03 : Keisei Kawahara Artificial legs are not a tool used by the handicapped, but a part of fashion.

PROFILE
Para-athlete. in January 2019, due to an accidental injury, her right knee was amputated below the knee. In 2009, as a para-athlete, she set new Japanese records in the 400-meter freestyle and 100-meter breaststroke.
Instagram : @iamkawak
Kawahara-san, you have been active as a para-athlete since your injury, and you must have tremendous mental strength considering your journey.
Riverbanks:I was at rock bottom for a month or two after my injury. But just crying won't change anything. I realized that I had to do something by myself, so I looked for something I could do. However, there was not much information about how people overcame their injuries, so I thought I had no choice but to tell people how I overcame my injury myself. I wanted to tell people that they could have more fun, be more stylish, and give hope to others in the same situation.
Do you consider your prosthetic legs to be an essential part of the way you express yourself in some way?
Riverbanks:Yes, I do. I love fashion, and I think it is a positive element. Rather than prosthetic legs being a tool used by the handicapped, we wear them as a part of fashion, which is something only we can do. I see prosthetic legs as something that everyone wears as an accessory or something like that.


Diesel Library] Denim jacket ¥85,800, denim pants ¥27,500, Diesel shirt ¥27,500, tank top ¥15,400, shoes ¥48,400 ($15,400)Click here for details of items worn)
How did you feel when you tried on the Diesel Library?
Riverbanks:Actually, my father used to wear Diesel denim pants. He used to give them to me, so I have the impression that Diesel is a cool adult brand. I haven't worn them in a long time, and I really like them. The length is long, and I like the way it hangs around my legs. I like that the crotch is deep and the length is not short even when worn high-waisted.
We are also looking at the background of production to create sustainable products.
Riverbanks:I also want to wear the same clothes for as long as possible, and I try to live my life while taking good care of things. I think it is important for a big brand like Diesel to make such efforts, because environmental issues are something we need to pay attention to in the future.