who wears sweatshirts, but other fashion-conscious people around me wear them. Managers, for example, usually wear sweatshirts to work (laughs). (Laughs.) They think it's fine if it's fashionable.
Do you think Corona had a big influence on the recognition of the sweatshirt set-up as a fashion item nowadays?
JQ:That's part of it, and I also feel that there is an upsurge in terms of culture. Hip-hop and 90s culture come up as keywords. At that time, wearing a sweatshirt setup with beautiful shoes was a firmly rooted part of the American street scene. I think young people today see this as something fresh and embody it in their fashion.
I also mentioned earlier that I wear it as a stage costume, but that is because I enjoy it completely as a fashion item. It makes me feel good, and it is also easy to move around in. Both of these factors result in a good performance.
JQ:Basically, I am someone who can sleep in jeans, so I don't often go home and change into pajamas. I like to spend as much time as possible in my house dressed for going out, so I think the time has come for me to be very hot (laughs).
I hear that you will be seen wearing the sweatshirt in the live video that will be released on March 23.
JQ:Yes, I can go sweatshirt on stage! I can wear sweatshirts on stage! If you can see that (laughs).
You released a single at the end of last year, and your band's activities are gaining momentum. You are also releasing an EP at the same time as the live video, right?
JQ:Yes, we did. There was a period of time when the pandemic hit and I was not as active as I would have liked, and it was a sobering time for me. I felt faint at the thought that this would continue for a long time. However, when the situation gradually improved and we were able to tour, I realized that I wanted to do music because I wanted to play live. I put those feelings into the song. So, the song was completely influenced by Corona. I hope you will look forward to it.
Lastly, what are your expectations for "New Balance" in the future?
JQ:I think "New Balance" is taking on various challenges, such as strengthening its apparel lineup and aggressively introducing new models. But on the other hand, there are many standard models that are still loved by people. In this context, a new model or a hidden item number may become a future standard. I am looking forward to seeing such items. I hope that new standards will be born, so that even those who do not have a keen sense of style will say, "You can't go wrong if you wear these.
